Compare Propranolol vs. Fioricet

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Inderal (Propranolol) is good for treating many heart problems and other problems in the body, but it has more side effects than other beta blockers. You can't miss doses.

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3.9/ 5 average rating with 61 reviewsforPropranolol
Treats some serious headaches.

Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) works well for tension headaches, but isn’t typically recommeneded as a first-line treatment due to the ability to overuse it and have withdrawal symptoms.

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4.3/ 5 average rating with 17 reviewsforFioricet
Upsides
  • A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
  • A first-choice treatment for heart failure, heart attack, heart valve disorders, and abnormal heart rhythm.
  • Also treats and prevents many non-heart problems, such as tremors, anxiety, migraines, and liver disease symptoms.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) works better and faster in treating tension headaches than the combination of acetaminophen and codeine.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) has a cheaper, generic version.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) does not require dosage adjustments if you have kidney and liver problems.
Downsides
  • Taking a beta blocker might make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some might not go away.
  • Has more side effects than some beta blockers because it crosses into the brain and central nervous system.
  • Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure according to the latest guidelines, except if you have heart failure or heart disease. As a second choice, your doctor might add it to medicines you're already taking if your blood pressure is still too high.
  • Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Propranolol suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) isn't the first choice medication for treating tension headaches.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) is not a good medication for long-term use.
  • Overuse of Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can lead to chronic tension headaches.
  • Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can cause dangerous withdrawal symptoms, intoxication, and dependence.
  • Taking Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) can decrease your ability to drive a car, or operate machinery.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Liquid
  • Pill
  • Solution
Price
Lowest price
$13.45
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$11.25
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Reviews
61 reviews so far
66%
saidit'sworth it
62%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Inderal (Propranolol)?

Leave a review
17 reviews so far
88%
saidit'sworth it
76%
saiditworked well
12%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine)?

Leave a review
Side effects
3possible side effects
  • Dizziness
    7%
  • Fatigue
    5%
  • Constipation
    3%
See more detailed side effects
The Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
Risks and risk factors
  • Increased chest pain or risk of heart attack
    • Suddenly stopping Inderal (Propranolol)
  • Heart failure
  • Increased risks during surgery
    • Major surgery requiring anesthesia
  • Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Low blood pressure
    • Concurrent use of non-dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers, digoxin or clonidine
  • Serious skin reactions
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Liver toxicity
    • Drinking more than 2 alcoholic beverages a day
    • Taking Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine) with other acetaminophen-containing medicines
    • History of liver disease
  • Potential for habit-forming, abuse, and misuse
    • Personal or family history of substance abuse
    • History of mental illness
  • Hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions
    • Allergy to Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine)
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Inderal (Propranolol)
Learn more about Fioricet (butalbital / acetaminophen / caffeine)