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Compare Fiorinal vs. Frova

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

Key takeaways

Butalbital/aspirin/caffeine (formerly Fiornal) and Frova (frovatriptan) are both used to treat headaches, but they work in different ways and are used for different types of headaches. Fiorinal is a combination medication that includes a barbiturate, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), and caffeine, and it is used to treat tension headaches. It is a Schedule III controlled substance due to the risk of misuse and dependence. On the other hand, Frova is a triptan used specifically for migraines. It works by tightening blood vessels in the brain and stopping the release of pain-causing chemicals. Unlike Fiorinal, Frova is not a controlled substance and is only available as a tablet. Fiorinal can cause sleepiness and dizziness, while Frova can cause dizziness and tiredness, among other side effects. Additionally, Frova is not recommended for people with certain heart conditions, whereas Fiorinal is not recommended for use in children or during pregnancy. Both medications are available in generic forms.

  • Fiorinal
    Frovatriptan (Frova)
  • Fiorinal
    Frovatriptan (Frova)

  • Summary of Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Summary for Barbiturate / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
    Prescription only

    Fiorinal is a combination medication that contains three active ingredients: butalbital (a barbiturate), aspirin (an NSAID), and caffeine (an adenosine antagonist). It's used to treat symptoms of tension headaches in adults. The brand name Fiorinal has been discontinued, but there are still lower-cost generic pills available. The medication is taken by mouth every 4 hours. The most common side effects are sleepiness and dizziness. This medication is a schedule III controlled substance because it has a risk of misuse and dependence.

    Summary for Triptan
    Prescription only

    Frovatriptan (Frova) is one of the many triptans available for treating migraine. It's approved for adults who have migraines with or without aura. The dosage is a tablet that's swallowed whole when you have a migraine. You can take another tablet 2 hours later if the medication doesn't completely relieve your migraine. Side effects include dizziness, tiredness, and sometimes chest tightness. Frovatriptan (Frova) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

  • Indications of Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Indications for
    •Tension headaches in adults
    Indications for
    •Treatment of migraine with or without aura in adults

  • Pros and Cons of Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Pros and Const for Barbiturate / NSAID / Adenosine antagonist
    Pros
    •Works well to treat tension headaches
    •Combines three medications into a single pill to relieve headache pain in different ways
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Not recommended as a first-choice option for headaches because of the risk of rebound headaches
    •A controlled medication that can be habit-forming
    •Can cause bothersome withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop the medication after taking it for a long time
    •Hasn't been studied in children
    Pros and Const for Triptan
    Pros
    •A first-choice option for short-term treatment of migraines
    •Effects might last longer than other triptans
    Cons
    •Might not be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills whole during a migraine
    •Might take about 2 hours or longer to feel complete pain relief
    •Not recommended for children under 18 years old

  • Common Side Effects of Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness
    •Dizziness
    Common Side Effects for
    •Dizziness (8%)
    •Tiredness (5%)
    •Headache (4%)
    •"Pins and needles" feeling in the hands or legs (4%)
    •Flushing (4%)
    •Dry mouth (3%)
    •Hot or cold sensation (3%)
    •Bone pain (3%)
    •Indigestion (2%)
    •Chest pain (2%)

  • Warnings of Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Common Side Effects for
    •Stomach bleeding and ulcers
    •Kidney problems
    •Reye's syndrome in children
    •Difficulty concentrating and extreme sleepiness
    •Potential for misuse, dependence, and withdrawal
    •Severe allergic reactions and skin reactions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart attack and chest pain (angina)
    •Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias)
    •Stroke or other brain injury
    •Extreme narrowing of blood vessels
    •Worse headaches if you take frovatriptan (Frova) too often
    •Serotonin syndrome
    •High blood pressure
    •Allergic reaction

  • Prices with our coupons for Fiorinal vs. Frova

    Learn more about Fiorinal
    Learn more about Frovatriptan

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