Acetaminophen
is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital
is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that
slow down your central nervous system (brain and
nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine is
believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that
may contribute to tension headaches. Together,
acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine are used
to relieve complex tension (muscle contraction)
headaches although precisely how it works is unknown.
BUTALBITAL DRUG INFO:
IMPORTANT BUTALBITAL NOTE:
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed
to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective
for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this
drug. Click here to go directly to Butalbital
prices.
Butalbital is a pain reliever and sedative. It is used to relieve
mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
HOW TO USE BUTALBITAL:
Take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine exactly as directed
by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask
your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take
each dose with a full glass of water. Take acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never
take more acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine than is prescribed
for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk
to your doctor.
BUTALBITAL SIDE EFFECTS:
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine and seek emergency
medical attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face;
or hives); slow, weak breathing; liver damage (yellowing of
the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual
bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); blood problems (easy
or unusual bleeding or bruising); or low blood sugar (fatigue,
increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting). These side
effects are very rare and are not likely to occur during proper
treatment with acetaminophen and caffeine. If you experience
any unusual reactions, stop taking this medicine and seek the
advice of your doctor. Other, less serious side effects may
be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine and talk to your doctor if you experience drowsiness;
dizziness,, confusion or lightheadedness; shortness of breath;
dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite;
tiredness, leg pain, or muscle weakness; agitation, irritability,
nervousness, anxiety or excitability; rash or itching; feeling
of intoxication; headache; or constipation.
BUTALBITAL PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: serious
liver disease, alcohol or narcotic dependence, emotional/mental
conditions, heart disease (arrhythmias, recent MI), stomach/intestinal
ulcers, any allergies. Acetaminophen may cause liver damage.
Daily use of alcohol, especially when combined with acetaminophen,
may increase your risk for liver damage. Check with your doctor
or pharmacist for more information. To prevent oversedation,
avoid using alcohol and other sedative type medications while
taking this. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution
engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or
using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Butalbital contains
caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages
while taking Butalbital as excessive nervousness and irritability
can occur. Butalbital should be used during pregnancy only if
clearly needed. Small amounts of Butalbital appear in breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
BUTALBITAL DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs
you may use, especially of: "blood thinners" Tell
your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription
drugs you may use that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for
sleep (e.g., sedatives), tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g.,
diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric
medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, or tricyclics
such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine),
muscle relaxants, antihistamines that cause drowsiness (e.g.,
diphenhydramine). Because Butalbital contains acetaminophen,
check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking other medications
containing acetaminophen which is commonly found in nonprescription
pain relievers and cough-and-cold products. Read labels carefully
to check ingredients. This drug may interfere with the effectiveness
of birth control pills. Discuss using other methods of birth
control with your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
BUTALBITAL OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control
center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include vomiting, unusual drowsiness, lack of feeling alert,
slow or shallow breathing, cold or clammy skin, loss of consciousness,
dark urine, stomach pain, and extreme fatigue.
BUTALBITAL
NOTES:
Do not share Butalbital with others.
BUTALBITAL MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose of Butalbital, take it as soon as remembered;
do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead,
skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
BUTALBITAL
STORAGE:
Store Butalbital at room temperature away from moisture and
sunlight. Do not store in the bathroom.
