WHAT IS BUTALBITAL
Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates
that slow down your central nervous system (brain
and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Acetaminophen
is a pain reliever and fever reducer. 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. Acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this med guide.
NORMAL DOSE
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. Store acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
MISSED DOSE
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Do
not take a double dose of this med. Wait the prescribed
amount of time before taking your next dose.
BUTALBITAL OVER DOSE
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an
acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine overdose
include insomnia, restlessness, tremor, nausea,
vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures,
drowsiness, decreased breathing, dizziness or fainting,
confusion, an irregular heartbeat, and coma.
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)
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
constipation
Butalbital may be habit forming. Side effects other
than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or
that is especially bothersome
.
BUTALBITAL PRECAUTIONS
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Butalbital
will cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives,
and tranquilizers except under the supervision
of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with
acetaminophen and butalbital can be very damaging
to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Check the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products while taking this med.
You should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen
per day. Avoid taking too much caffeine. Check
the caffeine content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products as well as beverages
(coffee, tea, and colas) while taking this med
BUTALBITAL DRUG INTERACTIONS
Do not take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last
14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Acetaminophen
and butalbital may increase the effects of other
drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants,
alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat
insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines,
and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all
medicines that you are taking, and do not take
any medicine unless your doctor approves. Many
other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially
over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy
meds. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact
with acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine. Talk
to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any
prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
BUTALBITAL NOTES
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or
performing other hazardous activities. Butalbital
will cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience
drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.
Avoid sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives,
and tranquilizers except under the supervision
of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.
Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with
acetaminophen and butalbital can be very damaging
to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.
Check the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products while taking this med.
You should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen
per day. Never take more acetaminophen / butalbital
/ caffeine than is prescribed for you. If your
pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your
doctor.
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