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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