Common Drug Uses
This medication is a pain reliever and sedative. Butalbital is used to relieve mild to moderate pain and tension headaches.
How to take Butalbital
Take butalbital exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand the directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you. Take each dose with at least 8 oz. of water. Take butalbital with food or milk if it upsets your stomach. Never take more butalbital than is prescribed for you. If your pain is not being adequately treated, talk to your doctor
Missed Butalbital Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
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. Butalbital may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Avoid alcoholic beverages. This medication contains caffeine. Avoid drinking large amounts of caffeinated beverages while taking this medication as excessive nervousness and irritability can occur. This medication should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Small amounts of this medication appear in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding
Possible Butalbital Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine. More common side effects may include: Abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath, vomiting. Less common or rare side effects may include: Agitation, allergic reactions, constipation, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache, exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating, excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue, numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky feeling, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose, tingling.
Butalbital Storage
Store below 86 F (30 C); dispense in a tight container and out of reach of children.
Butalbital Overdose
If overdose of Butalbital 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.
More Information
Do not take Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine 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.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.
