Drug Uses

Butalbital is a non narcotic pain medication which contains mixture of barbiturate sedative, acetaminophen and caffeine. This medication is used for pain relief and relaxation with headaches caused by contraction of the neck and shoulder area muscles, and migraine.

How Taken

Usual dosage of Butalbital APAP is one or two tablets every four to six hours, but exact dosage is to be specified by your doctor. Total dosage shouldn't exceed six tablets a day, because of potential physical dependence that may eventually occur.

Warnings/Precautions

This medication may cause drowsiness, dizziness or less alertness, therefore driving, operating heavy machinery or other hazardous activities need to be treated with caution or avoided. Doctor consultation is needed when you have history of severe depression or drug abuse. When experiencing liver or kidney troubles Butalbital APAP treatment should be proceeded with caution. This medication contains acetaminophen, which could be harmful to your liver if exceeding total daily dose of 4000 mg (4 g) or 2000 mg (2g) if you are elderly or you are chronic user of acetaminophen. You should keep in mind that other products on the market also contains acetaminophen. If you are pregnant you shouldn't use Butalbital APAP as it may cause harm to your unborn baby. This medication also appears in breast milk, so breastfeeding should be discontinued when using Butalbital APAP.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as remembered if it is within an hour or so. If you do not remember until later, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double-up dose to catch up.

Possible Side Effects

Only your doctor can determine if you should continue using Butalbital APAP when experiencing side effects such as abdominal pain, dizziness, drowsiness, feeling intoxicated, lightheadedness, nausea, sedation, shortness of breath or vomiting. Apart of those you may also experience some less serious side effects, which 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 or tingling.

Storage

Butalbital APAP should be stored out of the reach of children, in a tight container, below temperature of 30°C (86°F).

Overdose

Overdose of this medication or mixing it with alcohol or other depressant that influences central nervous system may cause unconsciousness or perhaps death. Overdose symptoms include severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme weakness, hallucination, shortness of breath, too slow or troubled breathing, slurred speech, lack of coordination, vomiting with blood or unusually slow heartbeat.

More Information

If you taken MAOI within the last 14 days you shouldn't take Butalbital APAP, because of the dangerous side effects that may occur. This medication can increase effects of other drugs, that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives, other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. If you take any of those you need to notify your doctor about it.

Disclaimer

Information presented on this page is for informational purposes only. This information doesn't cover all interactions, precautions or adverse effects of treatment with this medicament. We disclaim all responsibility for any consequences, which may arise while taking this drug without proper consultation with doctor or pharmacist. We give no warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.