Drug Uses
Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine is a barbiturate sedative mixed with a
non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This
non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for
tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and
shoulder area, and migraine. How Taken
Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine comes as a capsule and tablet to take by
mouth. The usual dosage is one to two tablets every 4-6 hours, but
should be taken as directed by your physician. Total daily dosage
should not exceed 6 tablets. Extended and repeated use of this product
is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.
Warnings/Precautions Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine
may cause you to become drowsy or less alert; therefore, driving or
operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous
activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended until
you know your response to this drug. If you are being treated for
severe depression or have a history of severe depression or drug abuse,
consult with your doctor before taking Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine. Use
this drug with caution if you are elderly or in a weakened condition,
if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have severe abdominal
trouble. This medication contains acetaminophen (Tylenol), which is
toxic to your liver and can be fatal when take above the recommended
dosage. The total daily dose of acetaminophen should not exceed 4000mg
(4g), or 2000mg (2g) if you are elderly or a chronic user of
acetaminophen. Keep in mind that many over the counter products contain
acetaminophen, and each tablet of this product contains 325mg. If you
are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor
immediately. Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine can affect a developing baby. It
also appears in breast milk. If this medication is essential to your
health, your doctor may advise you to discontinue breastfeeding your
baby until your treatment is finished. Missed 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. Possible 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. Storage
Store below 86 F (30 C); dispense in a tight container and out of reach of children.
Overdose
An overdose of Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine, or combining this medication
with alcohol or other central nervous system depressant, may lead to
unconsciousness or perhaps death. Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine overdose is
indicated by severe drowsiness, confusion, extreme weakness,
hallucination, shortness of breath, too slow or troubled breathing,
slurred speech, lack of coordination, vomiting with blood, unusually
slow heartbeat. 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. |
