What is Butalbital?

Butalbital is a drug classified under Barbiturates. It relaxes muscles involved in a tension headache.

Uses

Butalbital is used along with Acetaminophen to treat headaches or tension headaches.
You might be prescribed Butalbital and APAP for uses other than those listed above. It may also be given along with other medicines for some other disease too. Contact your doctor or pharmacist about the uses of Butalbital.

Warnings

Tell your doctor about your alcoholic intake per day. If you use more than three beverages per day then you might not be able to take Butalbital. Inform your doctor if you face any liver disease or have a history of it.
Butalbital may cause addiction. It should be only used by the person who has been prescribed. Butalbital should never be shared with any person even if he or she shares the same disease.
Inform your doctor if you feel that the medicine does not affect you any more.
This drug may impair your thinking skills and also may affect your reaction time. Do not involve in any activity in which you need to stay alert or awake. Acetaminophen or abbreviated APAP is contained in other medicines too. Using them together with this might increase the amount of APAP used. This may cause side effects. Read your prescription label carefully and consult with your doctor to find out if your dose of APAP is correct.

How should I take Butalbital?

An overdose of Butalbital can be harmful. Per dose do not exceed 1 gram of this drug. Using more of this medicine may damage your liver. If you are a chain drinker of alcohol and take more than 3 beverages in one day inform your doctor about this. DO not use more than 2 grams of Butalbital per day if you drink more than 3 beverages a day.
This is to be taken with a glass full of water. You might face unpleasant side effects if you stop the usage of this drug suddenly. DO not stop the intake of Butalbital without informing your doctor.
This may alter any urine test results and may lead to an inaccurate report. Inform your doctor if you are using Butalbital. If you have to undergo a surgery inform your doctor about Butalbital before hand.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Butalbital is taken only when needed by the patient so a regular dose is not required. If you are taking it on regular basis then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of acetaminophen and Butalbital can be fatal.
Overdose symptoms may include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, sweating, extreme drowsiness, confusion, fainting, shallow breathing, or no breathing.

Butalbital side effects

If you face any of the serious side effects of Butalbital then contact your doctor immediately:

• Uneven heartbeat;
• Shortness of breath;
• Depression;
• Feeling agitated;
• Seizures;
• Nausea;
• Loss of appetite; and
• Jaundice.

You might face the following less serious side effects commonly:

• Headache;
• Tremors;
• Vomiting;
• Heartburn;
• Numbness;
• Dry mouth;
• Sweating more than usual;
• Tired muscles;
• Stuffy nose or
• Mild itching.

The patient might face side effects other than those listed here. If any unusual symptom is caused by the use of Butalbital then contact your doctor immediately.

Proper storage of Butalbital

Butalbital is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Butalbital away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Butalbital out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

For more information about Butalbital consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Butalbital is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.