Drug Uses

If you suffer from tension headaches that are derived from muscle contractions in the neck and should area and migraine, Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine is a relaxant and non-narcotic pain medication that is prescribed to relieve it. This drug is effective as it components consist of a combination of caffeine, non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and barbiturate sedative.

How Taken

Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine comes in the form of an oral tablet or capsule with the recommended dosage being one to two tablets every four to six hours. The daily dosage should not exceed six tablets but note that it must be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. There is a potential possibility that you may be physically dependant, therefore extended and frequent use is not suggested.

Warnings/Precautions

This drug may increase drowsiness therefore caution must be exercised when performing any activity that requires you to be alert such as driving or operating dangerous machinery. Consult with your doctor before taking Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine if you are elderly, suffer kidney or liver or abdominal problems, being treated for depression, have a history of depression or drug abuse. Inform your doctor if you pregnant, intend to be pregnant or are breast feeding as Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine can affect a developing baby. Be aware that this drug contains acetaminophen (Tylenol) where the daily dose should exceed no more than 4g or 2g if you are elderly. If taken in excess, it is toxic to your liver and can have fatal consequences.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can recall. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed one completely. Do not double dose.

Possible Side Effects

If side effects occur, contact your doctor so he or she can establish appropriate measures for you. Common side effects include intoxicated feeling, light-headedness, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, sedation, shortness of breath, abdominal pain and vomiting. Rare but severe side effects may include exaggerated feeling of well-being, excessive sweating, excessive urination, excitement, fainting, fatigue, fever, flatulence, headache, heartburn, heavy eyelids, high energy, hot spells, skin redness and/or peeling, sluggishness, stuffy nose, tingling, agitation, allergic reactions, constipation, itching, leg pain, mental confusion, muscle fatigue, numbness, rapid heartbeat, ringing in the ears, seizure, shaky feeling, depression, difficulty swallowing, dry mouth, earache.

Storage

Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine is to be stored less than 30 degrees Celsius in an air tight container away from children.

Overdose

Symptoms of an overdose include confusion, extreme weakness, severe drowsiness, vomiting with blood, unusually slow heartbeat, lack of coordination, slurred speech, confusion, hallucination, trouble breathing and shortness of breath. Alone or combined with other CNS depressants or alcohol may have fatal consequences.

More Information

Tell your doctor about other medication you are taking as Butalbital/APAP/Caffeine may boost the effect of other drugs that cause drowsiness such as antidepressants, sedatives, alcohol, anxiety medicines, muscle relaxants, antihistamines and pain relievers. In the previous two weeks before treatment, if you have had a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), it may produce dangerous side effects.