Common
uses
Butalbital is an analgesic,
barbiturate, and stimulant combination used to treat tension headaches.
Tablets
Chemical Name: BUTALBITAL (byoo-TAL-bi-tal),
ASPIRIN (AS-pir-in) and CAFFEINE (kaf-EEN)
Before
using
WARNING: Children and
teenagers should not use aspirin, aspirin- containing or aspirin-related
medicines for flu symptoms or chickenpox without first consulting a doctor. A
rare but serious illness known as Reye's syndrome may occur. Some medicines or
medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR
PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are
taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking anticoagulants,
heparins, probenecid, or sulfinpyrazone. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking birth control pills, corticosteroids,
doxycycline, metronidazole, valproic acid, quinidine, methotrexate,
theophylline, or medicine for high blood pressure or heart conditions (beta
blockers or ACE inhibitors), diabetes, or glaucoma (carbonic anhydrase
inhibitors). Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you
have chickenpox, flu, or a history of gastrointestinal bleeding, undiagnosed
bleeding, or clotting disorders. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have
any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE with food or
milk. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if it has a strong vinegar-like smell, or if
any vinegar smell remains after leaving the bottle open for ten minutes. STORE
THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat
and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you are using it regularly,
take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the
missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at
once.
Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if
you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to aspirin, ibuprofen,
naproxen, or any other medicine used to treat pain, fever, swelling, or
arthritis. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling
of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor
immediately. Do not take any more doses of this medicine unless your doctor
tells you to do so. DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take this medicine
for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor. Exceeding the
recommended dose or taking this medicine for longer than prescribed may be
habit-forming. AVOID ALCOHOL while you are using this medicine. This medicine
will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE
MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you
react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or
with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially
dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE stomach bleeding. If you drink alcohol
on a daily basis, do not take this medicine without first discussing it with
your doctor. Alcohol use combined with this medicine may increase your risk for
stomach bleeding. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription
or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN TAKING
BIRTH CONTROL PILLS, this medicine may decrease the effectiveness of your birth
control pills. To prevent pregnancy, use an additional form of birth control
while you are taking this medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING
PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this
medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, indigestion,
bloody or black stools, nausea, vomiting, or gas. If they continue or are
bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed
above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include unusual drowsiness or dizziness, nausea,
vomiting, stomach pain, ringing in the ears, weakness, slow or shallow
breathing, fast or irregular heartbeat, and loss of consciousness.
Additional
information
IF YOUR HEADACHE SYMPTOMS do
not improve or if they become worse, contact your doctor. DO NOT SHARE THIS
MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE
for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children.
IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before
your supply runs out.
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