Butalbital/Acetaminophen/Caffeine (By mouth)

bue-TAL-bi-tal, a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen, KAF-een

Treats headaches.

Drug classes

Analgesic, Butalbital/Acetaminophen Combination (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches.

Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage.

When butalbital is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. However, caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor’s prescription.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Capsule, Liquid, Tablet

Take your medicine as directed. Do not use more medicine or take it more often than your doctor tells you to.

Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.

This medicine is not for long-term use.

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Some medicines can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using an MAO inhibitor (MAOI).

Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to acetaminophen, butalbital, or caffeine, or if you have porphyria.

Warnings

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or stomach problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of alcohol or drug addiction.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Liver damage Serious skin reactions

This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible side effects

Summary More details

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

Extreme dizziness or weakness, trouble breathing, slow heartbeat, seizures, and cold, clammy skin

Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Mild nausea or vomiting

Sleepiness, tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

More side effects of this drug

Brand names include

Anolor 300, Capacet, Dolgic LQ, Esgic, Esgic-Plus, Ezol, Fioricet, Geone, Margesic, Medigesic, Nonbac, Pacaps, Repan, Zebutal

There may be other brand names for this medicine.