About Butalbital-APAP

Butalbital-APAP with caffeine belongs to a drug group known as barbiturates. It is a sedative or a relaxant which is mixed with an aspirin-free pain medicine (also known as acetaminophen) and caffeine.

Uses or Indications

Butalbital-APAP with caffeine is commonly used for the treatment of tension headaches, migraines, and pain associated with the contraction of muscles on the shoulder or neck area. Usually, it is prescribed in accordance with pain relievers, on other occasions, with caffeine.

How to Use Butalbital-APAP

Butalbital-APAP with caffeine is available in capsule form and is ingested orally. Users of the medication should observe carefully the intake directions of a physician, although the normal dose for it is one or two capsules for every four to six hours. Maximum daily dosage should not be more than a total of six tablets. Butalbital-APAP with caffeine is not recommended for extended or repeated intake, due to the possibility of drug dependence with its users.

Possible Side Effects

Since adverse effects from the drug cannot be expected, users who develop a side effect, or experience such with changing intensities, should consult with a doctor immediately. Usual adverse effects of the drug include vomiting, abdominal pain, a shortness of breath, dizziness, sedation, drowsiness, nausea, a feeling of intoxication, and light-headedness. Uncommon effects include stuffy nose, agitation, allergic reactions, ringing in the ears, constipation, and muscle fatigue, among others.

Drug Precautions

Potential users who are under treatment for severe depression, those who have a background of drug abuse, those who have liver, abdominal or kidney problems, and the elderly should consult with a physician before considering on taking on Butalbital-APAP with caffeine. The drug includes acetaminophen as a component, a substance that is toxic to the liver, and may prove to be fatal with intake above the dosage prescription. Daily total dose of the substance should not be higher than four grams, or two grams for the elderly and chronic acetaminophen user. Numerous over-the-counter medications contain the substance, and this particular drug contains 325mg of it. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consult with their doctor before intake of the medication, as it may have adverse effects on the unborn or nursing child.

Drug Interaction

Medications known to have interactions with Butalbital-APAP with caffeine include anti-anxiety drugs, antidepressants, cough or cold medications, alcohol, narcotic drugs for pain relief, sedatives, medications that have drowsiness as an aftereffect, and muscle relaxants. Patients who are taking MAO inhibitors for two weeks are prohibited from intake of the drug, due to life-threatening consequences.

Missed Dose

If a dose of the medication is missed, take it as soon as remembered. But if the next intake is nearly due, skip the missed dose and proceed with next one, according to the regular intake schedule. Avoid taking double doses in order to make up for a missed dose.

Overdose

Excessive intake of the drug, or intake of it in combination with depressants and alcohol may result in unconsciousness, and even death. Indications of an overdose include an unusually slow heart rate, drowsiness, blood vomiting, hallucination, and slurred speech, among others.

Storage

Store drug in a tightly-sealed container, below 30 °C.