Patients Information:
Butalbital is an oral drug used for pain relive and sedative effect. The drug is known under the generic name of Fioricet and consists mainly of Caffeine (40 mg), Butalbital (50mg) and Acetaminophen (325 mg). Its action spectrum includes mild to moderate pain and tension-determined headaches.
Butalbital offers optimum pain relief before pain installs and immediately after installation. The more intense pain becomes the less effective Butalbital gets.
Directions of using Butalbital:
The medicine should be dosed by a doctor and patients are indicated to respect the prescription.
Butalbital's Side effects:
Butalbital may induce stomach ache when taken on an empty or
sensitive stomach. Also, it may derive into nausea and insomnia, drowsiness,
lightheadedness, disturbed stomach or dizziness. These reactions are
normal during first days of Butalbital intake. If the adverse
reaction persists, patients are recommended to stop the treatment and see a
doctor.
Abnormal reactions to the medicine include irregular and/or
rapid heart rhythm and allergic symptoms such as irritation, swelling,
and up to disturbed breathing. These adverse reactions have been rarely
reported, yet need medical attention as soon as possible.
Contraindications to Butalbital:
Contraindication to Butalbital are met by patients with chronic liver impairment, drug and/or alcohol addictions, psychological and psychiatric disorders, severe heart condition, ulcer and allergies to any of its ingredients. Acetaminophen in association with alcohol consumption may become significantly risky for the stomach.
Butalbital may decrease concentration and attention while driving or conducting other actions requiring focus. In combination with caffeine-rich products, Butalbital may cause increased irritability and agitation.
Butalbital passes into breast milk in small amounts, therefore breast feeding women should priory consult the doctor before taking it.
To make sure Butalbital does not have negative reactions on the body, patients are recommended to inform the doctor on all medication, recent and present taken. Special attention should be paid to drugs containing Acetaminophen, which are usually sedatives or drugs treating cough and cold. Combining Butalbital with this type of drugs may lead to excessive drowsiness. Birth control pills’ efficiency may be decreased by Butalbital, therefore additional birth control alternatives should be considered. Only the doctor or pharmacist may offer qualified advice regarding Butalbital’s interaction with other drugs.