BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (bue-TAL-bi-tal/a-SEET-a-MIN-oh-fen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Phrenilin

GENERIC NAME(S): butalbital/acetaminophen

Uses

USES: This combination medication is used to treat tension headaches. Acetaminophen helps to decrease the pain from the headache. Butalbital is a sedative that helps to decrease anxiety and cause sleepiness and relaxation.


How to use BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

HOW TO USE: See also Warning section. Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually every 4 hours as needed or as directed by your doctor. Do not take more than 300 milligrams of butalbital in a 24-hour period. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. This medication works best if it is used as the first signs of a headache occur. If you wait until the headache has worsened, the medication may not work as well. This medication may cause withdrawal reactions, especially if it has been used regularly for a long time or in high doses. In such cases, withdrawal symptoms (such as nausea/vomiting, mental/mood changes, seizures) may occur if you suddenly stop using this medication. To prevent withdrawal reactions, your doctor may reduce your dose gradually. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details, and report any withdrawal reactions right away. Though it helps many people, this medication may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Do not increase your dose, take it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. Inform your doctor if you notice increased use of this medication, a worsening of headaches, an increase in the number of headaches, the medication not working as well, or use of this medication for more than 2 headache episodes a week. Do not take more than recommended. Your doctor may need to change your medication and/or add a separate medication to prevent the headaches.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, or drowsiness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To lower your risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: shortness of breath, mental/mood changes, fainting, seizure, fast heartbeat. Tell your doctor right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: See also Warning section. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen or butalbital; or to other barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: severe breathing problems (e.g., bronchopneumonia), a certain enzyme disorder (porphyria). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, kidney disease, personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol), mental/mood disorders, abdominal/intestinal problems. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness. This side effect can increase the risk of falling. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Using it for long periods or in high doses near the expected delivery date is not recommended because of possible harm to the unborn baby. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Infants born to mothers who have used this medication for an extended time may have withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, abnormal/persistent crying, vomiting, seizures, or diarrhea. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn. This drug passes into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: See also Warning section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: darunavir, sodium oxybate, anti-seizure drugs (e.g., phenytoin), drugs affecting liver enzymes that remove this medication from your body (such as disulfiram, valproic acid, MAO inhibitors including isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), isoniazid, methoxyflurane, phenothiazines (e.g., chlorpromazine). This drug can speed up the removal of other drugs from your body by affecting certain liver enzymes. These affected drugs include "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), corticosteroids such as prednisone, estrogen, felodipine, quinidine, certain beta blockers such as metoprolol, theophylline, doxycycline. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana, other drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. This medication may decrease the effectiveness of hormonal birth control such as pills, patch, or ring. This could cause pregnancy. Discuss with your doctor or pharmacist if you should use additional reliable birth control methods while using this medication. Also tell your doctor if you have any new spotting or breakthrough bleeding, because these may be signs that your birth control is not working well. This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests (including urine 5-HIAA levels), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe drowsiness/dizziness, slow/shallow breathing, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.

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Faq for BUTALBITAL/ACETAMINOPHEN - ORAL

Butalbital/Acetaminophen is a combination medication used to treat tension headaches. Butalbital is a barbiturate that helps to relax muscle contractions, while Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, upset stomach, and nausea. It is important to consult your doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.

Follow the instructions provided by your doctor or pharmacist. Generally, this medication is taken by mouth with or without food. It is important to take it as soon as you experience a headache or as directed by your healthcare provider.

Butalbital is a barbiturate and can potentially be habit-forming. It is essential to only use this medication as prescribed and not exceed the recommended dosage or duration of use. If you experience any signs of dependence or withdrawal symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

It is generally not recommended to use Butalbital/Acetaminophen during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Consult your doctor for guidance. As for breastfeeding, small amounts of Butalbital and Acetaminophen may pass into breast milk, so it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before using this medication while breastfeeding.

Butalbital/Acetaminophen may interact with certain medications, including other barbiturates, sedatives, tranquilizers, antidepressants, muscle relaxants, and certain antibiotics. Inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Alcohol should be avoided while taking Butalbital/Acetaminophen as it may increase the risk of liver damage. Additionally, alcohol can enhance the sedative effects of this medication, leading to excessive drowsiness and impaired coordination.

The onset of action can vary from person to person. Generally, Butalbital/Acetaminophen starts working within 30 to 60 minutes after ingestion. However, it is important to note that individual response may vary.


Warning

WARNING: One ingredient in this product is acetaminophen. Taking too much acetaminophen may cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Adults should not take more than 4000 milligrams (4 grams) of acetaminophen a day. People with liver problems and children should take less acetaminophen. Ask your doctor or pharmacist how much acetaminophen is safe to take. Do not use with any other drug containing acetaminophen without asking your doctor or pharmacist first. Acetaminophen is in many nonprescription and prescription medications (such as pain/fever drugs or cough-and-cold products). Check the labels on all your medicines to see if they contain acetaminophen, and ask your pharmacist if you are unsure. Get medical help right away if you take too much acetaminophen (overdose), even if you feel well. Overdose symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, sweating, stomach/abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, yellowing eyes/skin, and dark urine. Daily alcohol use, especially when combined with acetaminophen, may damage your liver. Avoid alcohol.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.