Acetaminophen, Butalbital, and Caffeine (patient information)

Why this medication is prescribed
This combination of drugs is used to relieve tension headaches.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
The combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine comes as a capsule and tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken every 4 hours as needed. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine exactly as directed. Do not take more than six tablets or capsules in 1 day. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, call your doctor.

This medication can be habit-forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to.

Special Precautions
Before taking acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to acetaminophen, butalbital, caffeine, or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially anticoagulants ('blood thinners') such as warfarin (Coumadin), antidepressants, antihistamines, pain medications, sedatives, sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins. Many nonprescription pain relievers contain acetaminophen. Too much of this drug can be harmful.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease, porphyria, or depression.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking this medication, call your doctor.
 * you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
 * remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Special dietary instructions
Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine may cause an upset stomach. Take this medicine with food or milk.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor Side Effects
Acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * drowsiness
 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * stomach pain
 * depression
 * lightheadedness
 * confusion

Severe Side Effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * skin rash
 * itching
 * difficulty breathing

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature, away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. This medication is a controlled substance. Prescriptions may be refilled only a limited number of times; ask your pharmacist if you have any questions.

Brand names

 * Amaphen®
 * Anoquan®
 * Butace®
 * Endolor®
 * Esgic®
 * Fioricet®
 * Medigesic®
 * Repan®