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| Pronunciation |
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 (byoo
TAL bi tal KOM pound & a
seet a MIN oh fen) |
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| Brand Names |
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| Esgic®; Esgic-Plus®;
Fioricet®; Repan® |
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| Therapeutic
Categories |
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Barbiturate |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
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- If you have an allergy to butalbital, acetaminophen, or any other part
of the medicine.
- If you have porphyria.
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| What is this medicine used
for? |
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- Butalbital is used for its calming effects.
- Acetaminophen is a pain reliever.
- Caffeine may treat certain types of headaches.
- This medicine is for the treatment of symptoms of a tension
headache.
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| How does it work? |
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- Butalbital slows the brain. It causes you to be calm and sleepy.
- Acetaminophen reduces pain by preventing the production of chemicals
called prostaglandins.
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| How is it best taken? |
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- Do not take more than directed by healthcare provider. This medicine
can damage liver.
- Take as directed by healthcare
provider.
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| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
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- This medicine is only to be taken for a headache and can be taken on
an as needed basis.
- Take a missed dose as soon as
possible.
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| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
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- Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
- This medicine may be habit-forming with long-term use.
- If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
- You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities
until you see how this medicine affects you.
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines
and herbs that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives,
tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are a heavy drinker. This medicine and
frequent alcohol use can damage the liver.
- Tell healthcare provider if you have lung disease. You may be very
sensitive to this medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control
that you can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
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| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
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- Feeling sleepy and tired. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or
activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects
you.
- Unable to think clearly or concentrate on an activity; recent memory
loss.
- Dizziness is common. Rise slowly over several minutes from sitting or
lying position. Be careful climbing stairs.
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may
help.
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| What should I monitor? |
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- Keep a diary of your headaches. Talk to healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
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| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
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- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Very nervous and excitable.
- Changes in balance, feeling shaky or unsteady.
- Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
- Too tired or sleepy.
- Difficulty breathing.
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| How should I store this
medicine? |
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- Store in a tight, light-resistant container at room
temperature.
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| General statements |
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- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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