Butalbital is a drug to treat tension headache. This drug can be found in combination with paracetamol, aspirin, or caffeine. Butalbital should not be used carelessly and must be in accordance with a doctor's prescription.
Butalbital belongs to the barbiturate group. To deal with tension headaches, butalbital will work by relaxing the muscles in the head so that it can help relieve headaches.
Butalbital trademark: -
What is butalbital
| group | Prescription drugs |
| Category | Barbiturates |
| Benefit | Relieves tension headaches |
| Consumed by | Adults and children 12 years old |
| Butalbital for pregnant and lactating women | Category N: Not categorized. It is not known whether butalbital is absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not take this medicine before consulting your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, capsules and syrup |
Warning Before Taking Butalbital
Butalbital should only be taken according to a doctor's prescription and advice. There are several things to consider before using butalbital, namely:
- Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. Butalbital should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have a blood clotting disorder, digestive tract disease, or respiratory disease, including bronchopneumonia.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- Tell your doctor that you are taking butalbital if you plan to undergo certain laboratory tests or surgery.
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after taking butalbital, as this medicine can cause drowsiness.
- Call your doctor right away if you experience an allergic reaction to the drug or an overdose after taking butalbital.
Dosage and Rules for Use of Butalbital
Butalbital can be found in combination with paracetamol, aspirin, or caffeine. The doctor will determine the dose according to the dosage form of the drug, the type of drug combination, the condition, and the age of the patient.
Generally in combination products can be found 50 mg butalbital. The dosage may be different for each product. However, in general, to relieve tension headaches, the dose is 1-2 tablets, once every 4 hours.
How to Take Butalbital Correctly
Take butalbital as directed by your doctor and read the instructions for use on the medicine package. Do not reduce or increase the dose of butalbital you are taking because it can increase your risk of developing drug side effects or drug dependence.
Butalbital can be taken before or after meals. However, you should take the drug with food to prevent stomach pain. Wait at least 10 minutes after taking the medicine before you can lie down.
Swallow butalbital tablets or capsules with a glass of water. Meanwhile, use a measuring device if you need to take butalbital in the form of a syrup, so that the dose of the drug consumed is correct.
Call your doctor if after using this medicine your condition does not improve, the frequency of headaches increases, or the headaches get worse.
Do not stop taking butalbital suddenly. Stopping using it suddenly can increase the risk of withdrawal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or changes in mental or physical condition mood. Usually, the doctor will lower the dose prescribed until the drug can be safely stopped.
If you forget to take butalbital, take it immediately if the interval between the next consumption time is not too close. If the interval between the next dose is near, ignore the dose and do not double the next dose.
Store butalbital in a closed container in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Butalbital Interactions with Other Drugs
The effects of drug interactions that can occur if butalbital is used with certain drugs include:
- Decreased blood levels or effects of doravirine, dexamethasone, fostemsavir, lonafanib, lorlatinib, or warfarin
- Increased rate of release of anticoagulant drugs, doxycycline, estrogen, felodipine, quinidine, theophylline, metoprolol, or prednisone from the body
- Increased sedative effect when used with carisoprodol, codeine, or cyclobenzaprine.
- Increased risk of severe side effects when used with MAOIs, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid,
Side Effects and Dangers of Butalbital
There are several side effects that can occur after taking butalbital, namely:
- Drowsiness
- Dizzy
- Hard to sleep
- Nausea, bloating, or stomach pain
Check with your doctor if these side effects don't go away or get worse. See your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to a drug or a more serious side effect, such as:
- Breathing becomes shallow or short of breath
- Slow heart rate (bradycardia) or palpitations
- Frequent twitches
- Confusion or behavior disorder
- Difficult to urinate
- Bloody vomiting or bloody stools
- Nosebleeds or bruises appear on the skin for no apparent reason
