acetaminophen and butalbital (oral) Health Article

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of an acetaminophen and butalbital overdose include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, sweating, seizures, drowsiness, decreased breathing, dizziness or fainting, confusion, an irregular heartbeat, and coma.

What should I avoid while taking acetaminophen and butalbital?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Butalbital may cause drowsiness or dizziness. If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities.

Avoid sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy.

Avoid alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen and butalbital can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and dizziness.

Check the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter and prescription products while taking this medication. You should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.

What are the possible side effects of acetaminophen and butalbital?

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking acetaminophen and butalbital and seek emergency medical attention:

• an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

• liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue); or

• blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising).

These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur during proper treatment with acetaminophen and butalbital.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take acetaminophen and butalbital and talk to your doctor if you experience

• dry mouth;

• nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or decreased appetite;

• dizziness, tiredness, or lightheadedness;

• drowsiness;

• confusion;

• agitation, irritability, or excitability;

• rash or itching;

• feeling of intoxication;

• shortness of breath;

• nervousness or anxiety; or

• headache.

Butalbital may be habit forming.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect acetaminophen and butalbital?

Do not take acetaminophen and butalbital if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result.

Acetaminophen and butalbital may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves.

Many other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen and butalbital. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has additional information about acetaminophen and butalbital written for health professionals that you may read.

What does my medication look like?

Acetaminophen and butalbital is available with a prescription under several brand and generic names. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication especially if it is new to you.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.