Butalbital

Butalbital, 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid, is a barbiturate with an intermediate duration of action. It has the same chemical formula as talbutal but a different structure. Butalbital is often combined with other medications, such as acetaminophen or aspirin, and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of pain and headache. The various formulations combined with codeine are FDA approved for the treatment of tension headaches.

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Combinations include:

• butalbital and acetaminophen (trade names: Axocet, Bucet, Bupap, Cephadyn, Dolgic, Phrenilin, Phrenilin Forte, Sedapap)
• butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine (trade names: Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus)
• butalbital and aspirin (trade name: Axotal)
• butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine (trade names Fiorinal, Fiormor, Fiortal, Fortabs, Laniroif)
• butalbital, acetaminophen, caffeine, and codeine phosphate (Fioricet #3 with Codeine)
• butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate (trade name: Fiorinal #3 with Codeine)

Side effects

Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for butalbital include:

• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Intoxicated feeling
• Light-headedness
• Nausea
• Sedation
• Addiction
• Severe impairment of judgement

There are other potential side effects; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Dangers and Risks

Butalbital is a physically and psychologically addictive barbiturate. Butalbital should not be mixed with alcohol due to increased risk of intoxication.

There are other potential risks; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Butalbital and Acetaminophen (Systemic). MedicinePlus Drug Information. Retrieved on December 31, 2006.

Controlled Substances in Schedule III. Drug Enforcement Administration (2007). Retrieved on 2007-01-13.