Butalbital, Acetaminophen, and Caffeine, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine, oral; Axocet; Bucet; Bupap; Butex; Dolgic; Esgic; Esgic-Plus; Fioricet; Margesic; Marten-Tab; Medigesic; Phrenilin; Phrenilin Forte; Repan; Sedapap; Tencon; Triad

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat tension headaches and mild to moderate pain. This medicine is available in tablet or capsule form.

How do I take it?

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more or for a longer period than directed by your health care provider. Taking too much of this medicine can be habit-forming. Do not take more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period unless your health care provider approves.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may make you drowsy or lightheaded. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.

This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down your nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your health care provider approves.

Do not take this medicine for any other condition unless directed by your health care provider.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to this medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe drowsiness, trouble breathing.

Other: Lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• narcotic painkillers such as codeine, morphine, hydromorphone (Dilaudid), and meperidine (Demerol)
• sedatives such as phenobarbital, butabarbital (Butisol), amobarbital (Amytal), pentobarbital (Nembutal), and secobarbital (Seconal)
• tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), lorazepam (Ativan), and alprazolam (Xanax)
• warfarin (Coumadin).

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.