Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine is a combination product used to treat headaches. Butalbital is a medication that depresses the central nervous system.
Butalbital is a softener for pain and fever. It is Tylenol's active ingredient. Butalbital relieves pain by increasing the threshold of pain, that is, by allowing more pain to occur before a person feels it. By its action on the heat-regulating center of the brain, it decreases fever. In particular, when the temperature is elevated, it tells the center to lower the body's temperature.
Caffeine has pain-relieving properties and by mechanisms that are not well understood can boost the action of other pain relievers. It may lower the function of nerves in the brain that feels pain. Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine was approved in November 1984 by the FDA.
Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine side effects usually involve light-headedness, dizziness, shortness of breath, nausea, dry mouth, heart rate increases, and tremors.
Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine has a boxed liver toxicity indication when used for extended periods in excessive amounts. To prevent acute liver damage, the dose of acetaminophen should not exceed 4000 mg per day. Butalbital is the development of habit and can be manipulated.
