Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet dosage: A detailed guide

This article describes butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet’s dosage and strength and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for this medication. If you want to know more about butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drugs Fioricet and Esgic. This medication also comes in oral capsules and a solution that you swallow, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.

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Boxed warning: Risk of serious liver problems

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine has a boxed warning for the risk of serious liver problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

See the end of this article for more information about this warning.

Form and strength of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet comes as follows:

• Form: tablet that you swallow
• Strength: butalbital 50 milligrams (mg), acetaminophen 325 mg, caffeine 40 mg

Dosage of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine

This article describes the recommended dosage for butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet. The drugmaker provides these dosages.

If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of this drug without your doctor’s recommendation.

Usual recommended dosage in adults

Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of this drug that gives the desired outcome.

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine is approved to help relieve the symptoms of tension headaches.

• Dose: 1–2 tablets
• Frequency: every 4 hours as needed
• Maximum dosage: 6 tablets per day

Dosage in children

The safety and effectiveness of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine has not been established in children under ages 12 years. The usual dosage for children ages 12 years and older is:

• Dose: 1–2 tablets
• Frequency: every 4 hours as needed
• Maximum dosage: 6 tablets per day

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet based on several factors. These include:

• the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
• your age
• other health conditions you may have

Frequently asked questions

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet and its dosage.

Can butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine be used for sleep? If so, what is the dosage?

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine is not approved to be used for sleep. But it can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and lightheadedness. This can cause mental or physical weakness. Doctors do not recommend driving a car or operating machinery while taking this drug.

If you’re having difficulty with falling asleep, talk with your doctor about what may help.

Is butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine taken long term?

No, doctors don’t typically prescribe this drug as a long-term treatment. It should only be used as needed for tension headaches. It does not help prevent headaches.

If your headaches are frequent, your doctor may prescribe a medication that you can take regularly to help prevent headaches from happening.

If you have questions about how long you should take butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet, talk with your doctor.

Is there a risk of misuse, dependence, or withdrawal with butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine?

Yes, the butalbital in this medication belongs to a group of drugs called barbiturates. Barbiturates can be habit-forming, especially with long-term use at higher doses. You may be at risk of developing a dependence on the drug if you notice you need to take more of it to get the same relief.

If you’ve been taking butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine for a prolonged amount of time, speak with your doctor before stopping it. You may experience withdrawal symptoms, including seizures and delirium if you stop taking it too quickly. Your doctor will likely decrease your dose of this drug slowly to prevent withdrawal symptoms.

Speak with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about the risk of misuse, dependence, or withdrawal with this medication.

How butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine is taken

You’ll swallow butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet every 4 hours as needed. You should not take more than 6 tablets in a 24-hour period.

If it’s hard for you to swallow tablets, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.

Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine coupon

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Overdose of butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine

It’s important that you do not take more of this medication than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms of an overdose of this drug can include:

• nausea or vomiting
• sweating
• restlessness
• tremors
• slowed breathing
• drowsiness
• confusion or delirium
• liver problems or liver failure
• coma

What to do if you take too much

If you think you’ve taken too much butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes the usual recommended dosage for butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.

Do not change your dosage of this drug without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take it exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• Will you adjust my dosage of this drug if I also take other acetaminophen-containing medications?
• How long will it take for this drug to start working?
• Will you increase my dosage if my current dosage isn’t providing enough headache relief?

Boxed warning for butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine

Butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine has a boxed warning for the risk of serious liver problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Serious liver problems: Taking too much acetaminophen may cause liver failure, which can be life threatening. Liver failure most commonly occurs with acetaminophen doses greater than 4,000 mg per day. This usually involves taking more than one product at a time that contains acetaminophen.

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist about all your medications before you start taking butalbital/acetaminophen/caffeine. This can help prevent you from accidentally taking too much acetaminophen.

You can also talk with your doctor to learn more.

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.