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Butalbital APAP Caffeine
Fioricet vs Esgic-Plus Fioricet and Esgic-Plus contain the same three active ingredients. The principal difference is the amount of Acetaminophen. Fioricet contains 325 mg of acetaminophen, 50 mg of butalbital, and 40 mg of caffeine. Esgic Plus contains 500 mg of acetaminophen, 50 mg of butalbital, and 40 mg of caffeine. Uses: Butalbital APAP with Caffeine (widely known as Fioricet) is used to manage tension headaches that are caused by muscle contractions. Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is a barbiturate that slows down central nervous system causing relaxation. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headache. Controversy: Butalbital dosage for tension headaches: A tension headache is a diffuse, non-pulsatile, mild to moderate ache that is often described as feeling like a tight band around the head. It is believed that the ache of tension headache originates from contraction or tensing of the muscles in the neck, face, and head. Usual dosage: 1 or 2 tablets every 4 hours as needed. Maximum dosage: total daily dosage should not exceed 6 tablets. Keep in mind that Butalbital APAP with Caffeine may leave you drowsy or dizzy. Limit use to twice weekly to avoid rebound headache. Extended and repeated use of analgesics with barbiturate is not recommended because of the potential for habituation and physical dependence. Warnings & Precautions: Butalbital is habit-forming and potentially abusable. Consequently, take Butalbital combination only for as long as it is prescribed, and no more frequently than prescribed. Addiction-prone individuals should refrain from Fioricet, Esgic and other butalbital combinations. Driving: Barbiturates may impair mental and physical abilities required for the performance of potentially hazardous tasks such as driving a car or operating machinery. Alcohol and CNS depressants (eg, ethanol, narcotics, anesthetics, tranquilizers, sedative-hypnotics) may produce an additive sedation, drowsiness, dizziness, and intoxicated feeling. Hepatotoxicity: Acetaminophen in large amounts can destroy liver. Particularly vulnerable are individuals who abuse alcohol or have liver disease. Porphyria: Barbiturates are contraindicated in individuals with porphyria. Barbiturates may exacerbate porphyria by inducing the enzymes responsible for porphyrin synthesis. Pregnancy risk: C. This product should be given to a pregnant woman only when clearly needed. Lactation: Caffeine, barbiturates, and acetaminophen are excreted in breast milk in small amounts. Laboratory test interactions: with Chemstrip bG and Dextrostix home blood glucose systems, may cause false decrease in mean glucose values; may give false-positive urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid test result. Overdosage: Following an overdosage of butalbital/apap/caffeine, toxicity may result from the barbiturate or the acetaminophen. Toxicity due to caffeine is less likely, due to the relatively small amounts in the formulation. Toxicity from barbiturate poisoning includes drowsiness, confusion, and coma; slowed respiration; hypotension; and hypovolemic shock. Barbiturate poisoning results in drowsiness, confusion, and coma; slowed respiration; hypotension; and hypovolemic shock. In acetaminophen overdosage the potentially fatal hepatic necrosis is the most serious consequence. Don't exceed 4 grams of acetaminophen day. Toxic doses (for adults):
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