What is this medication for?
This medication is a non-narcotic combination product that contains aspirin,
butalbital, and caffeine. Aspirin is used to relieve inflammation and pain.
Butalbital, a barbiturate, is a sedative relaxant. Caffeine serves to
enhance the effects of aspirin and butalbital. This medication is used to treat the symptoms of tension headaches caused by muscle contractions
in the head, neck and shoulder area.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed here. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Butal Compound by Sandoz is no longer being manufactured for sale in the USA.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of aspirin - caffeine - butalbital is 1 to 2 tablets
or capsules every 4 hours as needed up to a maximum of 6 tablets or capsules over a 24-hour period.
This medication can be taken with food or meals to reduce stomach upset.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
This medication has the potential for becoming habit-forming and should be avoided
in situations where pain medication is required on a daily basis.
This medication should be used at the lowest possible dose and for the shortest
possible period of time needed to relief symptoms.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take this medication if you:
- are allergic to aspirin,
butalbital, or caffeine, or any ingredients of the medication
- are allergic to other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
- are at risk of Reye's syndrome (i.e., are under 18 years of age with the flu or chickenpox)
- have a blood clotting disorder
- have had a serious allergic reaction (swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, or throat; difficulty swallowing; wheezing or other breathing problems) to aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and naproxen)
- have porphyria (an inherited condition affecting the liver or bone marrow)
- have a stomach or peptic ulcer, or other serious gastrointestinal lesions