Headaches caused by stress, which comes with our busy lives, are very common. We usually call this a 'tension headache'. Because we need quick relief at times like these, doctors sometimes prescribe special medications. One such medication is this liquid medicine made by combining all three together: butylbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine. Today, we will talk about this medicine, the things to be careful about while using it, and the possible risks.
What is this medicine? To be precise...
Simply put, this is a combination of three types of medication, each of which performs different functions.
- Butalbital: This belongs to a class of drugs called barbiturates . It works by relaxing your mind and body. It relaxes the muscles in your head and neck that are tense due to tension, giving you relief.
- Acetaminophen: This is something you probably know well. This is the paracetamol we usually use. It mainly acts as a pain reliever.
- Caffeine: This is the same caffeine found in coffee and tea. What the caffeine does here is help the body absorb the painkiller acetaminophen more quickly and efficiently. Therefore, pain relief is provided faster.
It's important to remember that this medication is only used to treat tension headaches that have already occurred. It is not intended to prevent headaches or treat other types of headaches, such as migraines.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before your doctor prescribes this medication, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. Therefore, if you have any of the conditions listed below, be sure to tell your doctor.
| Health condition or habit | Why do you need to tell the doctor ? |
|---|---|
| If you drink alcohol frequently | The combination of alcohol and the acetaminophen contained in this medicine can cause serious liver damage. |
| If you have liver or kidney disease | Because this organ is involved in the process of removing medication from the body, during an illness, medication can accumulate in the body and increase side effects. |
| Heart disease or circulatory system problems | The caffeine in this medicine may be harmful to some heart patients. |
| Asthma or other respiratory diseases | The butylbarbital in the medicine can slow breathing slightly, so it can be dangerous for people who already have breathing problems. |
| A history of previous drug or medication addiction | Because the butylbital contained in this medication has the potential to be addictive, doctors are especially careful when prescribing it to people with such a history. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | It is essential to talk to your doctor about using this medication during pregnancy. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | Since the ingredients in the medication can pass to the baby through breast milk, it is important to seek the advice of a doctor. |
How should I use the medicine?
Since this is a liquid medicine, it is very important to measure the correct dosage accurately.
- Use an accurate measuring device: Only use the special spoon, cup, or dropper that comes with the medicine. Never measure this medicine with household teaspoons or tablespoons. Doing so may result in an inaccurate dose.
- If you get an upset stomach: Some people may get an upset stomach after taking this medicine. If so, take the medicine with a meal or a glass of milk.
- Do not exceed the prescribed dosage: Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor.
What if you suddenly drink too much? (Overdose)
Imagine you've had too much to drink. This can be a very dangerous situation, especially for the liver. So if that happens, don't delay.
Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. It is imperative to seek medical advice even if you do not have any symptoms at the time.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
This medicine may interact with some other medicines you are taking. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking (prescribed by other doctors, bought from pharmacies, vitamins, herbal products). This medicine may interact with the following, in particular:
- Alcohol: Not at all appropriate.
- Sedatives and sleeping pills: For example, medications like diazepam and alprazolam.
- Some medications for depression.
- Some medications for epilepsy (fits).
- Some painkillers, especially those in the opioid class.
- Antihistamines, which are medicines given for allergies and cause drowsiness.
- Muscle relaxants.
This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about everything you take. Also, tell him if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to consider when taking medication
- Drowsiness and dizziness: This medicine may make you feel drowsy and dizzy, especially in the first few days. Therefore, do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Tolerance: After taking this medication for a while, you may feel like the pain doesn't go away with the amount of time it used to. This means your body has become a little used to the medication (tolerance). This is normal. This is not addiction. Addiction is using the medication for purposes other than its intended medical use. There is a medical reason for taking the medication because you are in pain.
- Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so may cause discomfort to your body. If you need to stop taking the medicine, your doctor will tell you how to gradually reduce the dose.
- Be careful with acetaminophen: This is very important. This medicine contains paracetamol. Therefore, when taking this medicine, do not take any other painkillers that contain paracetamol (e.g. Panadol, Calpol). Unknowingly taking too much paracetamol can cause serious liver damage .
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medicine, this can cause side effects in some people.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately or go to a hospital. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, severe itching, swelling of the lips/tongue/face/throat. |
| Symptoms of liver injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual tiredness. |
| Central nervous system depression (CNS depression) | Slow or shallow breathing, difficulty breathing, extreme dizziness, lightheadedness, difficulty staying awake. |
| Serious skin reactions | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Things that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Dizziness | Dizziness |
| Drowsiness | Drowsiness |
| Nausea/stomach pain/vomiting | Nausea / Stomach pain / Vomiting |
Take-Home Message
- This medication is only used to treat tension headaches. It is not used to prevent headaches or migraines.
- Only take the dose prescribed by your doctor, using the accurate measuring device provided with the medicine.
- Avoid drinking alcohol completely while taking this medicine. Also, do not take any other medicine containing paracetamol (Acetaminophen).
- Tell your doctor about all the medications, vitamins, and herbal products you are taking.
- If you overdose, call the National Poisons Information Center or go to an ETU immediately, even if there are no symptoms.
- Avoid risky activities such as driving, as drowsiness may occur.
- Avoid stopping the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice.
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