Esgic Plus
Esgic Plus is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with
a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic
pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches
caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and
migraines. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital
is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous
system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine
is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to
tension headaches.
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist
or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that
use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Please consult your
healthcare professional before using this or any other prescription or
non-prescription medication.
About Esgic Plus
Esgic Plus Directions
To prevent upset stomach, take Esgic with food or milk.
Pain medications work best in preventing pain before it occurs. Once the
pain becomes intense, Esgic is not as effective in relieving it. Take Esgic as
prescribed. Do not increase your dose or take Esgic more frequently without
your doctor's approval.
Esgic Plus Side Effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects,
stop taking acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine and seek emergency medical
attention: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your
throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives); slow, weak
breathing; liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, nausea, abdominal
pain or discomfort, unusual bleeding or bruising, severe fatigue);
blood problems (easy or unusual bleeding or bruising); or low blood sugar
(fatigue, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness, or fainting).
These side effects are very rare and are not likely to occur during proper
treatment with acetaminophen and caffeine. If you experience any unusual
reactions, stop taking this medicine and seek the advice of your doctor.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine and talk to your
doctor if you experience drowsiness; dizziness, confusion or lightheadedness;
shortness of breath; dry mouth; nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or
decreased appetite; tiredness, leg pain, or muscle weakness; agitation,
irritability, nervousness, anxiety or excitability; rash or itching; feeling
of intoxication; headache; or constipation. Butalbital may be habit forming.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially
bothersome.
Esgic Plus Precautions
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing
other hazardous activities. Butalbital will cause drowsiness or dizziness.
If you experience drowsiness or dizziness, avoid these activities. Avoid
sleeping pills, antihistamines, sedatives, and tranquilizers except under
the supervision of your doctor. These may also make you drowsy. Avoid
alcohol. Alcohol taken during therapy with acetaminophen and butalbital
can be very damaging to your liver and can increase drowsiness and
dizziness. Check the acetaminophen content of other over-the-counter
and prescription products while taking this medication.
You should not exceed 4 grams (4000 mg) of acetaminophen per day.
Avoid taking too much caffeine. Check the caffeine content of other
over-the-counter and prescription products as well as beverages
(coffee, tea, and colas) while taking Esgic Plus.
Drug Interactions with Esgic Plus
Do not take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine if you
have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid
(Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last
14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Acetaminophen and butalbital
may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including
antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia),
other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your
doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any
medicine unless your doctor approves. Many other medicines contain
acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy
medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. Drugs other than
those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen / butalbital /
caffeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines.
Esgic Plus Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention. Symptoms of an
acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine overdose include insomnia,
restlessness, tremor, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain,
sweating, seizures, drowsiness, decreased breathing, dizziness or
fainting, confusion, an irregular heartbeat, and coma.
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