Butalbital/acetaminophen
Butalbital/acetaminophen (pronounced: byoo-TAL-bi-tal/a-seet-a-MIN-oh-fen) is a combination medication used to treat tension headaches. It is a combination of butalbital, a barbiturate, and acetaminophen, a non-opioid pain reliever and fever reducer.
Etymology
The term "butalbital" is derived from "butyl", referring to the butyl group in its chemical structure, and "barbital", a type of barbiturate. "Acetaminophen" is derived from its chemical name, N-acetyl-para-aminophenol.
Usage
Butalbital/acetaminophen is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches. It is not intended for use as a routine pain medication, and should only be used for treatment of acute headache symptoms.
Mechanism of Action
Butalbital works by decreasing the nerve impulses causing the pain, while acetaminophen works by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins, which play a role in the body's pain response.
Side Effects
Common side effects of butalbital/acetaminophen include drowsiness, lightheadedness, dizziness, and sedation. More serious side effects can include dependency and overdose, particularly when used in combination with alcohol or other central nervous system depressants.
Related Terms
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Butalbital/acetaminophen
- Wikipedia's article - Butalbital/acetaminophen
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