Esgic Plus
Esgic Plus is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital)
mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine used as a
pain reliever. 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.
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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December 8th, 2008 - 
