Butalbital

Butalbital
Systematic (IUPAC) name
5-(2-methylpropyl)-5-(2-propenyl)- 2,4,6(1H,3H,5H)-pyrimidinetrione
Identifiers
CAS number	77-26-9
ATC code	none
PubChem	2481
DrugBank	APRD00266
ChemSpider	2387
Chemical data
Formula	C11H16N2O3
Mol. mass	224.256
Pharmacokinetic data
Bioavailability	well absorbed
Metabolism	hepatic
Half life	35 hours
Excretion	?
Therapeutic considerations
Pregnancy cat.	D(US)
Legal status	Schedule III(US)
Routes	oral

Butalbital, structure presents as 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid, is a barbiturate with an intermediate duration of action. It has the same chemical formula as talbutal but a different structure. Butalbital is often combined with other medications, such as paracetamol (acetaminophen) or aspirin, and is commonly prescribed for the treatment of pain and headache. The various formulations combined with codeine are FDA approved for the treatment of tension headaches.

Combinations include:

• butalbital and paracetamol (acetaminophen) (trade names: Axocet, Bucet, Bupap, Cephadyn, Dolgic, Phrenilin, Phrenilin Forte, Sedapap)
• butalbital, paracetamol (acetaminophen), and caffeine (trade names: Fioricet, Esgic, Esgic-Plus)
• butalbital and aspirin (trade name: Axotal)
• butalbital, aspirin, and caffeine (trade names Fiorinal, Fiormor, Fiortal, Fortabs, Laniroif)
• butalbital, paracetamol (acetaminophen), caffeine, and codeine phosphate (Fioricet #3 with Codeine)
• butalbital, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine phosphate (trade name: Fiorinal #3 with Codeine)

Side effects

Side effects for any drug are difficult to predict, but commonly reported side effects for butalbital include:

Dizziness Drowsiness Intoxicated feeling Light-headedness Nausea Sedation Euphoria Addiction Severe impairment of judgement Diarrhea Constipation

Fioricet (50/40/325)

There are other potential side effects; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

Dangers and Risks

Butalbital is a physically and psychologically addictive barbiturate. Butalbital should not be mixed with alcohol due to increased risk of intoxication, increased respiratory depression, and increased liver toxicity when it is a butalbital combination including paracetamol. Many opioid-dependent persons frequently use Barbiturates as a potentiator to their normal dose (whether it be Heroin, Vicodin or Demerol) of what would be normally considered an average harmless dose. Especially when used with the stronger Schedule II narcotics, suicide or accidental death occurs much more frequently than first reported. Use of alcohol, benzodiazepines, and other CNS-depressants often also contribute to respiratory depression, coma, and in extreme cases fatality. There are other potential risks; this list should not be considered all-inclusive.

External links

"Butalbital". On-line Medical Dictionary. http://cancerweb.ncl.ac.uk/cgi-bin/omd?query=butalbital&action=Search+OMD. Retrieved on June 26 2005.  "Butalbital and Acetaminophen (Systemic)". MedicinePlus Drug Information. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/uspdi/202102.html. Retrieved on December 31 2006.  "Controlled Substances in Schedule III". Drug Enforcement Administration. 2007. http://www.deadiversion.usdoj.gov/schedules/listby_sched/sched3.htm. Retrieved on 2007-01-13.