Butalbital
in FIORICET
Pronunciation: byoo-TAL-bi-tal
“Butane Al (Fire setter)”
Barbs → barbiturate
What it isBarbiturate combined with acetaminophen or aspirin and caffeine; tension and mixed headache.
Why this oneIt relieves refractory headache when simple analgesics have failed.
What limits itMedication-overuse headache develops quickly, and barbiturate dependence and withdrawal follow regular use. Most headache guidelines advise against it.
FDA-approved for
- tension headache (combination products)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskMedication-overuse headache and barbiturate dependence