Generic name: Acetaminophen and butalbital
Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Phrenilin?
Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.
Butalbital is a barbiturate. It relaxes muscle contractions involved in a tension headache.
Acetaminophen and butalbital is a combination medicine used to treat tension headaches. This medicine is not for treating headaches that come and go.
Acetaminophen and butalbital may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to acetaminophen (Tylenol) or butalbital, or if you have porphyria.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had alcoholic liver disease (cirrhosis) or if you drink more than 3 alcoholic beverages per day. You may not be able to take medicine that contains acetaminophen.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- liver disease;
- kidney disease;
- a stomach or intestinal disorder; or
- drug or alcohol addiction.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.
It is not known whether acetaminophen and butalbital will harm an unborn baby. However, this medicine can cause seizures in a newborn if the mother takes the medicine late in pregnancy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breast-feed while using acetaminophen and butalbital.
Acetaminophen and butalbital is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I use Phrenilin
Use Phrenilin (Oral) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. An acetaminophen overdose can damage your liver or cause death. Tell your doctor if you feel an increased urge to take more of this medicine.
Acetaminophen and butalbital may be habit-forming. Misuse can cause addiction, overdose, or death. Selling or giving away this medicine is against the law.
This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using acetaminophen and butalbital.
If you need surgery, tell your surgeon you currently use this medicine. You may need to stop for a short time.
Do not stop using acetaminophen and butalbital suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Keep track of your medicine. Acetaminophen and butalbital is a drug of abuse and you should be aware if anyone is using it improperly or without a prescription.
Since this medicine is used for pain, you are not likely to miss a dose. Skip any missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not use two doses at one time.
Phrenilin side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
In rare cases, acetaminophen may cause a severe skin reaction that can be fatal, even if you took acetaminophen in the past and had no reaction. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor right away if you have skin redness or a rash that spreads and causes blistering and peeling.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fast or pounding heartbeats;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- confusion, depression;
- feeling restless, excited, or agitated;
- seizure (convulsions); or
- liver problems--nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, tiredness, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
Common side effects include:
- headache, dizziness, drowsiness;
- nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;
- drunk feeling; or
- feeling short of breath.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Phrenilin?
Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you. Dizziness or drowsiness can cause falls, accidents, or severe injuries.
Ask a doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine that may contain acetaminophen (sometimes abbreviated as APAP). Taking too much acetaminophen can lead to a fatal overdose.
Avoid drinking alcohol. It may increase your risk of liver damage while taking acetaminophen.