Butalbital

Alternative Medicine The following information is specific for alternative and complementary medicine. For additional evidence-based information on diseases, conditions, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and wellness issues, continue searching the Healthwise Knowledgebase.

Combination List

Combination drugs:

• Fioricet
• Fiorinal
• Phrenilin

Butalbital is in a class of drugs known as barbiturates and is used to treat tension headaches. There are currently no reported nutrient or herb interactions involving butalbital. See barbiturates for interactions common to this class of drugs, though they have not yet been investigated for butalbital.

Herbs

Summary of Interactions for Butalbital

Depletion or interference	None known
Adverse interaction	Alcohol
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Other Interactions

Alcohol

Drinking alcoholic beverages while taking barbiturates increases side effects, such as drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness;^{1, 2} if taken in excess, this combination may result in death. Consequently, people taking barbiturates should avoid drinking alcohol.

References

1. Sifton DW, ed. Physicians Desk Reference, Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 2000, 906-7.
2. Olin BR, ed. Central Nervous System Drugs, Sedatives and Hypnotics, Barbiturates. In Facts and Comparisons Drug Information. St. Louis, MO: Facts and Comparisons, 1993, 1398-413.

---

Last Review: 01-21-2009

Copyright © 2009 Aisle7  All rights reserved.  www.Aisle7.net

Please read the disclaimer about the limitations of the information provided here. Do NOT rely solely on the information in this article.

Learn more about Aisle7.

Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines with Vitamins and Herbs

The information presented in Aisle7 is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires February 2010.

	Go to top of page
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.