acetaminophen + butalbital

**acetaminophen + butalbital** is an oral pharmaceutical combination of two small molecules: acetaminophen, an analgesic and antipyretic, and butalbital, a short-to-intermediate acting barbiturate. It is primarily indicated for the symptomatic treatment of **tension-type (muscle contraction) headaches** when other non-opioid analgesics and alternative treatments are inadequate[3][6][8]. Acetaminophen alters the way the body senses pain, likely through central inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis and modulation of serotonergic pathways, although its precise analgesic mechanism is not fully understood[3][7]. Butalbital is a central nervous system depressant that acts as a positive allosteric modulator at the GABA(A) receptor and can also antagonize certain neuronal acetylcholine and glutamate receptors, providing sedative and muscle-relaxing effects[1]. Butalbital is habit-forming, with risk of dependence, tolerance, and withdrawal. The use of this combination is limited due to potential for medication overuse headaches, CNS depression, abuse, and acetaminophen-related hepatotoxicity at high doses. The product is available as branded and generic oral tablets and capsules[6][7][8].

Brand names

BupapAllzitalAxocetBucetCephadynDolgicMartenORBIVAN CFPhrenilinPhrenilin FortePromacetRepan CFSedapapTencon

Other names

butalbital + acetaminophen