Information about Butabarbital

Generic Name : Butabarbital
Up-to-date prescription details regarding Butabarbital are provided here.

Pronunciation : byoo ta bar' bi tal

Learn the correct pronunciation of the Butabarbital, understand it's uses, recommended dosages, its indications, how to take, when to take, when not to take, side effects, special precautions, warnings and its and its storage instructions.

You will also find a list of the medication's International and Indian brand or trade names, as well as its pricing information. For verification of the information presented on this page or for additional clarifications, it's advisable to consult your doctor.

ICD Code : Y47.0 Therapeutic Classification : Sedative-hypnotic Drugs

Trade Names/Brand Names of Butabarbital

International :

Butalan, Buticaps, Butisol

Why is Butabarbital Prescribed? (Indications)

This medication is a barbiturate, prescribed for short-term treatment of insomnia. It is also used to relieve anxiety. It works by slowing activity in the brain.

When should Butabarbital not be taken? (Contraindications)

Contraindicated in patients with history of manifest or latent porphyria and hypersensitivity.

What is the dosage of Butabarbital?

Usual adult dosage- Daytime sedative - 15 to 30 mg, 3 or 4 times daily.
Bedtime hypnotic - 50 to 100 mg.
Preoperative sedative - 50 to 100 mg, 60 to 90 minutes before surgery.
Usual pediatric dosage- Preoperative sedative - 2 to 6 mg/kg maximum 100 mg.

How should Butabarbital be taken?

It comes as a tablet to take by mouth, with or without food.

What are the warnings and precautions for Butabarbital?

• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of asthma or any condition that causes shortness of breath or difficulty in breathing, depression, seizures, kidney or liver diseases, alcohol abuse, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• It may cause dizziness or drowsiness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.

• Avoid alcohol consumption.

• Patient may perform certain activities like driving their cars, preparing and eating food, having sex, making phone calls in partially sleepy mood without their knowledge. If it so consult with your doctor.

• Monitor complete blood cell counts, kidney and liver functions regularly while taking this medication.

What are the side effects of Butabarbital?

Most Common - Drowsiness.
Central nervous system - Agitation, confusion, hyperactivity, involuntary movement, CNS depression, abnormal dreams, nervousness, mental disturbances, hallucinations, sleeplessness, anxiety and abnormal thinking.
Respiratory - Difficulty in breathing.
Heart - Slow heart rate, low blood pressure and fainting.
Gastrointestinal - Nausea, vomiting and constipation.
Miscellaneous - Headache, severe allergic reactions, fever and liver damage.

What are the other precautions for Butabarbital?

Avoid long-term use of this drug; otherwise patient may get addicted to this drug.
Avoid excess dosage.
If there is no improvement in your condition after 1-week period of treatment, consult with your doctor.