Esgic

Inadequate analgesia, Tension-Type Headache
Treatment
3 FDA approvals
1 Active Study for Esgic

What is Esgic

ButalbitalThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryButalbital is a type of medication that belongs to the barbiturate family and is used to treat tension headaches. It is usually combined with other drugs, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, or caffeine. Butalbital is not recommended for migraines as it has not been clinically proven to be effective. It can be abused or misused, and may cause tolerance, dependence, or intoxication. It is important to use this medication carefully and only when other medications are not effective.
Fiorinalis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Esgic Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Fiorinal
Butalbital
1976
283

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Butalbital, also known as Fiorinal, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Tension-Type Headache and Tension Headache .
Tension-Type Headache
Used to treat Tension Headache in combination with Acetaminophen
Tension Headache
Used to treat Tension Headache in combination with Acetaminophen
Inadequate analgesia
Used to treat Inadequate analgesia in combination with Acetaminophen

Effectiveness

How Esgic Affects PatientsButalbital is a type of drug called a barbiturate. It affects the activity of the central nervous system and can cause various levels of mental effects, from excitement to a deep coma. When taken in the right amount, it can provide relief from pain and anxiety, but it can also be habit-forming and cause tolerance, dependence, and addiction. Butalbital is sometimes combined with other drugs, such as caffeine, to reduce its stimulating effects. It can also lower blood pressure and heart rate.
How Esgic works in the bodyButalbital is a type of medication that slows down the activity of your nerves. It works by making it harder for your neurons to send signals to each other. It attaches to a specific receptor on your nerve cells, and this helps to reduce the electrical signals that your neurons send. Butalbital also helps to increase the effects of GABA, a neurotransmitter that has calming effects. It can also help block excitatory signals, like those sent by glutamate, which can cause pain. Butalbital may also help to increase the effects of opioids, helping to reduce pain even further.

When to interrupt dosage

The measure of Esgic is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage fluctuates according to the method of administration outlined in the table beneath.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Tension-Type Headache
, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated
Inadequate analgesia
, 50.0 mg, 5.0 mg/mL, 25.0 mg, 25.0 mg/mg
, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Syrup, Syrup - Oral, Tablet, coated - Oral, Tablet, coated

Warnings

Esgic has four contraindications and should not be employed if the patient is suffering from any of the conditions specified in the table below.Esgic Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Porphyrias
Do Not Combine
Post-Tonsillectomy
Do Not Combine
Porphyrias
Do Not Combine
post-adenoidectomy
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Esgic.
Common Esgic Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.
Alpelisib
Major
The metabolism of Alpelisib can be increased when combined with Butalbital.
Amiodarone
Major
The metabolism of Amiodarone can be increased when combined with Butalbital.
Esgic Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of butalbital for women is 400 mg/kg, and 160 mg/kg in rats. Taking 2.0 g or more of butalbital can be deadly for adults. Symptoms of overdose include drowsiness, confusion, coma, slowed breathing, low blood pressure, and shock. Barbiturates can also cause withdrawal symptoms, which can be fatal if severe.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Esgic Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Esgic?

A single active study is currently examining the potential of Esgic for providing relief from Tension Headaches.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Inadequate analgesia
0 Actively Recruiting
Tension-Type Headache
2 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3

Esgic Reviews: What are patients saying about Esgic?

5Patient Review
10/13/2011
Esgic for Migraine Headache
The medication did help with my headache, but unfortunately came with the side effect of muscle spasms.
5Patient Review
8/31/2013
Esgic for Tension Headache
I've been taking this medication for over a decade and it's always worked well for me. I don't understand why the doctor now wants to restrict me to such a small amount.
5Patient Review
3/19/2013
Esgic for Tension Headache
I took Esgic while I was pregnant for REALLY BAD headaches and not only did it work REALLY FAST, but neither me nor the baby suffered any side effects!
5Patient Review
5/18/2018
Esgic for Migraine Headache
This pill is really effective and I only need to take a small dose to get relief. It's helped me feel like myself again.
5Patient Review
8/11/2016
Esgic for Tension Headache
I've tried a lot of different treatments and drugs over the past two years, and Esgic is by far the best. It's been 20 years since I first tried it, and it still works great!
View All Reviews
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Patient Q&A Section about esgic

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

How does Esgic make you feel?

"Patients who are elderly or debilitated may experience mental confusion, excitement, or depression due to intolerance of butalbital. Additionally, the autonomic nervous system may be affected, causing dry mouth or hyperhidrosis. Gastrointestinal problems such as difficulty swallowing, heartburn, flatulence, or constipation may also occur."

Answered by AI

What is the medicine Esgic used for?

"This medication is used to treat tension headaches by combining acetaminophen (to decrease pain) with caffeine (to increase the effects of acetaminophen) and butalbital (a sedative to decrease anxiety, cause sleepiness, and promote relaxation)."

Answered by AI

Is Esgic a muscle relaxer?

"Esgic is a medication used to treat tension headaches by relaxing the muscle contractions that cause them. Caffeine, a central nervous system stimulant, is also included in the medication to help improve blood flow by relaxing blood vessels."

Answered by AI

Is Esgic a opioid?

"Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of codeine.

This combo medication is used to treat tension headaches. Codeine, an opioid pain reliever, acts on certain centers in the brain to give you pain relief. Acetaminophen is a less potent pain reliever that increases the effects of codeine."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Esgic