Esgic

Inadequate analgesia, Tension-Type Headache

Treatment

3 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Esgic

What is Esgic

Butalbital

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Butalbital 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.

Fiorinal

is 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 Patients

Butalbital 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 body

Butalbital 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

Capsule, Tablet, , Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - 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

Capsule, Tablet, , Oral, Tablet - Oral, Capsule - 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 Risk

The 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

0 Actively Recruiting

Esgic Reviews: What are patients saying about Esgic?

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient 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.

5

Patient 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!

5

Patient Review

8/18/2014

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I've been taking this for over a decade and it usually works well with just one pill. For about 20% of the time, I need two pills to see results.

5

Patient Review

6/5/2014

Esgic for Migraine Headache

Fioricet is a medication used to treat migraines and tension headaches. It is a combination of acetaminophen, butalbital, and caffeine.

5

Patient Review

4/23/2009

Esgic for Migraine Headache

4.3

Patient Review

12/16/2011

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I've been using this medication for years to help with my migraines and it's been working great.

4

Patient Review

5/12/2014

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I take this medication as a last resort for headaches, typically only one pill is needed. I was dismayed to find out that it's no longer being produced.

4

Patient Review

1/6/2015

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I take this medication for migraines when 800-mg of Tylenol does not provide relief.

4

Patient Review

7/15/2010

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I've been using this medication for about 25 years now to great success. It was originally given to me as a sample for my optical migraines, and it's worked wonderfully ever since. I highly recommend it to anyone who can't take codeine pain pills.

3.7

Patient Review

10/10/2011

Esgic for Migraine Headache

Even with Demerol, this didn't work for me. I had to go the hospital twice because of it.

3.7

Patient Review

1/19/2010

Esgic for Tension Headache

I started taking this because I was pregnant and having a migraine or tension headache almost every day due to the increase of hormones. This is by far the best medicine I've taken for migraines! It works right away, but it's even better if you don't eat anything before you take it. Plus, it calms me down and relaxes me at the same time. I love it!

3.7

Patient Review

11/7/2012

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I have unfortunately become addicted to Esgic and desperately need help.

2.7

Patient Review

7/12/2012

Esgic for Migraine Headache

I've been taking Esgic for about 5 years to manage my TMJ and the headaches that come with it. Usually, one pill does the job nicely. When the pain is bad, I take two as per my doctor's recommendation. I don't notice any negative side effects from this medication and am grateful to have it when headaches unexpectedly crop up.

1.3

Patient Review

4/15/2014

Esgic for Tension Headache

I've been taking Esgic for over 15 years now, and it's helped me a lot. I never take more than four pills in a day, and if I don't have a headache I just don't take them. I've never had any negative reaction or withdrawal symptoms from not taking the medication.

1

Patient Review

8/11/2009

Esgic for Migraine Headache

image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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