Esgic Plus is a barbiturate sedative (butalbital) mixed with a non-aspirin pain medication (acetaminophen) and caffeine. This non-narcotic pain medication and relaxant is often prescribed for tension headaches caused by contractions of the muscles in the neck and shoulder area, and migraines. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a class of drugs called barbiturates that slow down your central nervous system (brain and nerve impulses) causing relaxation. Caffeine is believed to constrict dilated blood vessels that may contribute to tension headaches.

Drug Interactions

Do not take acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) in the last 14 days. Dangerous side effects could result. Acetaminophen and butalbital may increase the effects of other drugs that cause drowsiness, including antidepressants, alcohol, antihistamines, sedatives (used to treat insomnia), other pain relievers, anxiety medicines, and muscle relaxants. Tell your doctor about all medicines that you are taking, and do not take any medicine unless your doctor approves. Many other medicines contain acetaminophen, especially over-the-counter pain, fever, cold, and allergy medications. Too much acetaminophen can be very dangerous. Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Allergy

DO NOT TAKE ULTRACET IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to codeine, hydrocodone, dihydrocodeine, oxycodone (such as Tylox, Tylenol with Codeine, Vicodin). A severe allergic reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing, tightness of chest, swelling of eyelids, face, or lips, or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more doses of Ultracet unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Warning

DO NOT EXCEED THE RECOMMENDED DOSE or take Ultracet for longer than prescribed. ULTRACET MAY BE HABIT FORMING. Use caution driving or operating machinery. DO NOT DRINK ALCOHOL while taking Ultracet. DO NOT TAKE other products containing acetaminophen (check labels closely) while you are taking Ultracet. IF DIZZINESS OCCURS, sit or stand up slowly. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY, tell the doctor that you are taking Ultracet. IF YOU EXPERIENCE WITHDRAWAL SYMPTOMS (nervousness, sweating, nausea, diarrhea, tremor, trouble sleeping), check with your doctor . FOR WOMEN: Discuss with your doctor is you are planning on getting pregnant. ULTRACET IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT BREAST-FEED while taking Ultracet.

Drug Interactions

DO NOT TAKE ULTRACET if you are also taking carbamazepine, cyclobenzaprine, an amphetamine, opiate analgesic, tricyclic antidepressant, serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI), promethazine, or medicine for appetite suppression, sleep, or a nervous, mood, or behavior condition. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITIONS may be needed if you are taking isoniazid, guanidine, or an oral anticoagulant.