Esgic Oral and Phenylephrine and promethazine

• Generic Name: acetaminophen / butalbital / caffeine
• Dosage Forms: capsule
• Other Brand Names: Capacet, Esgic, Fioricet, Margesic, Medigesic, Orbivan, Repan, Vanatol LQ, Zebutal, Esgic-Plus, Arcet, Isocet, Pharmagesic, Anoquan, Two-Dyne, Tenake, Anolor 300, Femcet, Geone, Tencet, Triad, Fiorpap, Dolmar, Endolor, Ezol, Ide-cet, G-1, Minotal, Mygracet, Pacaps, Alagesic, Americet, Nonbac, Dolgic LQ, Dolgic Plus, Vanatol S, Alagesic LQ

Butalbital, acetaminophen, and caffeine combination is used to relieve symptoms of tension (or muscle contraction) headaches.

Butalbital belongs to the group of medicines called barbiturates. Barbiturates act in the central nervous system (CNS) to produce their effects.

Acetaminophen is used to relieve pain and reduce fever in patients. It does not become habit-forming when taken for a long time. But acetaminophen may cause other unwanted effects when taken in large doses, including liver damage.

When butalbital is used for a long time, it may become habit-forming, causing mental or physical dependence. However, people who have continuing pain should not let the fear of dependence keep them from using narcotics to relieve their pain. Physical dependence may lead to withdrawal side effects if treatment is stopped suddenly. However, severe withdrawal side effects can usually be prevented by gradually reducing the dose over a period of time before treatment is stopped completely.

Caffeine is a CNS stimulant that is used with pain relievers to increase their effect. It has also been used for migraine headaches. However, caffeine can also cause physical dependence when it is used for a long time. This may lead to withdrawal (rebound) headaches when you stop taking it.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

• Generic Name: phenylephrine / promethazine
• Dosage Forms: n.a.
• Other Brand Names: Phenergan VC, Promethazine VC Plain, Promethazine VC

Phenylephrine is a decongestant that shrinks blood vessels in the nasal passages. Dilated blood vessels can cause nasal congestion (stuffy nose).

Promethazine is an antihistamine that reduces the effects of natural chemical histamine in the body. Histamine can produce symptoms of sneezing, itching, watery eyes, and runny nose.

Phenylephrine and promethazine is a combination medicine used to treat sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, hives, skin rash, itching, and other cold or allergy symptoms.

Phenylephrine and promethazine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.