Brand Names: Butisol Sodium

Generic Name: butabarbital (Pronunciation: byoo ta BAR bi tal)

• What is butabarbital (Butisol)?
• What are the possible side effects of butabarbital (Butisol)?
• What is the most important information I should know about butabarbital (Butisol)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking butabarbital (Butisol)?
• How should I take butabarbital (Butisol)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Butisol)?
• What happens if I overdose (Butisol)?
• What should I avoid while taking butabarbital (Butisol)?
• What other drugs will affect butabarbital (Butisol)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is butabarbital (Butisol)?

Butabarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Butabarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Butabarbital is used short-term to treat insomnia, or as a sedative before surgery.

Butabarbital may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Butisol 30 mg

round, green, imprinted with BUTISOL SODIUM, 37 113

What are the possible side effects of butabarbital (Butisol)?

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• feeling like you might pass out;
• a fever or a sore throat;
• sores in your mouth;
• easy bruising or bleeding; or
• trouble breathing or swallowing.

Less serious side effects may be more likely to occur, such as:

• drowsiness or dizziness;
• problems with memory or concentration;
• excitement (especially in children or older adults);
• joint or muscle pain;
• nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, constipation; or
• nightmares or increased dreaming.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Read the Butisol (butabarbital sodium tablets) Side Effects Center for a complete guide to possible side effects »

What is the most important information I should know about butabarbital (Butisol)?

Some people using this medicine have engaged in activity such as driving, eating, or making phone calls and later having no memory of the activity. If this happens to you, stop taking butabarbital and talk with your doctor about another treatment for your sleep disorder.

Butabarbital can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about using a non-hormone method of birth control (such as a condom, diaphragm, spermicide) to prevent pregnancy while taking butabarbital.

Butabarbital may be habit-forming and should be used only by the person it was prescribed for. Butabarbital should never be shared with another person, especially someone who has a history of drug abuse or addiction. Keep the medication in a secure place where others cannot get to it.