Butalbital / Caffeine / Codeine
Butalbital/Caffeine/Codeine is a combination analgesic used to treat tension-type headaches and migraines. It combines a barbiturate (butalbital) for sedation, a stimulant (caffeine) to enhance pain relief, and an opioid (codeine) for pain control. This medication is typically reserved for patients who have not responded to simpler analgesics.
A triple-combination medication for tension headaches that pairs an opioid, barbiturate, and stimulant for enhanced pain relief.
Key facts at a glance
- RxNorm
- 1008060
- Generic
- Butalbital / Caffeine / Codeine
- Class
- multi-ingredient
- Brands
- —
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- —
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Treatment of tension-type headaches and migraine attacks in patients who have not achieved adequate relief from simpler analgesics like acetaminophen or NSAIDs alone.
Butalbital provides anxiolytic and sedative effects that help relax tense muscles; caffeine constricts cerebral blood vessels and enhances analgesic absorption; codeine binds to opioid receptors to reduce the perception of pain.
Due to risk of dependence, this medication should be used short-term at the lowest effective dose. It may cause drowsiness; avoid alcohol and operating machinery. Not recommended during pregnancy, breastfeeding, or in patients with respiratory conditions. Habit-forming potential requires careful monitoring.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 28, 2026. · Read our editorial policy