What is Bupap: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Bupap overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Allzital, Bupap, Phrenilin, Tencon, Tencon

Generic Names:

  • Butalbital-Acetaminophen

Uses:

  • Treats the symptoms of tension headache. This medicine contains a barbiturate.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Butalbital/Acetaminophen Combination

Forms:

  • Tablet, Capsule

How it’s taken:

  • By mouth

What is Bupap used for?

Butalbital-Acetaminophen is a combination drug used to treat tension headaches and other conditions as prescribed by your doctor. Butalbital relaxes the muscles, cause sleepiness and decrease anxiety. Acetaminophen helps to relieve pain and reduce fever. Butalbital-Acetaminophen is available to children and adults as a capsule.

What form(s) does Bupap come in

  • Tablet

  • Capsule

What are common Bupap doses?

  • Tablet 50-300MG

Common Bupap prescriptions

  • Bupap
    50-300mg tablet

How to take Bupap

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.

  • If this medicine upsets your stomach, you may take it with food or milk.

  • This medicine is not for long-term use.

  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

What to do if you miss a dose of Bupap

Bupap contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to butalbital or acetaminophen, or if you have porphyria.

Bupap warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, or a stomach disorder.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk. Do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor if you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol every day.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Bupap interactions

  • Tell your doctor if you use anything else that makes you sleepy. Some examples are allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, and alcohol.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

  • This medicine contains acetaminophen. Read the labels of all other medicines you are using to see if they also contain acetaminophen, or ask your doctor or pharmacist. Do not use more than 4 grams (4,000 milligrams) total of acetaminophen in one day.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Acetaminophen can damage your liver, and alcohol can increase this risk. Do not take acetaminophen without asking your doctor if you have 3 or more drinks of alcohol every day.

  • Tell any doctor or dentist who treats you that you are using this medicine. This medicine may affect certain medical test results.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Bupap side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash

  • Dark urine or pale stools

  • Fast heartbeat

  • Increase in how much or how often you urinate

  • Numbness in any part of your body

  • Unusual bleeding or bruising

  • Nausea, vomiting, sweating, weakness

  • Trouble swallowing

  • Severe drowsiness, confusion, shallow breathing, fainting

  • Yellow skin or eyes

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Feeling like you are drunk

  • Unusual sleepiness

  • Ringing in your ears

  • Dry mouth, heartburn, mild nausea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain

  • Muscle pain or weakness

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