Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. If too much is taken, it may become habit-forming (causing mental or physical dependence).

If you are using butabarbital to treat insomnia:

  • Take it just before going to bed, when you are ready to go to sleep. This medicine works very quickly to put you to sleep.
  • Do not take this medicine when your schedule does not permit you to get a full night's sleep (about 7 to 8 hours). If you must wake up before this, you may continue to feel drowsy and may experience memory problems, because the effects of the medicine have not had time to wear off.

Take this medicine on an empty stomach.

Shake the oral liquid well before each use. Measure the medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup. The average household teaspoon may not hold the right amount of liquid.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage forms (solution, tablets):
    • For daytime sleepiness:
      • Adults—15 to 30 milligrams (mg) 3 or 4 times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For insomnia:
      • Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg).
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
    • For sleepiness before surgery:
      • Adults—50 to 100 milligrams (mg), 60 to 90 minutes before surgery.
      • Children—Dose is based on body weight and must be determined by your doctor. The dose is usually 2 to 6 mg per kilogram (kg) of body weight per day. However, the dose is not more than 100 mg per day.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you use this medicine to treat insomnia, take it only when you cannot sleep. You do not need to keep a schedule for taking it.

Storage

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

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Portions of this document last updated: May 01, 2024

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