ratio-Tecnal
ratio-Tecnal Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Food Interaction and all others data.
Butalbital, or 5-allyl-5-isobutylbarbituric acid, is a derivative of barbituric acid which the hydrogens at position 5 are substituted by an allyl group and an isobutyl group. It is a short-to-intermediate acting member of barbiturates that exhibit muscle-relaxing and anti-anxiety properties that produce central nervous system (CNS) depression that ranges from mild sedation to general anesthesia. Butalbital has a low degree of selectivity and a narrow therapeutic index. Typically indicated to manage tension (or muscle contraction) headaches, butalbital is often combined with one or more therapeutic agents, such as acetylsalicylic acid, acetaminophen, aspirin, and caffeine. There have not been clinical trials that evaluate the clinical efficacy of butalbital in migraines thus it is not indicated for such condition. As with other barbiturates, butalbital carries a risk of abuse or misuse potential, intoxication, hangover, tolerance, dependence, and overdosage possibly leading to death. Butalbital‐containing analgesics can also produce a drug‐induced headache in addition to tolerance and dependence. Due to these risks, the use of butalbital-containing combination products is typically limited for use only in cases where other medications are deemed ineffective and such usage is advised to be carefully monitored.
Butalbital is a short to intermediate-acting barbiturate that reversibly depresses the activity of excitable tissues, including the central nervous system in a nonselective manner. Barbiturates exhibit muscle-relaxing and anti-anxiety properties and they are capable of producing all levels of CNS mood alteration from excitation to mild sedation, hypnosis, and deep coma. The sedative dose of butalbital in nontolerant individuals is 5-100 mg and the hypnotic dose is 100-200 mg. Pain perception and reaction are relatively unimpaired until the moment of unconsciousness. In some cases, an unwanted paradoxical response of excitement may be observed instead of sedation with barbiturate treatment, which may be due to their depressant effects on inhibitory centers of the CNS. At sufficiently high therapeutic doses, barbiturates induce anesthesia; however, barbiturates are reported to lose their effectiveness for sleep induction and sleep maintenance after 2 weeks. Barbiturates are habit-forming; they can produce tolerance and both dependence and addiction, which is partly explained by decreased drug concentration at the site of action due to enhanced drug metabolism by induced enzymes, or to cellular adaptive changes. In addition, butalbital may lead to analgesic overuse headache.
While butalbital is expected to mediate similar actions as other members of the barbiturate drug class, the effects of butalbital in isolation are not well understood. It is suggested that butalbital is added in combination products to antagonize the unwanted central stimulating effect of stimulatory ingredients such as caffeine. Butalbital may decrease blood pressure and heart rate when administered at sedative and hypnotic doses.
Caffeine is a drug of the methylxanthine class used for a variety of purposes, including certain respiratory conditions of the premature newborn, pain relief, and to combat drowsiness. Caffeine is similar in chemical structure to Theophylline and Theobromine. It can be sourced from coffee beans, but also occurs naturally in various teas and cacao beans, which are different than coffee beans. Caffeine is also used in a variety of cosmetic products and can be administered topically, orally, by inhalation, or by injection.
The caffeine citrate injection, used for apnea of the premature newborn, was initially approved by the FDA in 1999. According to an article from 2017, more than 15 million babies are born prematurely worldwide. This correlates to about 1 in 10 births. Premature birth can lead to apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a condition that interferes with lung development and may eventually cause asthma or early onset emphysema in those born prematurely. Caffeine is beneficial in preventing and treating apnea and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in newborns, improving the quality of life of premature infants.
Caffeine stimulates the central nervous system (CNS), heightening alertness, and sometimes causing restlessness and agitation. It relaxes smooth muscle, stimulates the contraction of cardiac muscle, and enhances athletic performance. Caffeine promotes gastric acid secretion and increases gastrointestinal motility. It is often combined in products with analgesics and ergot alkaloids, relieving the symptoms of migraine and other types of headaches. Finally, caffeine acts as a mild diuretic.
| Trade Name | ratio-Tecnal |
| Generic | ASA + caffeine + butalbital |
| Type | |
| Therapeutic Class | |
| Manufacturer | |
| Available Country | Canada |
| Last Updated: | September 19, 2023 at 7:00 am |
Uses
Butalbital is a barbiturate drug used for symptomatic treatment of tension-type headache in various combinations with acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine.
Indicated for the management of the symptom complex of tension (or muscle contraction) headache, when other non-opioid analgesics and alternative treatments are inadequate, in various combinations with acetaminophen, aspirin, caffeine, and codeine .
Caffeine is a stimulant present in tea, coffee, cola beverages, analgesic drugs, and agents used to increase alertness. It is also used in to prevent and treat pulmonary complications of premature birth.
Caffeine is indicated for the short term treatment of apnea of prematurity in infants and off label for the prevention and treatment of bronchopulmonary dysplasia caused by premature birth. In addition, it is indicated in combination with sodium benzoate to treat respiratory depression resulting from an overdose with CNS depressant drugs. Caffeine has a broad range of over the counter uses, and is found in energy supplements, athletic enhancement products, pain relief products, as well as cosmetic products.
ratio-Tecnal is also used to associated treatment for these conditions: Tension HeadacheBronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD), Common Cold, Dark circles under eyes, Dyspepsia, Fatigue, Fever, Flu caused by Influenza, Headache, Migraine, Pain, Pain, Acute, Pain, Menstrual, Primary apnea of premature newborns, Respiratory Depression, Rheumatic Pain, Somnolence, Soreness, Muscle, Tension Headache, Toothache, Moderate Pain, Analgesia, Antacid therapy, Athletic Performance
How ratio-Tecnal works
Butalbital is a CNS depressant that suppresses neuronal excitability, impulse conduction, and the release of neurotransmitters, similar to actions of other barbiturates. Barbiturates primarily mediate suppressive actions on polysynaptic neuronal responses by diminishing facilitation while enhancing inhibition. Inhibition occurs at GABAergic synapses that express GABA-A receptors, which are transmembrane chloride ion channels that bind an inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, barbiturates, benzodiazepines, neurosteroids, and ethanol. Upon activation, GABA-A receptors allow Cl- influx and K+ efflux into the postjunctional terminal, resulting in inhibition of the postsynaptic neuron. It is suggested that barbiturates, including butalbital, enhances GABA binding to the GABA-A receptors by binding to the α+/β− interface in the intracellular domain (ICD) as an allosteric modulator. Additionally, barbiturates promote benzodiazepine binding to the receptor. Barbiturates potentiate GABA-induced increases in chloride conductance and depress voltage-activated calcium currents while prolonging the duration of GABA-induced chloride channel opening. Butalbital may also inhibit the excitatory effects mediated by AMPA receptors by reducing glutamate-induced depolarizations of the receptor. It is also proposed that barbiturates and opioids may potentiate the analgesic effects of each other when co-administered, although there are inconsistencies across preclinical data.
The mechanism of action of caffeine is complex, as it impacts several body systems, which are listed below. The effects as they relate to various body systems are described as follows:
General and cellular actions
Caffeine exerts several actions on cells, but the clinical relevance is poorly understood. One probable mechanism is the inhibition of nucleotide phosphodiesterase enzymes, adenosine receptors, regulation of calcium handling in cells, and participates in adenosine receptor antagonism. Phosphodiesterase enzymes regulate cell function via actions on second messengers cAMP and cGMP. This causes lipolysis through activation of hormone-sensitive lipases, releasing fatty acids and glycerol.
Respiratory
The exact mechanism of action of caffeine in treating apnea related to prematurity is unknown, however, there are several proposed mechanisms, including respiratory center stimulation in the central nervous system, a reduced threshold to hypercapnia with increased response, and increased consumption of oxygen, among others. The blocking of the adenosine receptors enhances respiratory drive via an increase in brain medullary response to carbon dioxide, stimulating ventilation and respiratory drive, while increasing contractility of the diaphragm.
Central nervous system
Caffeine demonstrates antagonism of all 4 adenosine receptor subtypes (A1, A2a, A2b, A3) in the central nervous system. Caffeine's effects on alertness and combatting drowsiness are specifically related to the antagonism of the A2a receptor.
Renal system
Caffeine has diuretic effects due to is stimulatory effects on renal blood flow, increase in glomerular filtration, and increase in sodium excretion.
Cardiovascular system
Adenosine receptor antagonism at the A1 receptor by caffeine stimulates inotropic effects in the heart. Blocking of adenosine receptors promotes catecholamine release, leading to stimulatory effects occurring in the heart and the rest of the body. In the blood vessels, caffeine exerts direct antagonism of adenosine receptors, causing vasodilation. It stimulates the endothelial cells in the blood vessel wall to release nitric oxide, potentiating blood vessel relaxation. Catecholamine release, however, antagonizes this and exerts inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart, ultimately leading to vasoconstriction. Finally, caffeine is shown to raise systolic blood pressure measurements by 5 to 10 mmHg when it is not taken regularly, versus no effect in those who consume it regularly. The vasoconstricting effects of caffeine are beneficial in migraines and other types of headache, which are normally caused by vasodilation in the brain.
Toxicity
Reported oral TDLO (woman) is 400 mg/kg and subcutaneous LD50 in rat is 160 mg/kg. The lowest acute dose of butalbital alone associated with death in adults is 2.0 g. Symptoms of acute barbiturate poisoning include drowsiness, confusion, coma, respiratory depression, hypotension, and shock. Due to the CNS depressant effects, an overdose of barbiturates may lead to death. Barbiturates are also associated with withdrawal reactions, which may lead to death if severe.
The oral LD50 of caffeine in rats is 192 mg/kg. An acute fatal overdose of caffeine in humans is about 10–14 grams (equivalent to 150–200 mg/kg of body weight).
Caffeine overdose
In the case of caffeine overdose, seizures may occur, as caffeine is a central nervous system stimulant. It should be used with extreme caution in those with epilepsy or other seizure disorders. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal upset. Intoxication with caffeine is included in the World Health Organization’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Agitation, anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, tachycardia, tremors, tachycardia, psychomotor agitation, and, in some cases, death can occur, depending on the amount of caffeine consumed. Overdose is more likely to occur in individuals who do not consume caffeine regularly but consume energy drinks.
Overdose management
For a mild caffeine overdose, offer symptomatic treatment. In the case of a severe overdose, intubation for airway protection from changes in mental status or vomiting may be needed. Activated charcoal and hemodialysis can prevent further complications of an overdose and prevent absorption and metabolism. Benzodiazepine drugs can be administered to prevent or treat seizures. IV fluids and vasopressors may be necessary to combat hypotension associated with caffeine overdose. In addition, magnesium and beta blocking drugs can be used to treat arrhythmias that may occur, with defibrillation and resuscitation if the arrhythmias are lethal. Follow local ACLS protocols.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of butalbital is reported to be approximately 0.8 L/kg. Butalbital is expected to distribute to most of the tissues in the body , including the mamillary glands and placenta. The plasma-to-blood concentration ratio was almost unity indicating that there is no preferential distribution of butalbital into either plasma or blood cells.
Caffeine has the ability to rapidly cross the blood-brain barrier. It is water and fat soluble and distributes throughout the body. Caffeine concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid of preterm newborns are similar to the concentrations found in the plasma. The mean volume of distribution of caffeine in infants is 0.8-0.9 L/kg and 0.6 L/kg in the adult population.
Elimination Route
Butalbital gets readily and rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. The time to reach the peak plasma concentrations is reported to be approximately 2 hours. Typical blood concentrations of butalbital peaked at 2.1 mg/L and declined to 1.5 mg/L at 24 hr. Plasma concentrations of 10 to 20 μg/mL have been associated with toxicity; coma and fatalities have occurred with concentrations of 25 to 30 μg/mL.
Caffeine is rapidly absorbed after oral or parenteral administration, reaching peak plasma concentration within 30 minutes to 2 hours after administration. After oral administration, onset of action takes place within 45 to 1 hour. Food may delay caffeine absorption. The peak plasma level for caffeine ranges from 6-10mg/L. The absolute bioavailability is unavailable in neonates, but reaches about 100% in adults.
Half Life
The plasma half-life is about 35 hours. In a study of 5 healthy volunteers receiving 100 mg butalbital in combination with aspirin and caffeine, the mean plasma elimination half-life of butalbital was 61 hours, with the range of 35 to 88 hours.
In an average-sized adult or child above the age of 9, the half-life of caffeine is approximately 5 hours. Various characteristics and conditions can alter caffeine half-life. It can be reduced by up to 50% in smokers. Pregnant women show an increased half-life of 15 hours or higher, especially in the third trimester. The half-life in newborns is prolonged to about 8 hours at full-term and 100 hours in premature infants, likely due to reduced ability to metabolize it. Liver disease or drugs that inhibit CYP1A2 can increase caffeine half-life.
Clearance
There is limited data on the clearance of butalbital.
The clearance of caffeine varies, but on average, is about 0.078 L/kg/h (1.3 mL/min/kg).
Elimination Route
Butalbital predominantly undergoes renal elimination with 59 to 88% of the total dose administered being excreted from the kidneys as unchanged parent drug or metabolites. Urinary excretion products included parent drug (about 3.6% of the dose), 5-isobutyl-5-(2,3-dihydroxypropyl) barbituric acid (about 24% of the dose), 5-allyl-5(3-hydroxy-2-methyl-1-propyl) barbituric acid (about 4.8%), products with the barbituric acid ring hydrolyzed with excretion of urea (about 14% of the dose), as well as unidentified materials. Of the material excreted in the urine, 32% is conjugated. Elimination is not complete within 24 hours, and the drug accumulates with frequent administration.
The major metabolites of caffeine can be found excreted in the urine. About 0.5% to 2% of a caffeine dose is found excreted in urine, as it because it is heavily absorbed in the renal tubules.
Innovators Monograph
You find simplified version here ratio-Tecnal
