Drugs Q & A

How Often Can You Take Buscapina?

What is Buscapina?

Buscapina is a fast acting pain reliever containing Acetaminophen 500 mg, Caffeine 60mg, and Pyrilamine Maleate 15 mg. These ingredients provide quick temporal relief for menstrual cramps, bloating, fatigue, common cold symptoms, backache, headache, water-weight gain and more.

Acetaminophen: Although not fully elucidated, the analgesic effects are believed to be due to activation of descending serotonergic inhibitory pathways in the CNS. Interactions with other nociceptive systems may be involved as well (Smith 2009). Antipyresis is produced from inhibition of the hypothalamic heat-regulating center.

Caffeine: A cranial vasoconstrictor to enhance the vasoconstrictor effect. It is also used as a central stimulant for relief of headache.

Pyrilamine: H1-receptor antagonist. It is a first generation antihistamine. However, it rapidly permeates the brain and so often causes drowsiness as a side effect.

How often can you take Buscapina?

Generally, adults and children 12 years and over should take 2 tablets with water and repeat every 6 hours, as needed. You should not exceed 6 tablets per day. Buscapina contains acetaminophen which can be very dangerous when taken in excess.

In the United States, acetaminophen is the most common cause of acute liver failure, according to the Mayo Clinic.  In January of 2011, the FDA urged health care professionals to stop prescribing combination drug products that contain more than 325 milligrams of acetaminophen per dose to reduce the risk of liver damage, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

By 2014, the agency announced that all manufacturers of prescription combination drug products with acetaminophen had stopped making products with more than 325 mg of acetaminophen. Though the risk of liver damage from overdose of acetaminophen has long-been known, this most recent action is targeted at reducing the number of people who overdose by unknowingly taking too many medications that contain acetaminophen, the FDA said.

When the liver breaks down acetaminophen, it produces a toxic metabolite called NAPQI. But when people take the recommended dose of acetaminophen, only a small amount of NAPQI is produced, and the liver is able to clear this metabolite. However, when people take an overdose, this clearance pathway becomes overwhelmed and NAPQI damages the liver, according to the Utah Poison Control Center.

Patients should be sure to tell their doctor if they have any history of liver problems or drink more than two alcoholic beverages per day.

What are the side effects of Buscapina?

Buscapina causes side effects, as a result when using this product;

  • you may get drowsy
  • avoid alcoholic drinks
  • excitability may occur, especially in children
  • alcohol, sedatives, and tranquilizers may increase drowsiness
  • be careful when driving a motor vehicle or operating machinery

Limit the use of caffeine-containing medications, foods or beverages because too much caffeine may cause nervousness, irritability, sleeplessness, and occasionally rapid heartbeat. The recommended dose of this product contains about as much caffeine as a cup of coffee.

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Dr. Oche Otorkpa PG Cert, MPH, PhD

Dr. Oche is a seasoned Public Health specialist who holds a post graduate certificate in Pharmacology and Therapeutics, an MPH, and a PhD both from Texila American University. He is a member of the International Society of Substance Use Professionals and a Fellow of the Royal Society for Public Health in the UK. He authored two books: "The Unseen Terrorist," published by AuthorHouse UK, and "The Night Before I Killed Addiction."
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