Proxibarbal is an over-the-counter medicine used to treat mild to moderate pain caused by conditions such as headache, arthritis, muscle aches, toothache, menstrual cramps and cold or flu-like symptoms. It is a combination of ibuprofen and barbiturate, an analgesic and sedative drug, respectively. Proxibarbal works by reducing inflammation and pain, as well as helping to reduce fever. It is available in tablet and capsule forms and should be taken with food or milk to reduce stomach upset.
Proxibarbal was a medication once used to treat migraines, but it's no longer commonly prescribed due to safety concerns. Here's what you should know:
Type: Barbiturate derivative
Past Use: Treatment of migraines, similar to butalbital
Why Not Used Anymore: Proxibarbal was withdrawn from the market because it can cause a serious side effect called immunoallergic thrombocytopenia [1]. This condition reduces the number of platelets in the blood, which are essential for clotting and preventing excessive bleeding.
How it Worked (theory): Unlike most barbiturates that cause drowsiness, proxibarbal acted differently. It was thought to work by increasing the activity of enzymes that break down certain chemicals like serotonin and histamine, which might be involved in migraines [2, 4].
Other Points:
- Proxibarbal was never widely approved and only available in France for a limited time [2].
- There's limited information available about its side effects beyond the serious blood clotting issue.
Current Migraine Treatments: There are several safer and more effective medications available for migraines. It's important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.