Interpretive Handbook
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Test 8427:
Butalbital, Serum
Clinical Information 
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
Butalbital is a short-acting barbiturate with hypnotic properties that is used in combination with other drugs such as acetaminophen, salicylate, caffeine, and codeine.(1)
Butalbital is administered orally. The duration of its hypnotic effect is about 3 to 4 hours. The drug distributes throughout the body, with a volume of distribution (Vd) of 0.8 L/kg, and about 26% of a dose is bound to plasma proteins. Butalbital's half-life is about 35 to 88 hours. Excretion occurs mainly in the urine.(1,2)
Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Monitoring butalbital therapy
Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Butalbital level > or =10 mcg/mL is toxic
Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
No significant cautionary statements.
Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
<10 mcg/mL
Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
1. Disposition of Toxic Drugs and Chemicals in Man. Seventh edition. Edited by RC Baselt. Foster City, CA, Biomedical Publications, 2004, p 1254
2. Teitz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. Fourth edition. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood, DE Bruns. St. Louis, MO, Elsevier
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