Esgic contains acetaminophen, barbiturates, and a caffeine pain reliever combination. Esgic is effective for the treatment of tension headaches in adult and pediatric patients 12 years of age and older. However, long-term use of Esgic is not recommended, easily leading to the risk of drug abuse as well as the risk of liver toxicity due to acetaminophen overdose.

Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer. Butalbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates. Acetaminophen and Butalbital work to relax the muscle spasms associated with tension headaches.