Important Note

The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.

HYOSCYAMINE - ORAL

(hi-oh-SYE-uh-meen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Donnamar, Levsin

Uses

Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of stomach and intestinal tract disorders such as peptic ulcers, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colitis, or pancreatitis. It is also used to control bed-wetting and frequent urination, prevent motion sickness, treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, Parkinson's disease or poisonings due to certain insecticides and plants.

How To Use

Take this medication 30 to 60 minutes before meals. Take this medication as prescribed. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently without consulting your doctor. Antacids interfere with the absorption of hyoscyamine. If you use antacids, take them one hour after taking hyoscyamine. Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

Side Effects

This medication may cause flushing of the face, problems sleeping, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, increased sensitivity to light, constipation, dry mouth, reduced sweating or thirst. If these symptoms persist or become severe, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: confusion, tremors, fast/irregular heartbeat, difficulty urinating. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, glaucoma, stomach/abdominal/intestinal problems, prostate or urinary problems, contact lens wear, any allergies. Contact lens wearers may need to use appropriate lubricating solutions if this medication causes dry eyes. Because this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. This medication can reduce sweating, leading to heatstroke in hot weather. Avoid strenuous activity in hot weather Elderly patients should use this medication with caution because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Children should use this medication with caution because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Hyoscyamine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all the medicines you may use (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: antacids, digoxin, psychiatric drugs (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine, and butyrophenones such as haloperidol), ketoconazole or itraconazole, potassium supplements, drugs for Parkinson's disease, certain heart medicines (e.g., disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), amantadine, MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline), other anticholinergics (e.g., atropine). Also report use of drowsiness-causing drugs, including: sleep medications, tranquilizers, sedatives, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants. Antihistamines are found in many nonprescription and prescription medications. Check your medication labels carefully, and ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include unusually dry mouth; excessive thirst; nausea; vomiting; difficulty breathing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; flushed, hot, dry skin; muscle weakness; unusual dizziness or drowsiness; restlessness; disorientation; and seizures.

Notes

Management of digestive disorders may often include lifestyle changes such as increased exercise, change in diet, stop smoking and reduction of stress. Discuss the benefits of lifestyle changes with your health care provider.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take as soon as remembered; do not take if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Medical Alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For enrollment information call MedicAlert at 1-800-854-1166 (USA), or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).