Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of
stomach/intestinal problems such as cramps, infant colic, and irritable
bowel syndrome. It is also used to treat other conditions such as bladder
and bowel control problems, cramping pain caused by kidney stones and
gallstones, and Parkinson's disease. In addition, it is used to decrease
side effects of certain medications (drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis)
and insecticides.
This medication works by decreasing acid production in
the stomach, slowing down the natural movements of the gut, and relaxing
muscles in many organs (such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, kidney,
gallbladder). Hyoscyamine also lessens the amount of certain body fluids
(such as saliva, sweat). This medication belongs to a class of drugs known
as anticholinergics/antispasmodics.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your
doctor, usually 30 to 60 minutes before meals. Use the dropper that comes
with this product to measure the dose out carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment. Children's dosage may also based on weight. Do not
increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed without consulting
your doctor. Adults and children 12 years and older should not take more
than 1.5 milligrams in 24 hours. Children aged 2 to 12 years should not
take more than 0.75 milligrams in 24 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
Antacids lower the absorption of hyoscyamine. If you use
antacids, take them after meals and take hyoscyamine before meals; or take
antacids at least 1 hour after taking hyoscyamine.
Drink plenty of fluids while taking this medication
unless your doctor directs you otherwise.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Dizziness, drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth,
headache, trouble sleeping, constipation, flushing, dry skin, and decreased
sweating may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, notify your
doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or
ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water or use a saliva
substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, unusual
excitement)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- difficulty urinating
- decreased sexual ability
- loss of coordination
- trouble speaking
- vomiting
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking hyoscyamine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to atropine; or if you have any
other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can
cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for
more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure
type)
- enlarged prostate
- urinary blockage problems
- certain stomach/intestinal problems (such as slow gut,
blockage, severe ulcerative colitis, infection)
- overactive thyroid
- heart problems (such as coronary heart disease, heart
failure, fast heartbeat, arrhythmias)
- high blood pressure
- kidney disease
- heartburn problems (acid reflux, hiatal hernia)
- certain nervous system problem (autonomic neuropathy)
- myasthenia gravis
Contact lens wearers may need to use wetting eye drops
since this medication can cause dry eyes.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
This drug may increase the risk for heatstroke because
it decreases sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas,
and during exercise or other strenuous activity.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects
of this drug, especially confusion, drowsiness, unusual excitement,
constipation, and difficulty urinating. Confusion and drowsiness can
increase the risk of falling.
Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of
this drug.
During pregnancy, hyoscyamine should be used only when
clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor
before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- certain azole anti-fungal drugs (ketoconazole,
itraconazole)
- bisphosphonate drugs (such as alendronate, risedronate)
- corticosteroids (such as prednisone)
- digoxin (slow-dissolving tablets)
- potassium tablets/capsules
- pramlintide
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such
as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such
as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine,
diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include hot/dry
skin, fever, unusual excitement, fast/irregular heartbeat,
seizures.
Do not share this medication with others.
Management of digestive disorders may include lifestyle
changes such as stress reduction programs, exercise, stopping smoking, and
dietary changes to increase the effectiveness of this medicine. Talk to
your doctor or pharmacist about lifestyle changes that might benefit
you.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.