Hyoscyamine (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
Hyoscyamine is used to control symptoms associated with disorders of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It works by decreasing the motion of the stomach and intestines and the secretion of stomach fluids, including acid. Hyoscyamine is also used in the treatment of bladder spasms, peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, and pancreatitis. Hyoscyamine may also be used to treat certain heart conditions, to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and rhinitis (runny nose), and to reduce excess saliva production.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used
Hyoscyamine comes as a tablet, an extended-release (long-acting) capsule, a liquid to take by mouth, and in an injectable form. The tablets and liquid are usually taken three or four times a day. The extended-release capsules are usually taken twice a day. Do not crush, chew, or divide the extended-release capsules. Hyoscyamine injections are given by qualified health care professionals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take hyoscyamine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Hyoscyamine controls symptoms associated with disorders of the GI tract, but it does not cure the disorders. Continue to take hyoscyamine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking hyoscyamine without talking to your doctor.

Special precautions
Before taking hyoscyamine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to hyoscyamine or any other drugs.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symadine, Symmetrel), amitriptyline (Elavil), chlorpromazine (Thorazine), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), fluphenazine (Prolixin), haloperidol (Haldol), imipramine (Tofranil), medications containing belladonna (Donnatal), mesoridazine (Serentil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), perphenazine (Trilafon), phenelzine (Nardil), prochlorperazine (Compazine), promazine (Sparine), promethazine (Phenergan), protriptyline (Vivactil), thioridazine (Mellaril), tranylcypromine (Parnate), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), triflupromazine (Vesprin), trimeprazine (Temaril), trimipramine (Surmontil), and vitamins.
 * be aware that antacids may interfere with hyoscyamine, making it less effective. Take hyoscyamine 1 hour before or 2 hours after antacids.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; heart, lung, liver, or kidney disease; a urinary tract or intestinal obstruction; an enlarged prostate; ulcerative colitis; or myasthenia gravis.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking hyoscyamine, call your doctor.
 * if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you take hyoscyamine.
 * you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how hyoscyamine will affect you.
 * remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

Special dietary instructions
Your doctor may instruct you to take hyoscyamine 30-60 minutes before meals. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about the best times to take your medication.

What to do if you forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Minor side effects
Hyoscyamine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:


 * drowsiness
 * dizziness or lightheadedness
 * headache
 * blurred vision
 * flushing (feeling of warmth)
 * dry mouth
 * constipation
 * difficulty urinating
 * increased sensitivity to light

Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:


 * diarrhea
 * skin rash
 * eye pain
 * fast or irregular heartbeat

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Anaspaz®
 * Cystospaz®
 * Cystospaz-M®
 * Hyosol® SL
 * Hyospaz®
 * Levbid®
 * Levsin®
 * Levsin® Drops
 * Levsin®/SL
 * Levsinex® Timecaps®
 * NuLev®