Hyoscyamine tablets

What is hyoscyamine?

Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of stomach/intestinal problems such as cramps 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.

Hyoscyamine side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Hyoscyamine may cause serious side effects. Stop using hyoscyamine and call your doctor at once if you have:

• anxiety, confusion, hallucinations, unusual thoughts or behavior;
• weakness, memory problems;
• slurred speech;
• problems with balance or muscle movement;
• diarrhea;
• pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest.

Warnings

You should not use hyoscyamine if you have urination problems, a stomach or bowel obstruction, severe ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use hyoscyamine if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;
• an enlarged prostate;
• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);
• severe ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon;
• glaucoma; or
• myasthenia gravis.

Hyoscyamine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 2 years old.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• heart problems;
• high blood pressure;
• kidney disease;
• a colostomy or ileostomy;
• a thyroid disorder; or
• hiatal hernia with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease).

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

How should I take hyoscyamine?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving hyoscyamine to a child.
Swallow an extended-release tablet whole and do not crush, chew, or break it.
Measure liquid medicine carefully. Use the dosing syringe provided, or use a medicine dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon).
Remove an orally disintegrating tablet from the package only when you are ready to take the medicine. Place the tablet on your tongue and allow it to dissolve. Swallow several times as the tablet dissolves. You may drink water after the pill has completely dissolved.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What should I avoid while taking hyoscyamine?

Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take hyoscyamine. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb hyoscyamine. If you use an antacid, take it after you have taken hyoscyamine and eaten a meal.
Drinking alcohol with hyoscyamine can cause side effects.
Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Hyoscyamine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

What other drugs will affect hyoscyamine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• an antidepressant;
• medicine to treat mental illness;
• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);
• medicine to treat or prevent nausea and vomiting; or
• an MAO inhibitor--isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect hyoscyamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.