What is the most important information I should know about belladonna?

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Belladonna increases the risk of heat stroke because it causes decreased sweating.

What is belladonna?

Belladonna is a naturally occurring mixture.

Belladonna produces many effects in the body, including relief from spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), the bladder, and the biliary tract. This is helpful in controlling conditions such as colitis, spastic bladder, diverticulitis, infant colic, renal and biliary colic, peptic ulcer, and irritable bowel syndrome.

Belladonna also reduces the secretions of many organs, thereby helping to control conditions such as excessive stomach acid production.

Belladonna is used to treat the rigidity, tremor, excessive salivation, and sweating caused by Parkinson's disease.

Belladonna also is used to treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping associated with menstruation, and to reduce nighttime urination.

Belladonna may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take belladonna?

• kidney disease;
• a blockage of your urinary tract (difficulty urinating);
• a blockage in your intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, or ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon;
• glaucoma; or
• myasthenia gravis.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
• liver disease;
• ulcerative colitis;
• thyroid problems;
• high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease;
• hiatal hernia or reflux disease;
• enlargement of the prostate; or
• asthma, chronic lung disease, or allergies.

You may not be able to take belladonna, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

How should I take belladonna?

Take belladonna exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of belladonna with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

What happens if I overdose?

Symptoms of a belladonna overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; and an irregular heartbeat.

What should I avoid while taking belladonna?

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Belladonna increases the risk of heat stroke because it causes decreased sweating.

What are the possible side effects of belladonna?

• an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face, difficulty breathing, closing of your throat, or hives);
• an irregular or fast heart rate;
• a rash or flushing; or
• eye pain.

Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take belladonna and talk to your doctor if you experience

• headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
• weakness or nervousness;
• blurred vision, large pupils, or sensitivity of the eyes to bright light;
• nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation;
• changes in taste;
• difficulty urinating;
• decreased sweating; or
• nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect belladonna?

Many other drugs may increase the side effects of belladonna. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• amantadine (Symmetrel);
• quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex);
• antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromfed, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and prescription cough, cold, and allergy medications;
• decongestants and appetite suppressants such as phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine);
• other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine);
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); or
• other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).

Belladonna may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that your digoxin levels can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary.

Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with belladonna. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist has more information about belladonna written for health professionals that you may read.