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

What is hyoscyamine?

Hyoscyamine is used to treat many different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to control muscle spasms in the bladder, kidneys, or digestive tract, and to reduce stomach acid.

Hyoscyamine is sometimes used to reduce tremors and rigid muscles in people with symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Hyoscyamine is also used as a drying agent to control excessive salivation, runny nose, or excessive sweating.

Hyoscyamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking hyoscyamine?

• 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.

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).

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 this medicine to a child.

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.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, hot dry skin, and feeling restless or nervous.

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.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Hyoscyamine can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What are the possible side effects of hyoscyamine?

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

Common side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, feeling weak or tired;
• decreased sweating, decreased urination;
• blurred vision;
• rash;
• dry mouth, decreased sense of taste;
• stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, bloating;
• diarrhea, constipation;
• headache;
• sleep problems (insomnia); or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about hyoscyamine.