Hyoscyamine

Pronunciation

Brand Names

Therapeutic Categories

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used for the treatment of ulcers in the stomach and small intestine; diarrhea; muscle spasms of the stomach, intestines, gallbladder system, or urinary system; irritable bowel syndrome; motion sickness; Parkinson's disease; side effects related to mood stabilizing medicines and those used for schizophrenia.
• It can also slow the speed of the stomach and intestines.

How does it work?

• If used in ulcer disease, hyoscyamine decreases acid secretion in the stomach.
• It slows movement through the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract and helps calm the muscles here.
• When used in Parkinson's disease and with mood stabilizing medicines, it improves the chemical balance in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take with or without food. Take with food if this medicine causes an upset stomach.
• If you are taking this medicine for bowel syndrome or spasms of the stomach and intestine, take 30-60 minutes before meals.
• Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare provider. Avoid products with caffeine.
• A liquid (solution, elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.
• Swallow sustained-release tablet whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.
• Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

• If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.
• Men 65 or older with problems urinating should not take this medicine.
• You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines that slow your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
• Be careful in hot weather. Can increase risk of heat stroke.
• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, dizzy, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or hobbies that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.
• Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk with healthcare provider if it becomes a problem.

What should I monitor?

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
• Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Any rash.
• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

General statements

• Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
• Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs, vitamins).

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