Drugs >  Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Scopolamine, ...
Hyoscyamine, Atropine, Scopolamine, and Phenobarbital
Pronunciation
Brand Names
Therapeutic Categories
Reasons not to take this medicine
What is this medicine used for?
How does it work?
How is it best taken?
What do I do if I miss a dose?
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
What are the common side effects of this medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
How should I store this medicine?
General statements

Pronunciation
(hye oh SYE a meen, A troe peen, skoe POL a meen & fee noe BAR bi tal)

Brand Names
Barbidonna®; Bellatal®; Donnatal®

Therapeutic Categories
Anticholinergic Agent; Antispasmodic Agent, Gastrointestinal

Reasons not to take this medicine

  • If you have an allergy to hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarbital, or any other part of the medicine.


What is this medicine used for?

  • This medicine is used for the treatment of muscle spasms of the stomach, intestines, gallbladder system, or urinary system; and irritable bowel syndrome.
  • It can also slow the speed of the stomach and intestines.


How does it work?

  • Hyoscyamine, atropine, and scopolamine slow movement through the stomach, intestines, and urinary tract and help calm the muscles here.
  • Phenobarbital acts to calm nerves.


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 irritable 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 (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 activities until you see how this medicine affects you.
  • Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs 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 activities 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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