Hyoscyamine

U.S. Brand Names

Anaspaz®; Cystospaz-M® [DSC]; Cystospaz®; Hyosine; Levbid®; Levsin/SL®; Levsinex®; Levsin®; NuLev™; Spacol T/S [DSC]; Spacol [DSC]; Symax SL; Symax SR

Canadian Brand Names

Cystospaz®; Levsin®

Pharmacologic Category

Anticholinergic Agent

Reasons not to take this medicine

• If you have an allergy to hyoscyamine or any other part of this medicine.

• 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, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.

• If you have any of the following conditions: Bleeding problems, fast heartbeat, glaucoma, intestinal blockage, myasthenia gravis, slow-moving gastrointestinal tract, ulcerative colitis, or urinary tract blockage.

What is this medicine used for?

• This medicine is used to relieve motion sickness.

• This medicine is used to slow the speed through the stomach and gastrointestinal tract.

• This medicine is used to treat diarrhea.

• This medicine is used to treat gastrointestinal ulcers.

• This medicine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome.

• This medicine is used to treat muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, gallbladder system, or urinary system.

• This medicine is used to treat Parkinson's disease.

• This medicine is used to treat side effects caused by mood-stabilizing medicine.

How does it work?

• Hyoscyamine reduces acid secretion in the stomach.

• It slows movement through the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract, decreasing spasms.

• It improves the chemical balance in the brain.

How is it best taken?

• Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes an upset stomach.

• Drink plenty of noncaffeine-containing liquid unless told to drink less liquid by healthcare provider.

• Long-acting products: Swallow whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.

• Sublingual tablet or oral-disintegrating tablet: Place on tongue and let dissolve. Do not swallow whole.

• A liquid (elixir, solution) 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.

• If you are taking this medicine for irritable bowel syndrome or spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, take 30-60 minutes before meals.

What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

• If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and 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, use this medicine with caution. You could have more side effects.

• If you are a male with problems urinating, talk with healthcare provider.

• Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.

• If you have PKU, talk with healthcare provider. Some products do contain phenylalanine.

• 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) or other medicines and natural products that slow your actions and reactions. These include sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, antihistamines, and other pain medicine.

• You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid sun, sunlamps, and tanning beds. Use sunscreen; wear protective clothing and eyewear.

• Be careful in hot weather. Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.

• Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are some possible side effects of this medicine?

• Feeling lightheaded, sleepy, having blurred vision, or a change in thinking clearly. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities that require you to be alert or have clear vision until you see how this medicine affects you.

• Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

• Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help.

What should I monitor?

• Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?

• Dry mouth may cause an increase in cavities. Take good care of your teeth. See a dentist regularly.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

• If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.

• Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.

• Severe dizziness or passing out.

• Significant change in thinking clearly and logically.

• Unable to pass urine.

• Any rash.

• No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect capsules and tablets from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• 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, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2006-10-13 13:08:23.0

Modified: 2008-02-08 15:06:02.0

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