n.

A poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C₁₇H₂₃NO₃, isometric with atropine and having similar uses but more potent effects.

[New Latin Hyoscyamus, henbane genus; see hyoscine + –INE².]

Brand names: A-Spas™ S/L, Anaspaz®, Colidrops®, Colytrol™ Drops, Cystospaz®, Cystospaz-M®, Hyco®, Hyosol® SL, Hyospaz®, Hyosyne™, IB Stat™, Levbid®, Levsin®, Levsin® SL, Levsinex®, Losamine™, Medispaz™, Neosol™, Nulev®, Spacol® Liquid, Spasdel™, Symax™ Duotabs, Symax™ SL, Symax™ SR, Symax® FasTabs™

Chemical formula:

Drug Forms:
• Hyoscyamine tablets or capsules (below)
• Hyoscyamine elixir or solution
• Hyoscyamine injection
• Hyoscyamine oral disintegrating tablets
• Hyoscyamine biphasic tablets or sustained-release capsules or tablets

Español:
• Tabletas o cápsulas de hiosciamina
• Elixir o solución de hiosciamina
• Inyección de hiosciamina
• Tabletas de hiosciamina que se desintegran por vía oral

Hyoscyamine tablets or capsules

What are hyoscyamine tablets or capsules?

HYOSCYAMINE (Anaspaz®, Cystospaz®, Gastrosed®, Levbid®, Levsin®, Levsin/SL®, Levsinex®) treats different bowel problems including irritable bowel syndrome. Generic hyoscyamine capsules and tablets are available.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
• closed-angle glaucoma
• diarrhea
• difficulty passing urine
• heart disease, or previous heart attack
• hiatal hernia
• myasthenia gravis
• prostate trouble
• stomach infection
• stomach obstruction
• ulcerative colitis
• an unusual or allergic reaction to hyoscyamine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I take this medicine?

Take hyoscyamine tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. Take the tablets 30 to 60 minutes before food. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What drug(s) may interact with hyoscyamine?

• amantadine
• benztropine
• cisapride
• digoxin
• donepezil
• galantamine
• medicines for heart problems
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• opiate prescription pain medications such as codeine, hydromorphone, and morphine
• potassium salts
• quinidine
• rivastigmine
• tacrine
• tegaserod

Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including nonprescription medicines, nutritional supplements, or herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.

What should I watch for while taking hyoscyamine?

You may get dizzy or have blurred vision. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how hyoscyamine affects you. To reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells, do not sit or stand up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, avoid alcoholic drinks.

Stay out of bright light and wear sunglasses if hyoscyamine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help.

Hyoscyamine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses, you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your ophthalmologist if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat (e.g., hot tubs, saunas). Hyoscyamine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which may lead to heat stroke.

What side effects may I notice from taking hyoscyamine?

Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible:
• anxiety, nervousness
• blurred vision or other eye problems
• confusion
• dizziness or fainting spells
• fast heartbeat
• fever
• pain or difficulty passing urine
• unusual weakness or tiredness
• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
• altered taste
• constipation
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sun or ultraviolet light
• nausea

Where can I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Last updated: 5/20/2005 1:33:00 PM

Important Disclaimer: The drug information provided here is for educational purposes only. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the diagnosis, treatment and advice of a medical professional. This drug information does not cover all possible uses, precautions, side effects and interactions. It should not be construed to indicate that this or any drug is safe for you. Consult your medical professional for guidance before using any prescription or over the counter drugs.

An anticholinergic alkaloid usually obtained from species of the plant Hyoscyamus and other solanaceous plants. It is the levorotatory component of atropine with actions and uses similar to those of atropine but with more potent effects.

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