L-hyoscyamine produces many effects in the body, including relief from spasms of the
gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), the bladder, and the biliary tract. This is helpful in
controlling conditions such as colitis, spastic bladder, diverticulitis, infant colic, renal and biliary
colic, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, splenic flexure syndrome, and pancreatitis.
L-hyoscyamine also reduces the secretions of many organs, thereby helping to control
conditions such as excessive stomach acid production, excessive secretion from the pancreas, and
excessive sweating and drooling associated with diseases like Parkinson’s disease. In addition,
L-hyoscyamine is used before surgery to reduce secretions of the nose, lungs, salivary glands,
and stomach, and it is even used to help dry up excessive mucus production associated with
diseases, colds, and infections.
L-hyoscyamine also has effects on the eyes and on the heart.
L-hyoscyamine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
Take L-hyoscyamine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of L-hyoscyamine with a
special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a
dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.
Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially
formulated to release slowly in your body.
Store L-hyoscyamine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking
L-hyoscyamine and seek emergency medical attention:
an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat;
swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
an irregular or fast heart rate;
rash or flushing; or
eye pain.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue
to take L-hyoscyamine and talk to your doctor if you experience
headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
weakness or nervousness;
blurred vision, large pupils, or sensitivity of the eyes to
bright light;
nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation;
changes in taste;
difficulty urinating;
decreased sweating; or
nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Many other drugs may increase the side effects of L-hyoscyamine. Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many
others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromphen, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others),
and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and
prescription cough, cold and allergy medications;
decongestants and appetite suppressants such as
phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and
prescription products;
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine)
and prochlorperazine (Compazine);
other commonly used phenothiazines, including
fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine
(Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine);
tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil,
Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); or
other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants,
including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin),
imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).
L-hyoscyamine may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin,
Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that your digoxin levels
can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with L-hyoscyamine. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. L-hyoscyamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are
taking L-hyoscyamine.
Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. L-hyoscyamine increases the risk of heat
stroke because it causes decreased sweating.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. L-hyoscyamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are
taking L-hyoscyamine.
Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. L-hyoscyamine increases the risk of heat
stroke because it causes decreased sweating.
a blockage of your urinary tract (difficulty urinating);
a blockage in your intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, or
ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon;
glaucoma; or
myasthenia gravis.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
liver disease;
ulcerative colitis;
thyroid problems;
high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of
heart disease;
hiatal hernia or reflux disease;
enlargement of the prostate; or
asthma, chronic lung disease, or allergies.
You may not be able to take L-hyoscyamine, or you may require a
lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether L-hyoscyamine will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
L-hyoscyamine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether L-hyoscyamine passes into breast milk. Do not take
L-hyoscyamine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
L-hyoscyamine is available with a prescription under several brand names in tablets,
timed-release capsules, drops, and elixir formulations. Other brand or generic formulations may
also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about this medication, especially
if it is new to you.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share
your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed
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The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions,
or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.
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