Hyoscyamine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects and Alternatives

Are you suffering from bladder problems and stomach ailments? Have you considered using Hyoscyamine for relief? Read on and know all about the Hyoscyamine medicine, its usage, dosage and purpose of implementation.

What is Hyoscyamine?

Hyoscyamine is a medicine used for treating health problems like gastrointestinal tract disorders, bladder ailments, peptic ulcer disease, irritable bowel syndrome and also other difficulties such as heart ailments, Parkinson’s Disease, Rhinitis and side effects of drugs used to provide relief from Myasthenia Gravis symptoms.

Hyoscyamine Brand Names

The brand names for Hyoscyamine involve :

• HyoMax,
• Symax,
• Anaspaz,
• NuLev,
• Hyospasmol,
• Spacol T/S,
• Buwecon,
• Cystospaz,
• Donnamar,
• Levbid,
• Levsin,
• Levsinex,
• Neoquess and
• Buscopan.

Hyoscyamine Uses

Hyoscyamine is used for a variety of disorders like :

Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders

Hyoscyamine is mainly used to give relief from symptoms resulting from Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders. It decreases the motion of the intestines and stomach. It also reduces secretion of stomach fluids including acids.

Reducing Pancreatic Swelling

Hyoscyamine sulphate tablets are often prescribed to help treat colic pain in stomach. This medicine also gives relief from cramps in urinary and intestinal tract. It is very useful in reducing inflammation of the Pancreas.

Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s Disease gives rise to several problems like stiff muscles, tremors, excessive sweating and drooling. Hyoscyamine Sulfate tablets help control discomforting symptoms like these.

Peptic Ulcers

Hyoscyamine is also prescribed for the treatment of ailments like Peptic Ulcers.

How Does Hyoscyamine Work?

Hyoscyamine is mostly used as an oral medicine. The medicine is taken by mouth and swallowed whole along with 8 ounces of water. Hyoscyamine is usually taken in the form of a tablet. Once it enters the system, the tablet dissolves into bloodstream and begins working. Hyoscyamine 0.125 mg and Hyoscyamine 0.375 are the dosage that is usually recommended.

Hyoscyamine Dosage

The tablets are generally taken for 3-4 times a day. However, you should exactly follow your doctor’s prescriptions. An overdose of this drug may give rise to several complications. A high dose of this drug may impact the breathing of a patient severely, making him or her collapse. Do not chew or crush the tablets as it may make them dissolve faster into your bloodstream causing complications.

If by chance you have an overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.

Hyoscyamine Side Effects

Hyoscyamine treatments can lead to several discomforting side effects like :

Dizziness

It is best not to drive or engage in any activity that requires you to be mentally alert. This drug can cause dizziness and reduce mental capabilities. Do not sit or stand up too quickly after you have this drug, especially if you are elder in age. Avoid alcoholic drinks after consuming Hyoscyamine as you can get dizzier.

Sensitive Eyes

Hyoscyamine makes the eyes very sensitive to bright light. Stay out of bright light environments and if possible, try not to go out. Wear a sunglass if it is daytime.

Dryness in Mouth

Drink plenty of water as the drug can make your mouth dry. You may also chew gums or candies to counter the problem. Contact a doctor if the dryness refuses to go away.

Dryness in Eyes

Hyoscyamine drugs also show a propensity of making the area around the eyes dry. It also makes vision blurred. In Hyoscyamine blurred vision is quite common. These problems can be countered with lubricating drops and contact lenses.

Reduced Sweat

The medicine can also make you seat very less. Avoid going to very hot environments during this time as reduced sweat can make your body temperature very high making you suffer from heat stroke.

In people using Hyoscyamine Urinary Retention difficulties, rapid heartbeat, constipation, nausea, altered taste, confusion, anxiety, fatigue and vomiting are the other notable symptoms. Hyoscyamine medications may also give rise to complications in the Central Nervous System (CNS). In Hyoscyamine hallucinations, euphoria, disorientation, short-term memory loss and sexual arousal can occur. In extreme cases, patients may suffer coma.

What To Do If You Forget Hyoscyamine Dosage?

If you miss one dose of Hyoscyamine, take it as soon as you can. But if it is nearly time for another dose, skip the dose you missed. Taking double dose at the same time can cause complications that may affect your health adversely.

Where To Store Hyoscyamine Tablets?

Hyoscyamine tablets are best when stored at room temperature, preferably in the 15 to 30 degree range. Keep it at a high place, out of the reach of kids. It is preferable that you store these medicines in a tightly closed container to keep them away from excessive heat or moisture.

If you find your tablets to have crossed the expiration date, throw them away.

Hyoscyamine And Pregnancy

Hyoscyamine, if taken during the first semester, can make the fetus susceptible to various defects such as Polydactyly and limb abnormalities. Hyoscyamine in pregnancy is recommended to be used only if the health of the mother is seriously found to be at risk.

Hyoscyamine and Alcohol

In patients consuming Hyoscyamine alcohol intake can cause drowsiness. Alcohol intake can also make the side effects of Hyoscyamine much worse. It is best to consult your physician about the safety and amount of alcohol you should drink if on a Hyoscyamine dosage.

Hyoscyamine Alternatives

Hyoscyamine uses can give rise to several side effects of mild or serious nature. People who want a natural substitute for this medicine can try any of these natural and herbal remedies.

Enteric-Coated Peppermint Oil Capsules

These can be used to cure gastrointestinal, respiratory and neuropathic disorders.

Yogurt Cultures

Yougurt contains beneficial bacteria or probiotics which help in digestion and thus regulates irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Brahmi

This herbal remedy is useful in treating symptoms of diarrhea.

Peppermint

It can be used to treat Hyoscyamine colic pain.

hyoscyamine sulfate 0.125 mg, hyoscyamine 0.125 mg.

References:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-hyoscyamine.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyoscyamine

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/meds/a684010.html

http://www.healthline.com/goldcontent/hyoscyamine/2?brand

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5656348_hyoscyamine-sulfate-tabs-used-for_.html