hyoscyamine

What is this medicine?

HYOSCYAMINE (hye oh SYE a meen) is used to treat stomach and bladder problems. It is also used for rhinitis, to reduce some problems caused by Parkinson's disease, and for the treatment of poisoning with drugs that are usually used to treat myasthenia gravis.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

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

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• difficulty passing urine
• glaucoma
• heart disease, or previous heart attack
• myasthenia gravis
• prostate trouble
• 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 use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this medicine may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine
• antacids
• benztropine
• donepezil
• galantamine
• medicines for hay fever and other allergies
• medicines for mental depression
• medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
• rivastigmine
• tacrine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

You may get dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine 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 this medicine makes your eyes more sensitive to light.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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

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