Locations:

Phenobarbital; Hyoscyamine; Atropine; Scopolamine Solution

What is this medication?

PHENOBARBITAL; HYOSCYAMINE; ATROPINE; SCOPOLAMINE (fee noe BAR bi tal; hye oh SYE a meen; A troe peen; skoe POL a meen) treats stomach or bowel disorders, such as stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), or bowel inflammation. It works by relaxing the muscles of your stomach and bowel, which reduces cramping.

Advertisement

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Policy

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Antispasmodic, Donnatal, PB-HYOS, Phenohytro, Quadraplex, RE-PB Hyos, SE-DONNA PB HYOS

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

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

  • Constipation
  • Diarrhea
  • Glaucoma
  • Heart disease
  • Hiatal hernia and esophogeal reflux or GERD
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Myasthenia gravis
  • Porphyria
  • Prostate trouble
  • Stomach problems
  • Substance use disorder
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to phenobarbital, hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate.

Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Patients over 65 years old may have a stronger reaction and need a smaller dose.

Advertisement

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 medication?

Do not take this medication with any of the following:

  • Certain medications for HIV, such as atazanavir, cobicistat, darunavir
  • Voriconazole

This medication may also interact with the following:

  • Certain medications that treat or prevent blood clots, such as warfarin

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 medication?

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

This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. Or, you might notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.

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

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medication affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medication. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Estrogen and/or progestin hormones may not work as well while you are taking this medication. A barrier contraceptive, such as a condom or diaphragm, is recommended if you are using these hormones for contraception. Talk to your care team about other forms of contraception.

Avoid extreme heat (e.g., hot tubs, saunas). This medication 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 receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
  • changes in vision
  • fast heartbeat or palpitations
  • rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes
  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusually weak or tired

Advertisement

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • anxiety or nervousness
  • constipation
  • dizziness or fainting spells
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • headache
  • nausea or vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. This medication can be abused. Keep your medication in a safe place to protect it from theft. Do not share this medication with anyone. Selling or giving away this medication is dangerous and against the law.

This medication may cause accidental overdose and death if taken by other adults, children, or pets. Mix any unused medication with a substance like cat litter or coffee grounds. Then throw the medication away in a sealed container like a sealed bag or a coffee can with a lid. Do not use the medication after the expiration date.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Copyright ©2025 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

Ad
Call Appointment Center 866.320.4573
Questions 216.444.2200