Hyoscyamine Injection

What is this medication?

HYOSCYAMINE (hye oh SYE a meen) treats the symptoms of many conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach ulcers, and bladder spasms. It works by relaxing the muscles in your digestive tract and bladder. It also reduces the amount of sweat, saliva, and stomach acid your body makes. It belongs to a group of medications called antispasmodics.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Levsin

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

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

• Glaucoma
• Heart disease or previous heart attack
• Myasthenia gravis
• Prostate trouble
• Stomach obstruction
• Trouble passing urine
• Ulcerative colitis
• An unusual or allergic reaction to hyoscyamine, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is for injection under the skin or into a muscle or vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 2 years old 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?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

• Amantadine
• Antacids
• Benztropine
• Donepezil
• Galantamine
• Medications for depression, anxiety, or mental health conditions
• Medications for hay fever and other allergies
• 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 medication?

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. 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 medication 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 care team if the problem does not go away or is severe.

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.

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 care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bowel blockage—stomach cramping, unable to have a bowel movement or pass gas, loss of appetite, vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever that does not go away, decreased sweating
• Trouble passing urine

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

• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Headache

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?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.