Locations:

Phenobarbital; Hyoscyamine; Atropine; Scopolamine Tablets

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.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Alkabel-SR, Barbidonna, Donnaphen, Donnatal, Donnatal Extentabs, Haponal, Hypersed, Medi-Tal, Phenohytro, Servira, Spacol

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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 esophageal 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, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with a full glass of water. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

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.

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.

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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.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better of if they get worse.

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.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgement. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

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 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
  • 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?

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

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep container tightly closed. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

This medication may cause harm and death if it is taken by other adults, children, or pets. It is important to get rid of the medication as soon as you no longer need it or it is expired. You can do this in two ways:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, pour the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in the bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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.

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

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