Return Home
HealthSearch

Health Guide

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital (By mouth)

Atropine (AT-roe-peen), Hyoscyamine (hye-oh-SYE-a-meen), Phenobarbital (fee-noe-BAR-bi-tal), Scopolamine (skoe-POL-a-meen)

Treats irritable bowel syndrome and similar digestion problems. May also treat duodenal ulcers.

Brand Name(s):

Antispasmodic, Donnatal, Phenohytro

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, or phenobarbital. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Liquid, Tablet, Long Acting Tablet, Capsule

  • Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
  • Measure the oral liquid medicine with a marked measuring spoon, oral syringe, or medicine cup.
  • Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
  • Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not freeze.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Some drugs and foods can affect how this medicine works. Tell your doctor if you are also using a blood thinner, such as warfarin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, of if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, trouble urinating, or porphyria. Also tell your doctor if you have liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, heart rhythm problems, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, autonomic neuropathy, or an allergy to aspirin or tartrazine.
  • Even though this medicine treats digestion problems, it can also cause problems if you have certain other digestive conditions. Tell your doctor about all digestion problems, including colitis, reflux disease (GERD), blocked intestines, or gastric ulcer.
  • This medicine may cause you to sweat less and overheat. Avoid hot temperatures.
  • This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
  • This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.
  • Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Unusual excitement or restlessness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088


Last Updated: 9/6/2024
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites.

All rights reserved