Hyoscyamine (Levsin) Side Effects, Weight Gain & Dosage

What is hyoscyamine sublingual, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?

• Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic drug used for treating irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders.
• Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and at nerves throughout the body. Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals made and released by nerves that travel to nearby nerves or, in the case of acetylcholine, nearby muscles and glands where they attach to receptors on the surface of the nerve, muscle or glandular cells.
• The attachment of the neurotransmitter can stimulate or inhibit the activity of the receptor-containing cells. Anticholinergic drugs like hyoscyamine affect the function of many organs by preventing acetylcholine from binding to its receptors.
• Hyoscyamine decreases the activity of muscles in the intestine and lower urinary tract. It reduces the production of sweat, saliva, digestive juices, urine, and tears. It also reduces the production of bronchial secretions.

What brand names are available for hyoscyamine sublingual?

Levbid, Levsin, Nulev, Anaspaz

Is hyoscyamine sublingual available as a generic drug?

Yes

Do I need a prescription for hyoscyamine sublingual?

Yes

What are the uses for hyoscyamine sublingual?

Hyoscyamine is used for treating

• irritable bowel syndrome (IBS),
• peptic ulcer
  disease (stomach ulcers),
• hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and
• gastrointestinal
  disorders.

What are the side effects of hyoscyamine sublingual?

Side effects include:

• Xerostomia
• Dry eyes
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Impaired memory
• Excitement
• Nervousness

Other side effects include:

• Decreased sweating (anhidrosis)
• Flushing
• Blurred vision
• Dilation of the pupil of the eye (mydriasis)
• Loss of taste
• Weakness
• Fever
• Impotence
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ataxia
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Allergic reactions

Possible serious side effects include:

• Palpitations
• Increased heart rate
• Heat stroke
• Hallucinations
• Increased ocular pressure
• Psychosis

What is irritable bowel syndrome or IBS?
See Answer

What is the dosage for hyoscyamine sublingual?

• The recommended oral dose of immediate release tablet or drops for treating
  irritable bowel syndrome, gastrointestinal disorders, or
  peptic ulcer disease is
  0.125 mg to 0.25 mg every 4 hours.
• The maximum dose is 1.5 mg daily.
• The dose of
  immediate release formulations for treating hypermotility disorder is 0.15 to
  0.3 mg orally every 6 hours.

Which drugs or supplements interact with hyoscyamine sublingual?

• The risk of adverse effects increases when hyoscyamine is
  combined with other drugs that block the action of acetylcholine. Such drugs
  include antimuscarinics, amantadine, haloperidol, phenothiazines, monoamine
  oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or some antihistamines.
• Antacids may interfere with the absorption of extended release hyoscyamine.

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Is hyoscyamine sublingual safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?

• It is not known whether hyoscyamine can
  cause fetal harm when administered to a
  pregnant woman or can affect
  reproduction capacity. It should only be given to pregnant women when it is
  clearly needed.
• Hyoscyamine is excreted in
  breast milk.

What else should I know about hyoscyamine sublingual?

What preparations of hyoscyamine sublingual are available?

• Capsules or tablet Extended Release: 0.375 mg.
• Elixir: 0.125
  mg/5 ml.
• Injections: 0.5 mg/ml.
• Oral Drops: 0.125 mg/ml.
• Tablet: 0.125 mg

How should I keep hyoscyamine sublingual stored?

• Hyoscyamine should be stored at room temperature between 20 C and 25 C (68 F
  and
  77 F).