Levsin

Hyoscyamine Sulfate Drug Information

• Levsin Overview

  Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of stomach/intestinal problems such as cramps and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to treat other conditions such as bladder and bowel control problems, cramping pain caused by kidney stones and gallstones, and Parkinson's disease. In addition, Levsin is used to decrease side effects of certain medications (drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis) and insecticides. Levsin works by decreasing acid production in the stomach, slowing down the natural movements of the gut, and relaxing muscles in many organs (e.g., stomach, intestines, bladder, kidney, gallbladder). Hyoscyamine also lessens the amount of certain body fluids (e.g., saliva, sweat). Levsin belongs to a class of drugs known as anticholinergics/antispasmodics.

• How to Use Levsin

  Take Levsin by mouth as prescribed, usually 30-60 minutes before meals, or as directed by your doctor. Dosage of Levsin is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take it more often than prescribed without consulting your doctor. Adults and children 12 years and older should not take more than 1.5 milligrams in 24 hours. Children aged 2 to 12 years should not take more than 0.75 milligrams in 24 hours. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information. Antacids lower the absorption of hyoscyamine. If you use antacids, take them after meals and take hyoscyamine before meals; or take antacids at least 1 hour after taking hyoscyamine. Drink plenty of fluids while taking Levsin unless your doctor directs you otherwise. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

• Levsin Precautions

  Before taking hyoscyamine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to atropine; or if you have any other allergies. Levsin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Levsin should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine,enlarged prostate, urinary blockage problems, certain stomach/intestinal problems (e.g., slow gut, blockage, severe ulcerative colitis, infection), heart problems due to severe bleeding. Before using Levsin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), overactive thyroid, other heart problems (e.g., coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, fast heartbeat, arrhythmias), high blood pressure, kidney disease, heartburn problems (acid reflux, hiatal hernia), certain nervous system problem (autonomic neuropathy), myasthenia gravis. Contact lens wearers may need to use wetting eye drops since Levsin can cause dry eyes. Levsin may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Levsin may increase the risk for heatstroke because it decreases sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, and during exercise or other strenuous activity. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Levsin, especially confusion, drowsiness, unusual excitement, constipation, and difficulty urinating. Confusion and drowsiness can increase the risk of falling. Children may be more sensitive to the effects of Levsin. Hyoscyamine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levsin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Levsin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Levsin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Levsin Interactions

  See also How to Use section. Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.certain anti-arrhythmic drugs (e.g., disopyramide, quinidine), anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, glycopyrrolate, scopolamine), antispasmodic drugs (e.g., clidinium, dicyclomine, propantheline), certain anti-Parkinson's drugs (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), certain azole anti-fungal drugs (ketoconazole, itraconazole), belladonna alkaloids, bisphosphonate drugs (e.g., alendronate, risedronate), corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), digoxin (slow-dissolving tablets), MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine), potassium tablets/capsules, pramlintide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Levsin can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use Levsin.

• Levsin Side Effects

  What are Levsin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Levsin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Levsin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Levsin

  The side effects of Levsin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Levsin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Levsin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Levsin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Levsin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Levsin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Levsin and the side effects associated with Levsin are described in the following:

  Common Levsin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • decreased sweating

  Less Frequent Levsin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • Mydriasis
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • breast milk flow decreased

  Rare or Very Rare Levsin Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • ocular hypertension
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • allergic dermatitis
  • urticaria
  • skin rash

  Less Severe

  • memory impairment
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • fatigue
  • general weakness
  • headache disorder
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • flatulence
  • dysuria

• Levsin Storage

  Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Levsin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.