BELLADONNA

Brand & Generic Names

BELLADONNA

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Low strength: No High strength: Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antispasmodic, anticholinergic

Uses

Reduces spasms of digestive system, bladder and urethra.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablet, elixir or capsule--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation.
Drops--Dilute dose in beverage before swallowing.

When to take:
30 minutes before meals (unless directed otherwise by doctor).

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Blocks nerve impulses at parasympathetic nerve endings, preventing muscle contractions and gland secretions of organs involved.

Time lapse before drug works:
15 to 30 minutes.

Don't take with:
Antacids* or antidiarrheals*.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Dilated pupils, rapid pulse and breathing, dizziness, fever, hallucinations, confusion, slurred speech, agitation, flushed face, convulsions, coma.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Confusion, delirium, rapid heartbeat.
• Nausea, vomiting, decreased sweating.
• Constipation.
• Dryness in ears, nose, throat, mouth.

Infrequent:

• Headache, difficult urination, nasal congestion, altered taste.
• Lightheadedness.

Rare:

Rash or hives, eye pain, blurred vision.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:

• You are allergic to any anticholinergic.
• You have trouble with stomach bloating.
• You have difficulty emptying your bladder completely.
• You have narrow-angle glaucoma.
• You have severe ulcerative colitis.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have open-angle glaucoma.
• If you have angina or fast heartbeat.
• If you have chronic bronchitis or asthma.
• If you have hiatal hernia; liver, kidney or thyroid disease; enlarged prostate or myasthenia gravis.
• If you will have surgery within 2 months, including dental surgery, requiring general or spinal anesthesia.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons.

Pregnancy:
Safety not established. Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child. May cause bleeding in neonate.

Breast-feeding:
Drug passes into milk and decreases milk flow. Avoid drug or discontinue nursing until you finish medicine. Consult doctor for advice on maintaining milk supply.

Infants & children:
Use only under medical supervision. Do not use if under 6 months of age.

Prolonged use:
Chronic constipation, possible fecal impaction. Consult doctor immediately.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Use disqualifies you for piloting aircraft. Otherwise, no problems expected.

Discontinuing:
May be unnecessary to finish medicine. Follow doctor's instructions.

Others:
Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Amantadine	Increased belladonna effect.
Antacids*	Decreased belladonna effect.
Anticholinergics,	Increased belladonna
other*	effect.
Antidepressants,	Increased belladonna
tricyclic (TCA)*	effect. Increased sedation.
Antihistamines*	Increased belladonna effect.
Attapulgite	Decreased belladonna effect.
Cortisone drugs*	Increased internal eye pressure.
Guanethidine	Decreased belladonna effect.
Haloperidol	Increased internal eye pressure.
Ketoconazole	Decreased ketoconazole effect.
MAO inhibitors*	Increased belladonna effect.
Meperidine	Increased belladonna effect.
Methylphenidate	Increased belladonna effect.
Metoclopramide	May decrease metoclopramide effect.
Molindone	Increased anticholinergic effect.
Nitrates*	Increased internal eye pressure.
Nizatidine	Increased nizatidine effect.
Orphenadrine	Increased belladonna effect.
Phenothiazines*	Increased belladonna effect.
Pilocarpine	Loss of pilocarpine effect in
	glaucoma treatment.
Potassium	Possible intestinal
supplements*	ulcers with oral potassium tablets.
Quinidine	Increased belladonna effect.
Reserpine	Decreased belladonna effect.
Sedatives* or central	Increased sedative effect of
nervous system (CNS)	both drugs.
Vitamin C	Decreased belladonna effect. Avoid
	large doses of vitamin C.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Excessively rapid heartbeat. Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Drowsiness and dry mouth.
Tobacco:	None expected.