Belladonna Alkaloid Combinations and Phenobarbital (patient information)

Why this medication was prescribed

Belladonna alkaloid combinations and phenobarbital are used to relieve cramping pains in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and spastic colon. They also are used with other medicine to treat ulcers. These medicines decrease the motion of the stomach and intestines and the secretion of stomach fluids, including acid.

This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

How this medication should be used

Belladonna alkaloid combinations and phenobarbital come as a regular tablet, a slow-acting tablet, capsule, and liquid to take by mouth. The regular tablet, capsule, and elixir are usually taken three or four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. The slow-acting tablet usually is taken two or three times a day at evenly spaced intervals. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take belladonna alkaloid combinations and phenobarbital exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Phenobarbital can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period than your doctor tells you to. Signs of overdose are headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, blurred vision, dilated pupils in the eye, hot and dry skin, dry mouth, agitation, and difficulty swallowing. If you have any of these symptoms, stop taking belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital and call your doctor immediately.

Special precautions

Before taking belladonna alkaloid combinations and phenobarbital:

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to belladonna, any barbiturate medicine, tartrazine (a yellow dye in some processed foods and drugs), or any drug.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially any seizure medications, digoxin (Lanoxin), and vitamins. Antacids may decrease the effectiveness of this medication, so do not take antacids within 1 hour of taking it.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma; an enlarged prostate; intestinal blockage; myasthenia gravis; hiatal hernia; severe ulcerative colitis; kidney, heart, or liver disease; diseases of the urinary tract; or high blood pressure.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital, call your doctor.
• you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.
• you should know that belladonna alkaloids may decrease sweating and cause heatstroke. Be careful of overheating during exercise and in hot weather.

What to do if you forget a dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Side Effects

Minor Side Effects

To avoid dry mouth or throat, chew gum or suck sugarless hard candies. To avoid increased eye sensitivity to light, wear sunglasses. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• confusion
• constipation
• blurred vision
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• nervousness
• skin flushing

Severe Side Effects

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• eye pain
• rapid heartbeat
• skin rash
• difficulty urinating
• lack of sweating in hot weather

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Storage conditions needed for this medication

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Other information

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medicine. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

• Barbidonna®
• Donnatal®
• Donnatal Extentabs®
• Haponal®
• Hyonatol®
• Hyosophen®