Belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital

Phenobarbital is in a group of drugs called barbiturates (bar-BIT-chur-ates). Phenobarbital slows the activity of your brain and nervous system.

Belladonna alkaloids produce many effects in the body, including reduced muscle spasms in the digestive or urinary tract, and reduced fluid secretions from certain glands or organs.

The belladonna alkaloids included in this medication include atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine.

The combination of belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers in the intestine.

Belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

Do not take this medication together with a potassium supplement unless your doctor has told you to.

Tell your doctor if you regularly use other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression, or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital.

This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication or you could have increased dizziness and drowsiness.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using this medication and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea;

• painful or difficult urination;

• fast or pounding heartbeats;

• blurred vision with eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• feeling like you might pass out; or

• mouth sores, red or bleeding gums, or tooth decay (with long-term use).

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness;

• blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light;

• dry mouth;

• decreased taste sensation;

• decreased sweating or urination;

• headache, dizziness, weakness;

• sleep problems (insomnia);

• nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating;

• feeling restless or excited; or

• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital.

Do not take belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital within 1 hour of taking antacids or medicine for diarrhea. Taking them too close together will make the belladonna alkaloids less effective.

Belladonna alkaloids will often make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital, as overheating could possibly result in heat stroke. This is especially important in children taking belladonna alkaloids.

belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital may cause some people to have blurred vision or to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see well.

belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital may cause a dry mouth, nose, or throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

More frequently reported side effects include: constipation and dizziness. See below for a comprehensive list of adverse effects.