Why is this medication 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 should this medicine 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.
What special precautions should I
follow?
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 should I do if I forget a dose?
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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.
What side effects
can this medication cause?
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
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
What storage
conditions are needed for this medicine?
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.
What other
information should I know? �
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.
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