Hyoscyamine

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Also indexed as: Anaspaz, Colidrops Liquid Pediatric, Cystospaz, Donnamar, ED-Spaz, Hyco Elixir, Hyosol, Hyospaz, Hyosyne, Levbid, Levsin, Levsinex, Losamine, Medispaz, Spacol, Spasdel, Symax

Hyoscyamine is used in the treatment of peptic ulcers and of Parkinson’s disease to reduce stiffness, tremors, and excess sweating. It acts as a drying agent in the treatment of hay fever and is also used to treat spasm and increased movement of both the intestines in irritable bowel syndrome and the bladder in urinary tract infections. Hyoscyamine is a belladonna alkaloid in a class of drugs known as anticholinergic antispasmodics.

Summary of Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
In some cases, a herb or supplement may appear in more than one category, which may seem contradictory. For clarification, read the full article for details about the summarized interactions.

May Be Beneficial: Depletion or interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them.	Iron
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results.	Anisodus tanguticus*
Side effect reduction/prevention	None known
Supportive interaction	None known
Reduced drug absorption/bioavailability	None known

An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific evidence.

Interactions with Dietary Supplements

Iron
Absorption of ferrous citrate, an iron compound that is usually well absorbed, is reduced in individuals taking hyoscyamine;¹ therefore, these two substances should not be taken at the same time.

Interactions with Herbs

Anisodus tanguticus
The herb Anisodus tanguticus contains a chemical that has effects similar to atropine, a compound related to hyoscyamine.² Though no human studies have investigated a possible adverse interaction between hyoscyamine and anisodus, individuals should avoid the combination until more is known.

Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds

Alcohol
Drinking alcohol interferes with the stomach acid–blocking action of atropine,³ a drug similar to hyoscyamine. Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of hyoscyamine for this reason, and should therefore be avoided by people taking hyoscyamine.

References

1. Orrego-Matte H, Fernandez O, Mena I. Effect of anticholinergic agents on the intestinal absorption of 59 Fe ferrous citrate. Am J Dig Dis 1971;16:789–95.

2. Qicheng F. Some current study and research approaches relating to the use of plants in the traditional Chinese medicine. J Ethnopharmacol 1980;2:57–63.

3. Kolbel CB, Singer MV, Mohle T, et al. Action of intravenous ethanol and atropine on the secretion of gastric acid, pancreatic enzymes and bile acids and the motility of the upper gastrointestinal tract in nonalcoholic humans. Pancreas 1986;1:211–8.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires August 2007.