Hyoscyamine
Also known as: Levsin, Anaspaz, ED-SPAZ, HyoMax, Cystospaz, Neosol, NuLev, Symax, Levbid, Levsinex, IB-Stat, Egazil Duretter, Neo-Allospasmin
**Hyoscyamine** is used to calm spasms in the gastrointestinal tract or to help increase a slow heart rate. * **Water Access:** This medication frequently causes dry mouth. Ensure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh water. * **Monitor Elimination:** Watch your pet's bathroom habits closely. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet is straining to urinate, unable to urinate, or becomes constipated. * **Other Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if you notice dry eyes, difficulty swallowing, or unusual changes in behavior (such as extreme sleepiness, restlessness, or agitation). * **Missed Dose:** If you miss a dose, give it when you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
What it is used for
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Long-term management of symptomatic patients with sinus node disease
How it is given
Possible side effects
- Mydriasis (pupil dilation)
- Xerostomia (dry mouth)
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Xerophthalmia (dry eyes)
- Tachycardia
- CNS effects (somnolence, delirium, or paradoxical excitement at higher doses)
Cautions & contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to hyoscyamine or other belladonna alkaloids
- Glaucoma (narrow or wide angle)
- Intestinal obstruction or intestinal atony
- Toxic megacolon
- Severe ulcerative colitis
- Obstructive uropathy
- Acute hemorrhage with cardiovascular instability
- Use with extreme caution in patients with renal dysfunction, as drug elimination may be reduced. Carefully consider the risks before using in patients with tachyarrhythmias, cardiac valve disease, or congestive heart failure due to its chronotropic effects. May aggravate myasthenia gravis. FDA Pregnancy Category C; use during pregnancy only if clearly needed. It is excreted in trace amounts in milk; while likely safe, risk to nursing offspring cannot be entirely ruled out.
Drug interactions
- Antacids (magnesium, aluminum, calcium salts): May interfere with the gastrointestinal absorption of hyoscyamine.
- Other Anticholinergics (e.g., atropine, glycopyrrolate): Additive anticholinergic actions and increased risk of adverse effects.
- First-Generation Antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine): Additive anticholinergic actions and increased risk of adverse effects.
- Prokinetic Agents (e.g., cisapride, metoclopramide): Hyoscyamine may antagonize and counteract their gastrointestinal prokinetic effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Hyoscyamine used for in pets?
**Hyoscyamine** is used to calm spasms in the gastrointestinal tract or to help increase a slow heart rate. * **Water Access:** This medication frequently causes dry mouth. Ensure your pet always has access to plenty of fresh water. * **Monitor Elimination:** Watch your pet's bathroom habits closely. Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet is straining to urinate, unable to urinate, or becomes constipated. * **Other Side Effects:** Contact your veterinarian if you notice dry eyes, difficulty swallowing, or unusual changes in behavior (such as extreme sleepiness, restlessness, or agitation). * **Missed Dose:** If you miss a dose, give it when you remember. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.
Is Hyoscyamine safe for my pet?
Dosage must be set by your veterinarian for your specific pet. Never give human medication or another pet’s prescription without veterinary guidance.
This article is for general education and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell, please consult a veterinarian.
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