Hyoscyamine (Hyoscyamine)
Overview of Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine is anticholinergic alkaloid derived from Hyoscyamus niger, Atropa belladonna and other solanaceous plants. Hyoscyamine is antimuscarinic agent. Chemically Hyoscyamine is identified as 1aH, 5aH-Tropan-3a-ol (-)-tropate (ester) hydrobromide. Hyoscyamine is a levorotatoy isomer of a racemic mixture known as atropine. Therefore 1/2 of atropine is it. Since the dextrorotatory isomer is inactive the potency of Hyoscyamine is approximately twice that of atropine. It reduces motility of the stomach and intestinal tract and relieves cramping and reduces acid secretion. Hyoscyamine is effective in the treatment of peptic ulcers, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, colitis or pancreatitis, parkinson's disease, asthma, poisonings due to certain insecticides or plants, to control bed-wetting in childrens and to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms. Hyoscyamine is administered orally or parentrally.
Indication of Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine is primarily indicated in conditions like GI diseases, Rhinitis, Visceral spasms, and can also be given in adjunctive therapy as an alternative drug of choice in Hyperhidrosis, Parkinsonism, Peptic ulcer.
Contraindication of Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine is contraindicated in conditions like Myasthenia gravis,Obstructive uropathy,Narrow-angle glaucoma,GI obstruction.
Side Effects of Hyoscyamine
The severe or irreversible adverse effects of Hyoscyamine, which give rise to further complications include Increased IOP (intraocular pressure).,Hyoscyamine produces potentially life-threatening effects which include Tachycardia, Palpitation. which are responsible for the discontinuation of Hyoscyamine therapy.,The signs and symptoms that are produced after the acute overdosage of Hyoscyamine include Blurred vision, Tachycardia, Foul Breath.,The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by Hyoscyamine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Headache, Ataxia, Dry mouth, Rashes, Dysuria, Diaphoresis, Tremor, Light headedness, Dry skin, Orthostatic hypotension, Loss of memory, Dry nose, Xerostomia, Dry mouth, Ataxia, rashes.
Precautions of Hyoscyamine
Closely monitor patients for therapeutic response and side effects of hyocyamine. It should not used in high dose because may produce mental depression and mental disturbances. It should be used with caution in patients over 40yrs because may increase the risk of glaucoma. It should be used with caution in patients with asthma, heart or renal (kidney) diseases. It should be used with caution in infants and small children. Should be used cautiously in children with spastic paralysis.