DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Hyoscyamine Injection (hye-oh-SYE-a-meen)
Brand Name: Levsin

Levsin is used for:

Treating certain stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcers, spasms or cramping, irritable bowel syndrome, symptoms of colic), certain bladder problems (eg, spastic bladder, cystitis), and excessive secretions caused by inflammation of the pancreas, and for aiding in certain medical procedures or surgery. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Levsin is an anticholinergic agent. It works by decreasing the motion of the stomach and intestines and the secretion of stomach fluids, including acid.

Do NOT use Levsin if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Levsin
• you have ulcerative colitis or a history of an enlarged colon, esophageal reflux, an inability to relax your esophagus, an obstruction in your intestinal or urinary tract, severe muscle weakness, bleeding, or glaucoma
• you have an unstable heart condition or decreased muscle tone of the intestines (eg, paralytic ileus)

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Levsin :

Some medical conditions may interact with Levsin . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have nerve damage, prostate problems, heart problems (eg, irregular heartbeat, heart failure), a hiatal hernia, diarrhea, risk factors for glaucoma, or difficulty urinating

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Levsin . Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:

• Beta-blockers (eg, propranolol) or digoxin because their actions and effectiveness may be increased by Levsin
• Phenothiazines (eg, thioridazine) because they may decrease Levsin 's effectiveness and the risk of both medicines' side effects may be increased

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Levsin may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Levsin :

Use Levsin as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Levsin is usually given as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. If you will be using Levsin at home, a health care provider will teach you how to use it.
• Do not use Levsin if it contains particles, is cloudy or discolored, or if the vial is cracked or damaged.
• Keep this product, as well as syringes and needles, out of the reach of children and pets. Do not reuse needles, syringes, or other materials. Ask your health care provider how to dispose of these materials after use. Follow all local rules for disposal.
• If you miss a dose of Levsin , use it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not use 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Levsin .

Important safety information:

• This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Levsin with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Do not drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness (eg, sleep aids, muscle relaxers) while you are using Levsin ; it may add to their effects. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Drink plenty of fluids, maintain good oral hygiene, and suck on sugarless hard candy to relieve dry mouth.
• Proper dental care is important while you are taking Levsin . Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.
• Levsin may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. It may help to wear sunglasses.
• Use Levsin with caution in the ELDERLY; they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially constipation, trouble urinating, drowsiness, agitation, confusion, or excitement.
• Caution is advised when using Levsin in CHILDREN; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
• Levsin should be used with extreme caution in CHILDREN younger than 12 years old; safety and effectiveness in these children have not been confirmed.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Levsin while you are pregnant. It is unknown if Levsin is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Levsin .

Possible side effects of Levsin :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Bloated feeling; blurred vision; constipation; decreased sweating; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; enlarged pupils; excitement; headache; nausea; nervousness; trouble sleeping; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); diarrhea; difficulty focusing eyes; difficulty urinating; fast or irregular heartbeat; hallucinations; memory loss; pounding in the chest; unusual weakness; vomiting.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include blurred vision; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing; disorientation; dizziness; dry mouth; dry skin; enlarged pupils; excessive thirst; excitability; headache; muscle weakness; nausea; rapid heartbeat with weak pulse; seizures; vomiting.

Proper storage of Levsin :

Levsin is usually handled and stored by a health care provider. If you are using Levsin at home, store Levsin as directed by your pharmacist or health care provider. Keep Levsin out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Levsin , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Levsin is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Levsin . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.