Belladonna Alkaloids and Phenobarbital, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antispasmodic; anticholinergic

Generic and brand names: belladonna alkaloids and phenobarbital, oral; Antispasmodic Elixir; Barbidonna; Barbidonna Elixir; Barbidonna No. 2; Barophen Elixir; Belladenal; Chardonna 2; Donna-Sed Elixir; Donnapine; Donnatal; Donnatal Elixir; Donnatal Extentabs; Donnatal No. 2; Donphen; Hyosophen; Hyosophen Elixir; Kinesed; Malatal; Relaxadon; Spaslin; Spasmolin; Spasmophen; Spasmophen Elixir; Spasquid Elixir; Susano; Susano Elixir

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is a combination product used to treat cramps in your stomach and intestines. It also reduces stomach acid.

How do I take it?

This medicine works best when taken 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals.

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not take more of it or take it longer than directed. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

If you are taking antacids, take them 2 hours before or after you take this medicine.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine increases the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the nervous system. Do not drink alcohol or take other medicines unless your health care provider approves.

You may sweat less while you are taking this medicine. Exercise cautiously, especially in hot weather.

Your health care provider may recommend that you not eat many spicy foods. Follow the diet recommended by your health care provider.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert and can see clearly.

Dry mouth is a common side effect of this medicine. If it continues or gets worse, tell your health care provider. It is important to drink plenty of water while you are taking this medicine.

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Vision problems, eye pain, confusion, seizures, trouble breathing, fast heartbeat. Some of these side effects are also signs of overdose. Report any serious ill effects to your health care provider right away.

Other: Mild dizziness or drowsiness, dry mouth.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Also, using these medicines together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking any of these medicines:

• amantadine (Symmetrel)
• antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, Amphojel, and Tums (take them 2 hours apart from this medicine)
• atenolol (Tenormin)
• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• medicines used to treat diarrhea such as Kaopectate and Pepto-Bismol (take them 2 hours apart from this medicine)
• medicines used to treat mental illness (Check with your health care provider.)
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), prochlorperazine (Compazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), and thioridazine (Mellaril)
• sedatives such as phenobarbital (Solfoton), butabarbital (Butisol), and amobarbital (Amytal)
• tranquilizers such as diazepam (Valium) and chlordiazepoxide (Librium)
• tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil), nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), and doxepin (Sinequan).

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medicine.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.