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Overview: Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital is used alongside other medicines to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammation of the intestines. It may also be used to help with symptoms from certain types of ulcers. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital helps relax the muscles in your digestive system to reduce cramps and spasms. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, and dry mouth. Serious side effects are rare but may include certain gut problems, trouble regulating body temperature, and severe skin reactions.

Uses

What is belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital used for?

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital is commonly used alongside other medicines to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammation of the intestines. It may also be used to help with symptoms from an ulcer in the upper part of the intestine (duodenal ulcer). 

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not reviewed this medicine for safety and effectiveness, and the label is not approved by the FDA. Learn more about unapproved drugs here.

How does belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital work (mechanism of action)?

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital helps relax the muscles in your digestive system to reduce cramps and spasms.

How is belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Barbidonna
  • Donnatal
  • Haponal
  • Hyonatol
  • Hyosophen
  • Phenohytro
  • RE-PB Hyos
  • Se-Donna PB Hyos

Example dosage forms and strengths

  • 16.2 mg/0.1037 mg/0.0194 mg/0.0065 mg phenobarbital/hyoscyamine sulfate/atropine sulfate/scopolamine hydrobromide per 5 mL of oral elixir
  • 16.2 mg/0.1037 mg/0.0194 mg/0.0065 mg phenobarbital/hyoscyamine sulfate/atropine sulfate/scopolamine hydrobromide per oral tablet

How should I store belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Do not freeze. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

The most common side effects of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Drowsiness 
  • Blurred vision or dilated pupils
  • Dry mouth or loss of taste
  • Headache
  • Dizziness or weakness
  • Nervousness
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Problems getting or keeping an erection (erectile dysfunction)
  • Muscle or joint pain

There may be other side effects of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

While less common, the most serious side effects of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Gut Problems. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may cause slowed movement in your stomach and intestines, leading to constipation, bloating, and other stomach issues. Some people taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may get a blockage of the gut, especially if they have an ileostomy or colostomy (openings made in the belly to collect poop). Stop taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital and call your health care provider right away if you have diarrhea. This can be an early sign that you have a narrowing or blockage in your gut. Also tell your health care provider right away if you have symptoms such as a lack of appetite, stomach pain or bloating, or blood in your poop.

Body Temperature Regulation. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature by decreasing the amount you sweat. This could make you become very hot or cause heatstroke, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Excessive or no sweating
  • Dry mouth
  • Feeling very hot
  • Feeling thirsty
  • Not able to pee

Severe Skin Reactions. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you get a rash, stop taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital and call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage. Stop taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital and call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Heart Rate Changes. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital might make your heart beat faster than normal (tachycardia) or cause palpitations. Call your health care provider right away if you have a fast, pounding, or skipping heartbeat.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital.

  • Atropine
  • Belladonna alkaloids
  • Hyoscyamine
  • Phenobarbital
  • Scopolamine
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital products they stock.

Certain Medical Conditions. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital should not be taken if you have any of the following conditions.

  • Glaucoma, which is a condition that may lead to trouble seeing or blindness because of damage to the optic nerve in your eye
  • A blockage in your urinary tract, also called obstructive uropathy, such as from an enlarged prostate
  • A narrowing or blockage of your gut (bowel obstruction) 
  • Slowed gut movement, when the muscles in your intestines are unable to move food and waste out of the body properly
  • Severe ulcerative colitis, which is an inflammatory bowel disease that can cause pain and sores in the lining of your large intestine
  • Myasthenia gravis, which is a condition that can cause muscle weakness
  • Porphyria, which is a genetic disorder that often affects your skin
  • A hiatal hernia, which is a condition where your stomach bulges up into your chest through an opening in your diaphragm
  • Heart problems during any type of severe bleeding

Certain Side Effects With Past Use. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital should not be taken if you have become restless or excitable while taking phenobarbital in the past.

What should I know about belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital before using it?

Do not take belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital out of the reach of children.

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital affects you.

Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, or during exercise or other strenuous activity. You can overheat and become dehydrated more easily while taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital.

People who are aged 65 or older can be at greater risk of some side effects from belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital can cause physical dependence, which means your body relies on the medicine. If you stop belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital suddenly, it could lead to withdrawal symptoms, which may be life-threatening. Do not stop taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital without talking with your health care provider. Your health care provider can tell you how to stop belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital to reduce the risk of withdrawal reactions. Call your health care provider right away or go to the nearest emergency room if you have any of the following serious symptoms.

  • Unusual movements, responses, or expressions
  • Seizures
  • Sudden and severe mental or nervous system changes
  • Seeing or hearing things that others do not see or hear, also called hallucinations
  • An extreme increase in activity or talking
  • Losing touch with reality

If you are taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital liquid, use an accurate measuring device to measure your dose. A household spoon is not an accurate measuring device and may cause you to take the wrong dose. Ask your pharmacist what measuring device to use.

Some belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital products contain a dye called FD&C Yellow No. 5 (tartrazine). If you have a sensitivity to tartrazine, talk to your pharmacist or other health care provider before taking this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital while breastfeeding.

Interactions

Does belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital. The risk of side effects, such as drowsiness and dizziness, may increase if you drink alcohol while taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital.

Does belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital.

  • A blood thinner, which is a medicine used to treat or prevent blood clots
  • An antihistamine, such as chlorpheniramine or diphenhydramine (Benadryl), which is a medicine commonly used to treat allergy symptoms
  • Any medicine for seizures, such as carbamazepine or phenytoin
  • Any other medicine that causes dizziness and sleepiness, such as prescription pain medicines, sleep medicines, muscle relaxants, or medicines for anxiety

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

If you or someone else has used too much belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of belladonna alkaloids/phenobarbital?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.