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hyoscyamine, atropine, scopolamine, phenobarb, Donnatal

GENERIC NAME: hyoscyamine sulfate, atropine sulfate, scopolamine sulfate and phenobarbital

BRAND NAME: Donnatal

DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Donnatal is a medicine which combines naturally occurring belladonna alkaloids (atropine, scopolamine and hyoscyamine) with phenobarbital. This provides multiple effects, including reduction of bowel spasms caused by overly active nerves and mild sedation.

PRESCRIPTION: yes

GENERIC AVAILABLE: yes

PREPARATIONS: Capsules: 16.2 mg phenobarbital, 0.1037 hyoscyamine sulfate, 0.0194 mg atropine sulfate, and 0.0065 mg scopolamine hydrobromide. Tablets: 16.2 mg phenobarbital, 0.1037 mg hyoscyamine sulfate, 0.0194 mg atropine sulfate, and 0.065 mg scopolamine hydrobromide or, 32.4 mg phenobarbital and the same amount of the other components as the regular Donnatal tablets. Sustained release tablets: 48.6 mg phenobarbital, 0.311 mg hyoscyamine sulfate, 0.0582 mg atropine sulfate, and 0.0195 mg scopolamine hydrobromide (Donnatal Extentabs). Elixir (per 5ml): 16.2 mg phenobarbital, 0.1037 mg hyoscyamine sulfate, 0.0194 mg atropine sulfate, and 0.0065 mg scopolamine hydrobromide.

STORAGE: Store at controlled room temperature between 15-30C (59-86F)

PRESCRIBED FOR: Donnatal is used in the treatment of abdominal pain, bloating and cramps in patients with irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used in patients with acute inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis), in reducing pain and diarrhea. It is frequently used as additional therapy in patients with duodenal ulcer.

DOSING: May be taken with or without food. The dosage is adjusted to the individual patient to assure control of symptoms with a minimum of side effects.

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Caution is advised in patients with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis and urinary obstruction as symptoms of these conditions may worsen with the use of Donnatal. Patients with an unstable cardiac status, severe ulcerative colitis and acute intermittent porphyria should avoid Donnatal. Elderly patients may experience adverse neurological effects even from small doses.

PREGNANCY: Pregnant women should use Donnatal only when the expected benefit outweighs the potential risks, because the effect on the unborn fetus is unknown.

NURSING MOTHERS: Caution should be exercised when giving Donnatal to nursing mothers.

SIDE EFFECTS: Adverse reactions include dry eyes, dry mouth and urinary hesitancy and retention. Blurred vision, rapid heart rates, palpitations may also occur. Headache, nervousness, drowsiness, and dizziness can also be seen.

Reference: FDA Prescribing Information

Last Editorial Review: 11/23/1998

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