Side Effects of Levbid (hyoscyamine)

Levbid (hyoscyamine) is an anticholinergic used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, peptic ulcer disease, hypermotility of the lower urinary tract, and gastrointestinal disorders. 

Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and at nerves throughout the body. 

Acetylcholine is a neurotransmitter. Neurotransmitters are chemicals made and released by nerves that travel to nearby nerves or, in the case of acetylcholine, nearby muscles and glands where they attach to receptors on the surface of the nerve, muscle or glandular cells. 

The attachment of the neurotransmitter can stimulate or inhibit the activity of the receptor-containing cells. Anticholinergic drugs like Levbid affect the function of many organs by preventing acetylcholine from binding to its receptors. 

Levbid decreases the activity of muscles in the intestine and lower urinary tract. It reduces the production of sweat, saliva, digestive juices, urine, and tears. It also reduces the production of bronchial secretions.

Common side effects of Levbid include

• dry mouth,
• dry eyes,
• urinary retention,
• constipation,
• confusion,
• memory problems,
• excitement,
• nervousness,
• decreased sweating,
• flushing,
• blurred vision,
• dilated pupils,
• loss of taste,
• weakness,
• fever,
• impotence,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• headache,
• dizziness,
• loss of coordination,
• drowsiness,
• stomach pain,
• itching, and
• allergic reactions.

Serious side effects of Levbid include

• palpitations,
• increased heart rate,
• heatstroke,
• hallucinations,
• increased eye pressure, and
• psychosis.

Drug interactions of Levbid include other drugs that block the action of acetylcholine such as antimuscarinics, amantadine, haloperidol, phenothiazines, monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, or some antihistamines, because these combinations increase the risk of adverse effects. 

Antacids may interfere with the absorption of extended-release Levbid. 

It is unknown if Levbid can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. It should only be given to pregnant women when it is clearly needed. 

Levbid is excreted in breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Side effects include:

• Xerostomia
• Dry eyes
• Urinary retention
• Constipation
• Confusion
• Impaired memory
• Excitement
• Nervousness

Other side effects include:

• Decreased sweating (anhidrosis)
• Flushing
• Blurred vision
• Dilation of the pupil of the eye (mydriasis)
• Loss of taste
• Weakness
• Fever
• Impotence
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Ataxia
• Drowsiness
• Stomach pain
• Itching
• Allergic reactions

Possible serious side effects include:

• Palpitations
• Increased heart rate
• Heat stroke
• Hallucinations
• Increased ocular pressure
• Psychosis

All of the following adverse reactions have been reported with hyoscyamine sulfate. Adverse reactions may include

• dryness of the mouth;
• urinary hesitancy and retention;
• blurred vision;
• tachycardia;
• palpitations;
• mydriasis;
• increased ocular tension;
• loss of taste;
• headache;
• nervousness;
• drowsiness;
• weakness;
• fatigue;
• dizziness;
• insomnia;
• nausea;
• vomiting;
• impotence;
• constipation;
• bloated feeling;
• abdominal pain;
• diarrhea;
• allergic reactions or drug idiosyncrasies;
• urticaria and other dermal manifestations;
• ataxia;
• speech disturbance;
• some degree of mental confusion and/or excitement (especially in elderly persons);
• short-term memory loss;
• hallucinations; and
•  decreased sweating.

Additive adverse effects resulting from cholinergic blockade may occur when Levbid (hysocyamine sulfate extended release tablets) is administered concomitantly with

• other antimuscarinics,
• amantadine,
• haloperidol,
• phenothiazines,
• monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors,
• tricyclic antidepressants or
• some antihistamines.

Antacids may interfere with the absorption of Levbid (hysocyamine sulfate extended release tablets) .