What is Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Hyoscyamine produces many effects in the body, including relief from muscle spasms.

Hyoscyamine also reduces the fluid secretions of many organs and glands in the body, such as the stomach, pancreas, lungs, saliva glands, sweat glands, and nasal passages.

Hyoscyamine is used to treat many different stomach and intestinal disorders, including peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to control muscle spasms in the bladder, kidneys, or digestive tract, and to reduce stomach acid. Hyoscyamine is sometimes used to reduce tremors and rigid muscles in people with symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Hyoscyamine is also used as a drying agent to control excessive salivation, runny nose, or excessive sweating.

Hyoscyamine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to hyoscyamine, or if you have:

• kidney disease
• an enlarged prostate or problems with urination
• intestinal blockage
• severe ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon
• glaucoma; or
• myasthenia gravis

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• heart disease, congestive heart failure
• a heart rhythm disorder
• high blood pressure
• overactive thyroid; or
• hiatal hernia with GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take hyoscyamine.

FDA pregnancy category C. This medication may be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

Hyoscyamine can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Anaspaz Side Effects

What are the possible side effects of Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using hyoscyamine and call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• diarrhea
• confusion, hallucinations
• unusual thoughts or behavior
• fast, pounding, or uneven heart rate
• rash or flushing; or
• eye pain

Less serious side effects may include:

• dizziness, drowsiness, feeling nervous
• blurred vision, headache
• sleep problems (insomnia)
• nausea, vomiting, bloating, heartburn, or constipation
• changes in taste
• problems with urination
• decreased sweating
• dry mouth; or
• impotence, loss of interest in sex, or trouble having an orgasm

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Anaspaz Interactions

What other drugs affect Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:

• amantadine (Symmetrel)
• haloperidol (Haldol)
• an MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
• phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), thioridazine (Mellaril), or trifluperazine (Stelazine); or
• antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Etrafon), amoxapine (Ascendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), doxepin (Sinequan), imipramine (Janimine, Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor), protriptyline (Vivactil), or trimipramine (Surmontil)

This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with hyoscyamine. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.

What should I avoid while taking Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Avoid taking antacids at the same time you take hyoscyamine. Antacids can make it harder for your body to absorb hyoscyamine. If you use an antacid, take it after you have taken hyoscyamine and eaten a meal.

Hyoscyamine can cause side effects that may impair your vision, thinking, or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and able to see clearly.

Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking hyoscyamine.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Because hyoscyamine reduces sweating, it can increase your risk of heat stroke.

Anaspaz Dosage

How should I take Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your medication may come with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these directions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

Do not crush, chew, break, or open an extended-release tablet or capsule. Swallow the pill whole. It is specially made to release medicine slowly in the body. Breaking or opening the pill would cause too much of the drug to be released at one time.

Measure the oral liquid form of hyoscyamine with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

The sublingual tablet form of this medication must be placed under the tongue, where it will dissolve. Do not swallow the sublingual tablet whole or wash it down with water. You may drink water after the pill has completely dissolved in your mouth.

Before using hyoscyamine oral spray for the first time, you must prime the spray pump. To do this, spray 3 test sprays into the air and away from your face. Prime the spray pump at least 1 test spray any time you have not used the oral spray for longer than 2 days. Spray until a fine mist appears.

After using the oral spray, try not to swallow right away. Do not rinse your mouth or spit for 5 to 10 minutes after using the oral spray.

Hyoscyamine is usually taken before a meal. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Do not use hyoscyamine oral spray for more than 30 sprays, even if there is medicine still left in the bottle.

What happens if I overdose on Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine.

Overdose symptoms may include headache, dizziness, dry mouth, trouble swallowing, nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, hot dry skin, and feeling restless or nervous.

What happens if I miss a dose of Anaspaz (Hyoscyamine)?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at your next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Edited from everydayhealth.com