#levsin

Brand Names: Levsin, Levbid, Anaspaz, Hyomax

Generic Available

Common Dosage Forms:

Tablets: 0.125 mg

Tablets, sublingual: 0.125 mg

Tablets, extended-release (Levbid): 0.375 mg

Elixir: 0.125 mg/mL

Drops: 0.125 mg/mL

FDA Indications/Dosages:

For adjunctive therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, neurogenic bladder or bowel disorders, biliary or renal colic and other gastric hyper-spasmodic or hypersecretory disorder, treatment of rhinitis, anticholinesterase, and parkinsonism:

Adults: 0.125-0.25 mg every 4 hours or as needed. Maximum of 12 doses/day. Adults may use 1-2 Timecaps or 1-2 Levbid tablets every 12 hours.

Children: 0.0625-0.125 mg every 4 hours or as needed. Maximum of 6 doses/day.

Pharmacology/Pharmacokinetics: Hyoscyamine sulfate inhibits the muscarinic action of acetylcholine on smooth muscle. Blockage does not occur at autonomic ganglia. Hyoscyamine relaxes bladder smooth muscle which decreases urgency, frequency, urinary leakage, and dysuria. It also inhibits gastric, pharyngeal, tracheal, and bronchial secretions. Peak plasma levels are reached sooner with the sublingual dosage form. Elimination half-life is 3.5 hours. Excretion of unchanged drug occurs in the urine.

Drug Interactions: Antacids may decrease absorption. Additive adverse effects may occur with phenothiazines, MAO inhibitors, haloperidol, and other antimuscarinics.

Contraindications/Precautions: Contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, obstructive uropathy, GI tract obstruction, paralytic ileus, severe ulcerative colitis, myasthenia gravis, and in unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage. Use with caution in patients with hyperthyroidism, autonomic neuropathy, congestive heart failure, coronary disease, hypertension, and renal disease. Pregnancy Category C.

Adverse Effects: Drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, urinary retention, TACHYCARDIA, constipation, nervousness, and nausea.

Patient Consultation:

Take on an empty stomach; do not take with antacids.

Avoid prolonged exposure to hot weather or conditions which may increase sweating.

May cause drowsiness. Use caution while operating machinery or when mental alertness is required.

Store in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and children.

Contact a physician if the above side effects are severe of persistent.