Levsin

 
Generic Name: L-hyoscyamine

Brands: Anaspaz, Cystospaz, Cystospaz-M, Levbid, Levsin, Levsin SL, Levsinex SR

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What is the most important information I should know about Levsin?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levsin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Levsin.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Levsin increases the risk of heat stroke because it causes decreased sweating.

 

What is Levsin?

· Levsin produces many effects in the body, including relief from spasms of the gastrointestinal tract (stomach and intestines), the bladder, and the biliary tract. This is helpful in controlling conditions such as colitis, spastic bladder, diverticulitis, infant colic, renal and biliary colic, peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, splenic flexure syndrome, and pancreatitis.

· Levsin also reduces the secretions of many organs, thereby helping to control conditions such as excessive stomach acid production, excessive secretion from the pancreas, and excessive sweating and drooling associated with diseases like Parkinson's disease. In addition, Levsin is used before surgery to reduce secretions of the nose, lungs, salivary glands, and stomach, and it is even used to help dry up excessive mucus production associated with diseases, colds, and infections.

· Levsin also has effects on the eyes and on the heart.

· Levsin may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

Who should not take Levsin?

· Do not take Levsin if you have     ·kidney disease;     ·a blockage of your urinary tract (difficulty urinating);     ·a blockage in your intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, or ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon;     ·glaucoma; or     ·myasthenia gravis.

· Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have     ·numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;     ·liver disease;     ·ulcerative colitis;     ·thyroid problems;     ·high blood pressure, an irregular heartbeat, or any type of heart disease;     ·hiatal hernia or reflux disease;     ·enlargement of the prostate; or     ·asthma, chronic lung disease, or allergies.

· You may not be able to take Levsin, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· It is not known whether Levsin will harm an unborn baby. Do not take Levsin without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.

· It is not known whether Levsin passes into breast milk. Do not take Levsin without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Levsin?

· Take Levsin exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· To ensure that you get a correct dose, measure the liquid form of Levsin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist where you can get one.

· Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules. Swallow them whole. They are specially formulated to release slowly in your body.

· Store Levsin at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention.

· Symptoms of a Levsin overdose include headache; nausea; vomiting; dry mouth; difficulty swallowing; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; drowsiness; confusion; anxiety; seizures; weak pulse; and an irregular heartbeat.

 

What should I avoid while taking Levsin?

· Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Levsin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid these activities.

· Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Levsin.

· Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Levsin increases the risk of heat stroke because it causes decreased sweating.

 

What are the possible side effects of Levsin?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Levsin and seek emergency medical attention:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);     ·an irregular or fast heart rate;     ·rash or flushing; or     ·eye pain.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Levsin and talk to your doctor if you experience     ·headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;     ·weakness or nervousness;     ·blurred vision, large pupils, or sensitivity of the eyes to bright light;     ·nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation;     ·changes in taste;     ·difficulty urinating;     ·decreased sweating; or     ·nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Levsin?

· Many other drugs may increase the side effects of Levsin. Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:     ·amantadine (Symmetrel);     ·quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex);     ·antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromphen, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others), and chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and prescription cough, cold and allergy medications;     ·decongestants and appetite suppressants such as phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and prescription products;     ·phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine);     ·other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine);     ·tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); or     ·other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).

· Levsin may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that your digoxin levels can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Levsin. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has more information about Levsin written for health professionals that you may read.