Atropine / Hyoscyamine / Phenobarbital / Scopolamine Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 1, 2025.

Applies to atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine: oral elixir, oral tablet.

Precautions

This medicine will add to the effects of alcohol and other CNS depressants (medicines that slow down the nervous system, possibly causing drowsiness). Some examples of CNS depressants are antihistamines or medicine for hay fever, other allergies, or colds; sedatives, tranquilizers, or sleeping medicine; prescription pain medicine or narcotics; barbiturates; medicine for seizures; muscle relaxants; or anesthetics, including some dental anesthetics. Check with your doctor before taking any of the above while you are taking this medicine.

Do not take this medicine within 1 hour of taking antacids or medicine for diarrhea. Taking them too close together will make the belladonna alkaloids less effective.

Belladonna alkaloids will often make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine, as overheating could possibly result in heat stroke. This is especially important in children taking belladonna alkaloids.

This medicine may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses and avoiding too much exposure to bright light may help lessen the discomfort.

This medicine may cause some people to have blurred vision or to become drowsy, dizzy, or less alert than they are normally. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or able to see well.

This medicine may cause a dry mouth, nose, or throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your dentist. Continuing dryness of the mouth may increase the chance of dental disease, including tooth decay, gum disease, and fungus infections.

Other side effects

Some side effects of atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, atropine/hyoscyamine/phenobarbital/scopolamine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine:

For healthcare professionals

Applies to atropine / hyoscyamine / phenobarbital / scopolamine: oral capsule, oral liquid, oral solution, oral tablet, oral tablet extended release.

Genitourinary adverse events

• Frequency not reported: Urinary hesitancy and retention, impotence, suppression of lactation^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Frequency not reported: Tachycardia, palpitation^[Ref]

Ocular

• Frequency not reported: Blurred vision, mydriasis, cycloplegia, increased ocular tension^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Xerostomia, constipation, bloated feeling^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Loss of taste sense, headache, drowsiness, dizziness, convulsions^[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

• Frequency not reported: Severe allergic reaction or drug idiosyncrasies (including anaphylaxis, urticaria, and other dermal manifestations), acquired hypersensitivity (reactions include localized swelling, particularly of eyelids, cheeks, or lips, and erythematous dermatitis)^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Musculoskeletal pain^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Frequency not reported: Nervousness, insomnia, excitement, delirium, agitation (elderly patients)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Frequency not reported: Decreased sweating, exfoliative dermatitis (e.g. Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis)^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Frequency not reported: Megaloblastic anemia^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Weakness^[Ref]

See also:

Further information

Atropine/hyoscyamine/phenobarbital/scopolamine side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer