What is Donnatal?
Donnatal contains belladonna alkaloids, including atropine, hyoscyamine, and scopolamine, as well as phenobarbital. Donnatal is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome as well as ulcers of the intestine. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of Donnatal.
Side effects of Donnatal
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat) or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes or skin, blistering or peeling skin, or red or purple skin rash), seek emergency medical attention.
This medicine can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fast or pounding heartbeats
- Blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around light
- Diarrhea (especially if your colostomy is or is not in place);
- Reduced sweating with hot or dry skin
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Loss of coordination, slurred words, fainting
- Suicidal thoughts, confusion, agitation, and depression
- Fever and sore throat
- Pale skin, easy bruises, unusual fatigue, cold hands or feet
Older adults may experience side effects like drowsiness and agitation. They can also feel nervous or excited.
Donnatal can cause the following side effects:
- Constipation;
- Reduced sweating or urination
- Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness;
- Blurred vision
- Feeling nervous or excited
- Dry mouth, nose, or throat
- Dry skin
- Nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
There may be other side effects. Need medical advice regarding side effects? Visit your GP. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Donnatal can become habit-forming. Abuse of Donnatal can lead to addiction, overdose, or death.
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be used if you have an allergy to atropine or any of the following: hyoscyamine, phenobarbital, or scopolamine. If any of the following apply:
- Bladder obstruction, an enlarged prostate, or other urination issues;
- A stomach or obstruction in the bowel (including paralyticileus);
- Chronic constipation (especially among older adults and those with ill health or disabilities),
- Severe ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon
- Glaucoma;
- Reflux disease in conjunction with a hiatal hernia
- Active bleeding is accompanied by rapid heartbeats and low blood Shortness of breath
- Porphyria is a genetic disorder of the enzymes that can cause symptoms in the skin and nervous system.
- An allergy to primidone
- A muscle disorder known as myasthenia gravis
Provide any and all details to your doctor concerning:
- A stomach ulcer is also known as ulcerative colitis.
- A colostomy or ileostomy;
- A nerve-muscle disorder;
- Heart problems high blood pressure
- gallbladder disease
- Alcoholism or drug abuse
- Breathing problems
- A thyroid disorder
- Liver or kidney disease
Donnatal can harm an unborn child, but it may be worth the risk to treat your condition. Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. This medication can reduce the effectiveness of birth-control pills. Ask your doctor if you can use a non-hormonal contraceptive to prevent pregnancy (condoms, diaphragms with spermicide). Breast-feeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should ask your doctor if there are any risks. This medication can reduce breast milk production. Do not administer this medication to your child without consulting a physician.
How to take Donnatal?
Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label. Donnatal contains barbiturate phenobarbital. This drug can be addictive. Misuse of the drug can lead to addiction, overdose, or death. Store it in a safe place. It is illegal to sell or give away this medication. Do not chew, crush, or break the extended-release tablet. Measuring liquid medicine is important. Use the provided dosing device or a dose-measuring tool (not a spoon). If your symptoms don't improve or worsen, call your doctor. Donnatal can interfere with certain medical tests. Donnatal is a medicine that should be disclosed to any doctor you see. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Track your medication. Be aware of anyone who is misusing your medicine or using it without a valid prescription. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how to stop this medication safely.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. Overdose symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. They may also include blurred vision or dry or hot skin.
What should be avoided?
Donnatal can cause drowsiness, blurred vision, or affect your reaction. Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have determined how the medicine will affect you. Alcohol consumption can cause certain side effects to be exacerbated. Avoid overheating or dehydration during exercise and hot weather. This medication can cause you to sweat less and be more susceptible to heatstroke.
Interaction with other drug
This medicine can have dangerous side effects when taken with other drugs, which slow breathing. Take an antacid at least three hours before or after taking Donnatal.
Your doctor may adjust your dose of other medications you regularly take when you begin or stop using Donnatal. Tell your doctor all of your other medications, including:
- Potassium supplements;
- Primidone;
- John's wort;
- Antibiotic or antifungal medicines;
- Heart or blood pressure medications;
- Antiviral medication to treat hepatitis, hiv/aids, or other viral infections;
- A blood thinner (such as a warfarin or Coumadin).
This list is incomplete. Donnatal may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. This list does not include all drug interactions.
