Levsin

Generic name: Hyoscyamine sulfate

What is Levsin?

Levsin is used to treat stomach, intestinal, and urinary tract disorders that involve cramps, colic, bladder spasms, peptic ulcer disease, diverticulitis, irritable bowel syndrome, cystitis, pancreatitis, or other painful muscle contractions. It also helps to reduce the rigidity, tremors, and runny nose commonly associated with Parkinson's disease.

Levsin also reduces secretions and can help control conditions such as excessive sweating and drooling. In addition, Levsin is used before surgery to reduce secretions of the nose, lungs, salivary glands, and stomach.

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

Levsin may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase and putting you at risk of heat stroke. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather or while you are being active.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to Levsin; this drug may cause drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, or lightheadedness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines.

Levsin will add to the effects of alcohol and other medicines that may cause drowsiness (such as sleep aids and muscle relaxants). Ask your pharmacist if you have any questions about which medicines may cause drowsiness.

Caution is advised when using Levsin in children; they may be more sensitive to its effects. Safety and effectiveness in children <2 years have not been confirmed.

Who should not take Levsin?

Do not take Levsin if you have bowel or digestive tract obstruction or paralysis, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, severe ulcerative colitis, or urinary tract disorders.

People who must avoid phenylalanine should not take NuLev tablets (one available form of Levsin).

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of Levsin?

Tell your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with Levsin. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have: heart or blood vessel problems such as an irregular heartbeat, heart disease, prostate problems, nerve problems, diarrhea, fever, have been very ill or are in poor health, if you are at risk of glaucoma, have hiatal hernia associated with inflammation of the lower part of the esophagus, high blood pressure, kidney disease, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, thyroid problems.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Levsin comes in several forms, including tablets, sublingual (dissolved under the tongue) tablets, tablets that dissolve on the tongue (NuLev), sustained-release capsules (Levsinex Timecaps), sustained-release tablets (Levbid), liquid, drops, and an injectable solution.

Levsin, Levsin/SL, and NuLev Tablets

Adults and children ≥12 years: The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours or as needed. Do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours

Children 2 to <12 years: The usual dose is 1/2 to 1 tablet every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give your child more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.

Levsin Elixir

Adults and children ≥12 years: The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls every 4 hours or as needed. Do not take more than 12 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours

Children 2 to <12 years: Dosage is by body weight and will be determined by your doctor. Doses may be given every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give your child more than 6 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours.

Levbid Extended-Release Tablets

Adults and children ≥12 years: The dosage is 1 to 2 tablets every 12 hours. The tablets are scored so that you can break them in half if your doctor wants you to. Do not crush or chew them. You should not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.

Levsin Drops

Adults and children ≥12 years: The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 milliliters (mL) every 4 hours or as needed, but no more than 12 mL in 24 hours

Children 2 to <12 years: The usual dosage is ¼ to 1 mL every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give your child more than 6 mL in 24 hours.

Children <2 years: Your doctor will determine the dosage based on body weight. The doses may be repeated every 4 hours or as needed.

Levsinex Timecaps

Adults and children ≥12 years: The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 capsules every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to 1 capsule every 8 hours as needed. Do not take more than 4 capsules in 24 hours.

How should I take Levsin?

Take Levsin exactly as prescribed. Although the sublingual tablets (Levsin/SL) are designed to be dissolved under the tongue, they may also be chewed or swallowed. The regular tablets should be swallowed. Do not crush or chew Levbid extended-release tablets. NuLev tablets should be placed on the tongue, allowed to melt, and then swallowed. They can be taken with or without water.

Levsin is usually taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Follow your doctor's specific instructions for taking Levsin.

Make sure to measure the liquid form of Levsin with a special dose-measuring spoon or cup, not with a regular tablespoon.

If you are taking antacids, take Levsin before meals and the antacids after meals.

Levsin can cause dry mouth. For temporary relief, suck on a hard candy or chew gum.

Proper dental care is important while you are taking Levsin. Brush and floss your teeth and visit the dentist regularly.

Levsin may make your eyes more sensitive to sunlight. It may help to wear sunglasses.

What should I avoid while taking Levsin?

Levsin may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Avoid using alcohol. It may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are taking Levsin.

Avoid becoming overheated. Levsin may make you sweat less and you may be at greater risk of heat stroke.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with Levsin?

If Levsin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Levsin with the following: antimuscarinics such as dicyclomine, amantadine, antacids, antidepressants (including MAOIs and tricyclics), antihistamines, haloperidol, tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine and prochlorperazine

What are the possible side effects of Levsin?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: allergic reactions, bloating, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, decreased sweating, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, headache, heart palpitations, hives, impotence, inability to urinate, insomnia, itching, lack of coordination, loss of sense of taste, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, skin reactions, speech problems, vomiting, weakness

Can I receive Levsin if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of Levsin during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Use caution when breastfeeding because Levsin is found in breast milk.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Levsin?

Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

How should I store Levsin?

Store Levsin at room temperature. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom.