Donnatal (Belladonna Alkaloids) - Donnatal Side Effects, Donnatal Dosage
Donnatal is indicated as treatment for irritable bowel movement. It is in a liquid form. Its generic name is Belladonna Alkaloids and Phenobarbital. Phenobarbital belongs to a family of drugs called barbiturates. Atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine are the belladonna alkaloids included in this drug.
Donnatal Primary Uses:
This drug is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal inflammation. It decreases the muscular movement in the stomach and intestines. It also provides mild sedation. Phenobarbital works by slowing the activity of the brain and nervous system. Belladonna alkaloids reduce muscle spasms in the digestive and urinary tract. It also reduces the secretions of fluids from glands and organs.
Other Uses For Donnatal
This drug may be used for other medical purposes. When combined with other medicines, it can be used to treat intestinal ulcers. Do not take the drug without proper medical advice or prescription.
Donnatal Side Effects:
Some patients may experience or even suffer from Donnatal side effects. But not all patients, only those who are unfit to take the drug experience side effects. Below is the list of possible less serious side effects of the drug:
Minor Donnatal Side Effects
- decreased taste sensation
- nausea, vomiting
- constipation
- feeling restless
- loss sex drive, trouble having orgasm
- decreased sweating or urination
- blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light
- drowsiness
- headache, dizziness,
- weakness
- dry mouth
Some patients suffer from more serious side effects. The following are some of the possible severe side effects of this drug:
Major Donnatal Side Effects
- seeing halos around lights
- diarrhea
- painful or difficult urination
- mouth sores, red or bleeding gums, or tooth decay
- blurred vision with eye pain
- fast or pounding heartbeats
- fainting
Stop taking the drug if you experience any of the side effects. Consult your doctor first to determine if you can still take the drug in lower dosage.
Withdrawal Symptoms
When you have been taking this drug for quite a long time already, do not immediately stop taking it. Because if in case your body has become dependent to the drug at a certain extent, an abrupt stop of taking the drug could have mild and severe manifestations. This is known as withdrawal symptoms.
How To Take Donnatal:
Take the exact Donnatal dosage prescribed to you. Take the medicine with a glass of water. Do not use a regular spoon when measuring the liquid. Use a dose-measuring spoon or cup for the medicine. You can buy this at the pharmacy. Immediately tell you doctor if you feel like the symptoms do not improve, or if they have become worse, even if you have been regularly taking the medicine. Store the medicine at room temperature. Keep it away from heat and moisture. This is important: Do not take larger Donnatal dosage. Follow what is prescribed to you. And carefully read the prescription label of the medicine.
What to Avoid When Taking Donnatal:
Not all who suffer from bowel syndrome are allowed to take this drug. There are things that you should avoid in order for you to take this drug. The contraindications come in a form of drugs and health conditions. If you are using any of these meds, do not take Donnatal:
- isocarboxazid (Marplan)
- phenelzine (Nardil)
- rasagiline (Azilect)
- selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam)
- tranylcypromine (Parnate)
- benztropine (Cogentin)
- dimenhydrinate (Dramamine)
- methscopolamine (Pamine)
- scopolamine (Transderm-Scop)
- ipratroprium (Atrovent) or tiotropium (Spiriva)
- glycopyrrolate (Robinul)
- mepenzolate (Cantil)
- bladder and urinary medications
- warfarin (Coumadin)
- ketoconazole (Nizoral)
- other irritable bowel medications
Avoid using this drug if you have history of or if you have any of the following health conditions:
- hiatal hernia or reflux disease
- porphyria
- myasthenia gravis
- severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon
- enlarged prostate
- urination problems
- blockage in your intestines or digestive tract
- liver disease
- kidney disease
- colostomy or ileostomy
- thyroid disorder
- heart disease
- glaucoma
- paralytic ileus
Talk to your doctor about this matter so that you will know if you are still allowed or not allowed to take the drug.
Warnings:
If you are pregnant, unless your life depends on the drugs, avoid taking Donnatal. This is to prevent possible damage or harm to the unborn baby. Some properties of this drug may be excreted in the milk, which could be harmful to the baby. So avoid using this drug if you are breastfeeding. There is no established clinical proof that this drug is safe for pediatric use.
Donnatal Overdose And Remedy:Drug overdose is condition which you should not disregard. Patients are likely to develop Donnatal overdose if they took more than what is prescribed. Follow the proper Donnatal dosage stated in the medicine label and prescribed by the physician. Drug overdose is a serious matter which you should immediately treat. Some of the mild and severe symptoms of overdose are: dizziness, nausea, vomiting, headache, dry mouth, feeling excited, blurred vision, dry skin, and trouble swallowing. If you notice any of these symptoms, go to your doctor right away.
This drug is an effective treatment for irritable bowel syndrome. But if you use this as treatment for intestinal ulcers, ask your doctor what other drugs you should be taking along with Donnatal. Follow the prescription of your doctor and do not take two dosages at once. Also, take note of the indications and contraindications when using this drug. Have regular check up with your physician before and during taking this drug.