Hyoscyamine
Hyoscyamine is a natural tropane alkaloid and the levo-isomer of atropine. It functions as a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, thereby blocking the parasympathetic nervous system's signals. This anticholinergic action reduces smooth muscle spasms in the bladder, stomach, and intestines, and decreases bodily secretions such as saliva, sweat, and stomach acid.
Dosage by Body Weight
Adult typical oral or sublingual dosage is 0.125 mg to 0.25 mg every 4 hours or as needed, not to exceed 1.5 mg in a 24-hour period. For extended-release formulations, the dose is 0.375 mg to 0.75 mg every 12 hours, with a maximum of 1.5 mg daily. Pediatric doses are highly sensitive and must be adjusted carefully by body weight or age, typically utilizing the oral drops formulation (0.125 mg/mL). Always consult a healthcare professional before administering this medication.
- Body Weight
- Below 5 kg
- Dose
- 3 to 6 drops (0.015 to 0.03 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- For infants weighing up to 2.3 kg, the typical dose is 3 drops. For infants up to 4.5 kg, the dose is 6 drops. Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Use only under strict pediatric supervision.
- Body Weight
- 5-7 kg
- Dose
- 6 to 9 drops (0.03 to 0.045 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Monitor closely for adverse anticholinergic effects such as extreme drowsiness, rapid heart rate, or lack of urination.
- Body Weight
- 8-10 kg
- Dose
- 9 to 12 drops (0.045 to 0.06 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Ensure the patient remains well-hydrated, as this medication reduces the body's ability to sweat.
- Body Weight
- 11-15 kg
- Dose
- 12 to 15 drops (0.06 to 0.075 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Alternatively, equivalent doses of oral elixir may be prescribed by a physician.
- Body Weight
- 16-20 kg
- Dose
- 15 to 20 drops (0.075 to 0.1 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL)
- Frequency
- Every 4 hours as needed
- Tracking Notes
- Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Max dose is 20 drops per single administration for this weight group.
| Body Weight | Dose | Frequency | Tracking Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Below 5 kg | 3 to 6 drops (0.015 to 0.03 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL) | Every 4 hours as needed | For infants weighing up to 2.3 kg, the typical dose is 3 drops. For infants up to 4.5 kg, the dose is 6 drops. Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Use only under strict pediatric supervision. |
| 5-7 kg | 6 to 9 drops (0.03 to 0.045 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL) | Every 4 hours as needed | Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Monitor closely for adverse anticholinergic effects such as extreme drowsiness, rapid heart rate, or lack of urination. |
| 8-10 kg | 9 to 12 drops (0.045 to 0.06 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL) | Every 4 hours as needed | Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Ensure the patient remains well-hydrated, as this medication reduces the body's ability to sweat. |
| 11-15 kg | 12 to 15 drops (0.06 to 0.075 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL) | Every 4 hours as needed | Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Alternatively, equivalent doses of oral elixir may be prescribed by a physician. |
| 16-20 kg | 15 to 20 drops (0.075 to 0.1 mg) of oral drops (0.125 mg/mL) | Every 4 hours as needed | Do not exceed 6 doses in 24 hours. Max dose is 20 drops per single administration for this weight group. |
Formulation
Purpose
Used to provide symptomatic relief of various gastrointestinal disorders including irritable bowel syndrome, spastic colitis, peptic ulcers, and diverticulitis. It is also used to control gastric secretions, visceral spasms, hypermotility in cystitis, and to treat certain heart conditions or dry up excess secretions.
Generic Name
Hyoscyamine SulfateBranded Drug Names
Hyoscyamine is listed as a generic drug name. Common branded medicines that may contain the same active ingredient include:
Scheduled Drug
No. This medicine is generally not treated as a scheduled/prescription-only drug in common consumer references, but local rules may vary.