Hyoscyamine Uses

Hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic drug. It blocks a chemical called acetylcholine in the body. This leads to a decrease in the movement of smooth muscles and a decrease in secretions in various parts of the body. Levsin SL (hyoscyamine) is therefore used to control symptoms originating from the gastrointestinal tract, such as peptic ulcers and associated abdominal cramps and stomach pain, diverticulitis, pancreatitis, neurogenic bowel disturbances, infant colic, and biliary colic (gallbladder pain). Hyoscyamine is also used to treat urinary problems such as cystitis, bladder spasms, and renal colic (kidney pain). This medicine works as a “drying agent” and can help treat excess sweating, excess saliva production, and acute rhinitis (runny nose). Hyoscyamine may also be used as adjunctive therapy for tremors and rigidity caused by Parkinson’s disease. Occasionally, hyoscyamine is used to treat certain heart conditions. It may also be used to treat poisoning with drugs used to treat myasthenia gravis.

There may be other uses of hyoscyamine sulfate. Your healthcare professional or pharmacist can give you further drug information.

Hyoscyamine Mechanism of Action

Hyoscyamine and other anticholinergic medications block the action of acetylcholine, a natural chemical in the body that is responsible for smooth muscle movement and secretions from exocrine glands. By blocking acetylcholine, hyoscyamine helps to reduce spasms, dry out secretions, and treat stomach and bladder problems. In the gastrointestinal tract, for example, hyoscyamine inhibits intestinal motility and decreases stomach acid secretion.

Hyoscyamine Doses

Hyoscyamine is available as a 0.125 mg regular tablet, orally disintegrating tablet, and sublingual tablet. It is also available as a 0.375 mg extended-release tablet. Liquid forms of hyoscyamine include a 0.125 mg/5 mL solution and 0.125 mg/1 mL oral drops. The usual dose of hyoscyamine is as follows:

Immediate-release hyoscyamine sulfate tablets, orally disintegrating tablets, and sublingual tablets: Adults and children 12 years of age and older should take 1-2 tablets every 4 hours with a maximum of 12 tablets in 24 hours. Children between 2 and 11 years of age should take 1/2 to 1 tablet every 4 hours with a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours. 

Extended-release hyoscyamine sulfate tablets: Adults and children 12 years of age and older should take 1-2 tablets every 12 hours with a maximum of 4 tablets in 24 hours. 

Hyoscyamine 0.125 mg/5 mL liquid: Adults and children 12 years of age and older should take 1-2 teaspoons every 4 hours with a maximum of 12 teaspoons in 24 hours. Children between 6 and 12 years of age should take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon every 4 hours with a maximum of 6 teaspoons in 24 hours. For children between 2 and 6 years old, ask the child’s doctor for the correct dose of hyoscyamine.

Hyoscyamine 0.125 mg/1 mL oral drops: Adults and children 12 years of age and older should take 1-2 mL every 4 hours with a maximum of 12 mL in 24 hours. Children between 6 and 12 years of age should take 1/2 to 1 mL every 4 hours with a maximum of 6 mL in 24 hours. For children between 2 and 6 years old, the dose is based on the child’s body weight. The child’s doctor can tell you the appropriate dose of hyoscyamine.