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Belladonna - Learn about Belladonna Side Effects and Precautions

Belladonna Information

The pharmacology action of Belladonna is that it inhibition of the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous system by ergotamine and belladonna, respectively, reinforced by the synergistic activity of phenobarbital in dampening the cortical centers

Belladonna is used in management of disorders characterized by nervous tension and exaggerated autonomic response; menopausal disorders with hot flushes, sweats, restlessness, and insomnia; cardiovascular disorders with palpitation, tachycardia, chest oppression, and vasomotor disturbances; GI disorders with hypermotility, hypersecretion, "nervous stomach," diarrhea, constipation; interval treatment of recurrent, throbbing headache

Interaction and Contraindication of Belladonna

Interaction of Belladonna - Beta-adrenergic blocking agents:  Excessive vasoconstriction may occur.
CNS depressants (eg, alcohol, narcotic analgesics, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants):  Depressant action may be potentiated.
Doxycycline, estrogen, griseofulvin, quinidine:  Pharmacologic effects of these agents may be decreased.
Hydantoins (eg, phenytoin):  Effects of hydantoins may be increased or decreased.
Oral anticoagulants (eg, warfarin):  Anticoagulant activity as measured by prothrombin time may be decreased.
Valproic acid:  Pharmacologic effects of phenobarbital may be increased

Contraindication of Belladonna - Peripheral vascular disease; coronary heart disease; hypertension; impaired hepatic or renal function; sepsis; pregnancy; nursing mothers; glaucoma; coadministration of ergotamine and dopamine; history of manifest or latent porphyria; patients with history of restlessness and/or excitement with phenobarbital use; hypersensitivity to any component of the product .

Side Effects of Belladonna

Here are the list of some common side effects of Belladonna :

• Palpitations; tachycardia
• Drowsiness.
• Blurred vision
• Dry mouth; decreased GI motility.
• Urinary retention.
• Tingling and other paresthesias of the extremities; decreased sweating; flushing

Precaution and Warning while taking Belladonna

The precaution and warnings of Belladonna drug is as follows:

• Advise patient to take 1 tablet bid (morning and evening) without regard to meals but to take with food if GI upset occurs.
• Caution patient not to take more than 16 tablets in 1 wk because of the risk of toxic effects developing.
• Instruct patient to avoid alcoholic beverages and other depressants while taking this medication.
• Advise patient that drug may impair judgment, thinking, or motor skills or cause drowsiness and to use caution while driving or performing other tasks requiring mental alertness until tolerance is determined.
• Advise patient to stop taking the drug and notify health care provider if any of the following symptoms occur: numbness, tingling, coldness, or paleness in the fingers or toes; muscle pain in arms or legs; weakness in the legs; chest pain, tightness, or pressure; changes in heart rate; sudden worsening of headache; swelling; or itching.
• Advise women to contact health care provider if pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Warn patient not to take any prescription or OTC drugs or dietary supplements without consulting health care provider.
• Advise patient that follow-up visits may be necessary to monitor therapy and to keep appointments.

How to store Belladonna

• Administer 1 tablet bid, morning and evening, without regard to meals.
• Administer with food if GI upset occurs.
• Do not administer within 24 hr of treatment with another 5-HT 1 agonist or other ergot-containing or ergot-type drug (eg, methysergide).
• Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).