Does your little one suffer from frequent stomach aches or bloating (like IBS)? Or is he/she experiencing discomfort due to some bladder problems? Your doctor may have prescribed Hyoscyamine drops for your baby. The name may sound a little scary. But don’t worry. So today, let’s talk about what exactly this medicine is, how to give it to your child, and what you should be aware of as a parent.
What kind of drug is this Hyoscyamine?
Simply put, Hyoscyamine is a drug that belongs to a class of drugs called Antispasmodic . Okay, does that word sound a bit complicated? The meaning is very simple. 'Spasm' means a sudden tightening of the muscles. So what this drug does is to stop some of the muscles in our body from tightening unnecessarily and relax them.
Specifically, this herb targets the smooth muscles in our digestive system (intestines) and bladder. When these muscles relax, things like stomach cramps and bloating are reduced.
Not only that, this hormone controls several other things in our body.
- Reduces saliva production.
- Reduces sweating.
- Reduces stomach acid production.
For these reasons, doctors use it to relieve conditions such as stomach pain, symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) , stomach ulcers, and bladder spasms.
Things to tell your doctor before giving you an anesthetic
Okay, this part is very important. Before giving this medicine to your child, you should definitely tell your doctor if your child has any of the conditions listed below. Because in such cases, it may not be appropriate to give this medicine, or special care may be required.
| Illness or condition | Why should you notify? |
|---|---|
| Glaucoma (a disease in which eye pressure increases) | This medicine can further increase eye pressure. |
| Heart disease or previous heart attack | This medication may affect heart rate. |
| Myasthenia Gravis (muscle weakness) | This condition is likely to worsen. |
| Difficulty urinating or prostate problems | This medication may increase urine retention. |
| Stomach obstruction | This medication can further slow down the functioning of the digestive system. |
| Ulcerative Colitis | In some cases, the condition may worsen. |
| Allergies to Hyoscyamine or other drugs/foods | This is essential to avoid allergic reactions. |
How to use the potion correctly?
- This medicine should be taken orally. Follow the dosage and frequency exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
- To measure the medicine , use only the dropper or measuring spoon that comes with the bottle. Do not use teaspoons or tablespoons that you find in your kitchen. Because their measurements are not accurate, the dose your child receives may vary.
- Give the medicine at the prescribed intervals as prescribed by the doctor. Do not give it more than the prescribed number of times.
If you think you have accidentally given too much medicine, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately without delay. Or take your child to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for your child only. Never share it with anyone else, even if their symptoms are similar.
What do you do if you miss a deadline?
If you forget to take a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. Never take a double dose.
Things to consider when giving birth
See the doctor often.
Visit the doctor on scheduled days to check on your child's condition. If the symptoms do not improve or seem to be getting worse, tell the doctor.
Dizziness and attention problems
This medicine can sometimes cause drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty concentrating. So if your child is a little older, be careful about things like riding a bike or climbing high places while playing. Ask them to stand up when they are standing or when they are getting out of bed.
Dry mouth and eyes
This is also a common occurrence. If your mouth is dry, drinking more water may help. If your eyes feel dry, ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops.
Be careful of excessive heat.
This is a very important point. When taking this medicine, sweating is significantly reduced. Therefore, the body temperature can easily rise. This can be dangerous. Therefore, avoid letting the child play in the hot sun or stay in very hot places. Make the child drink enough water. This is very important to prevent the child from developing a fever (heat stroke).
What are the possible side effects?
There are two types of side effects that can occur with this medicine. Some of them should be reported to a doctor immediately if they occur. Others are usually not serious, but if they persist, you should tell your doctor.
| Side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Intestinal obstruction | Severe stomach pain, inability to defecate or pass air, loss of appetite, vomiting. |
| Diarrhea | This may be an early sign of a bowel obstruction. |
| Fever that doesn't go down, no sweating | It can be a sign of a dangerously high body temperature. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to urinate or passing very little urine. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Blurry vision | Slightly blurred vision. |
| Constipation | Difficulty defecating. |
| Dizziness, drowsiness | Feeling more sleepy than usual. |
| Dry mouth | Decreased salivation. |
Take-Home Message
- Hyoscyamine is a medication used to treat conditions caused by muscle spasms, such as stomach pain, IBS, and bladder problems.
- Before giving this medicine to your child, be sure to tell the doctor about any other medical conditions or medications your child is taking.
- Always use the special dropper that comes with the medicine to measure it. Avoid using household spoons.
- If you accidentally give too much medicine, go to the National Poisons Information Center or the hospital's Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) immediately.
- Since sweating decreases while taking the medication, it is very important to protect the child from excessive heat and sun.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as allergic reactions or difficulty breathing, seek medical advice immediately.
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න