What is belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Belladonna is a naturally occurring mixture that produces many effects in the body. It
reduces spasms within the stomach and intestines, the bladder, and the biliary (liver) system.
Belladonna also reduces the secretions of many organs, which helps control conditions such as
excess stomach acid.
Ergotamine narrows the blood vessels involved in circulation to the head. Ergotamine can
also alter blood flow patterns involved in vascular headaches, such as migraines.
Phenobarbital is a barbiturate that reduces brain and nervous system activity.
The combination of belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital is used to treat symptoms
of menopause including hot flashes, sweating, increased heart rate, dizziness, restlessness,
headache, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.
Belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Do not use this medication if you have:
-
narrow-angle glaucoma;
-
heart disease;
-
liver disease;
-
kidney disease;
-
porphyria;
-
a history of circulation problems, stroke, or blood clots;
-
high blood pressure; or
-
if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Before using belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital, tell your
doctor if you have:
If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use this
medication, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests during treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects.
Do not
use belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital if you are pregnant.
Tell your
doctor right away if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth
control while you are using this medication.
This medication can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Do not use
this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
This medication contains phenobarbital, which may be habit-forming. You may have
withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of
time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may
need to gradually reduce the dose.
How should I take belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in
larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor may need to check your
progress on a regular basis. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Do not stop using this medication without first talking to your doctor. You may need
to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.
Store this medicine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose of belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Do not
take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
Where can I get more information about belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Your pharmacist has information about belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital written for health professionals that you may read.
What are the possible side effects of belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these
signs of an allergic
reaction:
hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your
doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What is the most important information I should know about belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Do not use this medication if you have a history of stroke or blood clots, or if you
have glaucoma, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, porphyria, or high blood pressure.
This medication can cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use
if you are pregnant.
Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you
become pregnant during treatment.
This medication contains phenobarbital, which may be habit-forming. You may have
withdrawal symptoms when you stop using this medication after using it over a long period of
time. Do not stop using this medication suddenly without first talking to your doctor. You may
need to gradually reduce the dose.
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of belladonna,
ergotamine, and phenobarbital.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain
medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to
sleepiness caused by belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions.
Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What should I avoid while taking belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of belladonna,
ergotamine, and phenobarbital.
Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain
medication, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety). They can add to
sleepiness caused by belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital.
This medication can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions.
Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.
What other drugs will affect belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
-
a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin);
-
birth control pills;
-
erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, E.E.S.); or
-
troleandomycin (Tao).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use
belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests
during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect belladonna, ergotamine, and
phenobarbital. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you
use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors.
Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
What happens if I have an overdose of belladonna, ergotamine, and phenobarbital?
