{"id":57447,"date":"2023-03-08T14:29:16","date_gmt":"2023-03-08T19:29:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=57447"},"modified":"2024-10-25T10:49:42","modified_gmt":"2024-10-25T14:49:42","slug":"how-long-does-hyoscyamine-take-to-work","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/how-long-does-hyoscyamine-take-to-work\/","title":{"rendered":"How long does hyoscyamine take to work?"},"content":{"rendered":"

When starting any new medication, a couple of key questions tend to bubble up, notably “Is this going to help me?” and “How long will it take to work?” Consider <\/span>hyoscyamine<\/span><\/a>, an antispasmodic medication that is often used to treat gastrointestinal (GI) tract disorders. You may know this medication by its brand names, such as <\/span>Levsin<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Anaspaz<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>Hyosyne<\/span><\/a>, Symax, and Ed-Spaz—in fact, you might have even taken it for a stomach or intestinal problem. <\/span><\/p>\n

Here are the most important things to know about taking this medication, including how to take it correctly and how long you’ll have to wait before it starts working. <\/span><\/p>\n

How does hyoscyamine work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hyoscyamine is considered an anticholinergic medication because it works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. It acts on the smooth muscles within your digestive system, relaxing the muscles and decreasing the motion of your GI tract and bladder, which helps relieve any spasms. To a lesser extent, it also reduces stomach acid production and excessive production of saliva.<\/span><\/p>\n

What does hyoscyamine treat?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of conditions, such as <\/span>peptic ulcers<\/span><\/a>, <\/span>irritable bowel syndrome<\/span><\/a> (IBS), cystitis, <\/span>diverticulitis<\/span><\/a>, bladder spasms, and nausea. Hyoscyamine is also sometimes used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and allergic rhinitis. <\/span><\/p>\n

How should you take hyoscyamine?<\/span><\/h2>\n

As with any medication, it’s important to take hyoscyamine as directed. That includes both <\/span>when<\/span><\/i> you take it and <\/span>how<\/span><\/i> you take it. Hyoscyamine comes in several forms, including a tablet, an extended-release capsule, and a liquid. According to the National Institutes of Health, you can take the tablets or liquid <\/span>three or four times a day<\/span><\/a>, but you should only take the extended-release capsules twice a day.<\/span><\/p>\n

You should typically take hyoscyamine about 30 to 60 minutes before a meal, unless your healthcare provider tells you otherwise. If you’re taking the oral form, “swallow the hyoscyamine tablet whole,” says <\/span>Aniruddh Setya<\/span><\/a>, MD, a pediatric gastroenterologist with KIDZ Medical. “Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet, as it may affect how the medication is absorbed.”<\/span><\/p>\n

However, if you’re taking an oral-disintegrating or sublingual tablet, don’t swallow it. Instead, let the tablet <\/span>dissolve<\/span><\/a> in your mouth or under your tongue on its own. There are some versions that may be chewable, but be sure to speak with your pharmacist about the proper approach for your prescribed form. <\/span><\/p>\n

How long does hyoscyamine take to work?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Hyoscyamine works pretty quickly. “There are two formulations that are frequently used, which includes the sublingual form, used under the tongue, which can work within minutes, or the oral form, which can take more than 30 minutes to work,” says Rini Abraham, MD, a gastroenterologist at <\/span>Gastroenterology Associates of New Jersey<\/span><\/a>. <\/span><\/p>\n

The immediate release form should last six to eight hours, while the extended release version may last as long as 12 hours.<\/span><\/p>\n

One important thing to remember: This medication won’t cure your medical condition. But it may make it easier for you to manage it—and keep managing it. Your provider may prescribe hyoscyamine to be taken a few times a day on a regular basis, or only if you are experiencing abdominal pain. Keep taking it even if you feel well, as that’s a likely sign that it’s working.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the most common side effects?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Because hyoscyamine is an anticholinergic medication, it may cause side effects associated with this type of drug.<\/span><\/p>\n

Side effects<\/span><\/a> can include:<\/span><\/p>\n