|
|
|
Donnatal |
|
|
What is Donnatal and why is it prescribed? Donnatal is a mild antispasmodic medication. Donnatal has been used with other drugs for relief of cramps and pain associated with various stomach, intestinal, and bowel disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, acute colitis, and duodenal ulcer. One of its ingredients, phenobarbital, is a mild sedative. Phenobarbital can be habit-forming. If you have ever been dependent on drugs, do not take Donnatal. How should you take Donnatal? Follow your doctors directions for taking Donnatal. Take Donnatal one-half hour to 1 hour before meals. If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Never take two doses at the same time. Store Donnatal at room temperature in a tightly closed container. Protect it from light. Are there any Donnatal side effects? Donnatal side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Donnatal side effects may include agitation, allergic reaction, bloated feeling, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, difficulty sleeping, difficulty urinating, dilation of the pupil of the eye, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, fast or fluttery heartbeat, headache, hives, impotence, muscular and bone pain, nausea, nervousness, rash, reduced sense of taste, suppression of lactation, vomiting, and weakness. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Donnatal? If Donnatal is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Donnatal may intensify the effects of alcohol. Check with your doctor before using alcohol with Donnatal. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Donnatal with Antidepressants (such as Elavil and Tofranil), Antidepressants known as MAO inhibitors (including Nardil and Parnate), Antihistamines (such as Benadryl), Antispasmodic drugs (such as Bentyl and Cogentin), Barbiturates (such as Seconal), Blood-thinning drugs (such as Coumadin), Diarrhea medications containing Kaolin or attapulgite, Digitalis (Lanoxin), Narcotics (such as Percocet), Potassium (Slow-K, K-Dur, others), Steroids (such as Medrol and Deltasone), or Tranquilizers (such as Valium). Are there any special warnings about Donnatal? Be cautious in using Donnatal if you suffer from high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, irregular or rapid heartbeat, or heart, kidney, or liver disease. Donnatal can decrease sweating. If you are exercising or are subjected to high temperatures, be alert for heat prostration. If you develop diarrhea, especially if you have an ileostomy or colostomy, check with your doctor. If you have a gastric ulcer, use Donnatal with caution. Donnatal may cause you to become drowsy or less alert. |
|
|
Information on this website is provided for educational purposes and should not replace discussions with your doctor. |
|
|
Copyright 2008 MyMedications.net. All rights reserved. |
|
