Digestive disorders such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome can significantly impact an individual’s life, not just on a physical level, which can include pain, discomfort, urgency, and appetite changes, but also mentally. For example, these symptoms may cause anxiety, limit the ability to work or negatively affect someone’s social life. Several medications address these kinds of gastrointestinal symptoms, including Levsin (hyoscyamine). This article explores what Levsin is, what it’s used for and its benefits for managing stomach spasms and other related conditions. It also explains how to take this medication and mentions some safety considerations.

What is Levsin?

Levsin is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat symptoms of various disorders affecting the digestive and urinary tracts, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), stomach cramps, bladder spasms, overactive bladder, and other related conditions. It’s prescribed to teenagers and adults 12 years and older. The drug contains 0.125 to 0.25 mg of the active ingredient hyoscyamine per dose, which is also the name of Levsin’s generic equivalent. This medication is most commonly available in the following four forms:

• Tablets

• Sublingual tablets

• Liquids

• Extended-release forms

How Does Levsin Work?

This medication alleviates uncomfortable symptoms, such as abdominal cramping, gas, bloating, and urgency, while also calming overactive bodily functions by affecting the parasympathetic nervous system. In doing so, Levsin (hyoscyamine) blocks acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for involuntary muscle movements, such as intestinal or bladder spasms. It also slows down the speed at which the intestines move food and waste throughout the digestive system, decreases the production of digestive fluids, and often reduces excess saliva and stomach acid due to its drying effect.

How Should You Take Levsin?

The dosage and frequency of Levsin, as well as how you should take it, depend on the condition being treated, its severity, and the form of Levsin you’ve been prescribed.

Regular tablets should be swallowed whole with water, while sublingual tablets should be placed under the tongue without chewing until they dissolve. Do not swallow them. Extended-release tablets or capsules should be swallowed whole without crushing or chewing.

You should typically take this medication before meals or at bedtime, up to four times a day, but not more than 12 tablets daily. Although you don’t have to take it with food, it is often recommended to take it 30 minutes to one hour before meals, and drink plenty of fluids as it may help reduce nausea, dry mouth and constipation, which are common side effects.

Depending on the form you take this medication in, it starts working after just a few minutes to 30 minutes. Its effects last for six to eight hours and 12 hours for the extended-release version.

As with any medication, you must take Levsin exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Inform them of your complete medical history, including existing health conditions, allergies, pregnancy or whether you currently breastfeed. With some existing health conditions like glaucoma, allergies to any of the medication’s components, unstable heart conditions and others, your doctor will advise you to avoid this medication. Caution is also necessary if you have a history of intestinal surgery, a thyroid condition, or you use it in hot weather or while exercising, due to the risk of overheating.

About Canada Drugs Direct

As a licensed Canadian online pharmacy, Canada Drugs Direct offers significant savings on brand-name and generic medications, a 125% price match guarantee to ensure you receive the best deals, a rewards program for loyal customers, and around-the-clock ordering. These benefits are complemented by secure ordering through Norton Shopping Guarantee, as well as discreet and affordable shipping, reflected in over 26,000 5-star customer ratings.