Donnatal (Hyoscyamine with Atropine) Causes Xerostomia/Dry Mouth/Cotton Mouth

Donnatal (Hyoscyamine with Atropine) is a prescription medicine used most commonly to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), colitis and intestinal ulcers. It works because it helps to reduce spasms in the affected areas, which means fewer symptoms and less pain from cramping. One of the key ingredients, Phenobarbital, is a sedative and also has addictive properties, so using the drug responsibly is important.

Donnatal also reduces fluid secretions from many parts of the body, which is how it helps those suffering from IBS with diarrhea as a major symptom. However, this reduced fluid secretion effect includes the salivary glands, which is why Donnatal often causes Xerostomia, more commonly known as dry mouth or cotton mouth.

In fact, Donnatal (which is generically known as belladonna alkaloids and Phenobarbital and is sold and prescribed under a range of other names including Bellatal, D-Tal and Spasmolin) can cause such a decrease in moisture production by various glands and organs that people taking the drug have to be particularly cautious not to become dehydrated, especially when engaging in exercise. Aside from causing dry mouth, Donnatal can reduce sweat production, putting people who take the drug at risk for heat related illnesses.

When taking Donnatal, it is very important to always take your dosage with a full glass of water and remember to remain hydrated throughout the day. This should help to ease the side effects of dry or cotton mouth but may not eliminate them. Since many people do not drink enough water as it is, getting enough water can be very challenging for people taking Donnatal. It is important to remember that many popular beverages like coffee or tea can actually be dehydrating. If you're trying to combat dry mouth due to Donnatal use, stick to water as much as you can.

While many people with IBS report that Donnatal has offered them relief from pain and other troublesome symptoms, there is some debate about the drug, mainly because of its inclusion of Phenobarbital, which aside from being addictive makes many using the medication excessively drowsy. Some articles also question the actual level of pain relief Donnatal provides. However, Donnatal has been widely prescribed for years and is considered one of the standard treatments for IBS and many other (but not all) intestinal disorders.

Dry or cotton mouth is one of the most common side effects of Donnatal and one of the most harmless, irritating as it is. But Donnatal can have some more serious side effects, and it is important that your doctor makes you aware of them and how to respond should you experience of them.