GENERIC NAME: HYOSCYAMINE - SUBLINGUAL (hi-oh-SYE-uh-meen)

BRAND NAME(S): A-Spas-S/L, Hyosol/SL, Levsin/SL

USES: Hyoscyamine is used to treat a variety of stomach and intestinal tract disorders such as peptic ulcers, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome, diverticulitis, colitis, or pancreatitis. It is also used to control bed-wetting and frequent urination, runny nose, symptoms of Parkinson's disease, and poisonings due to certain plants and insecticides.

HOW TO USE: This medication may be taken orally, chewed or placed under the tongue and allowed to dissolve. It may be taken with or without meals. Take this exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not increase the dose or take it more frequently without consulting your doctor. Drink plenty of fluids while using this medication unless your doctor directs you otherwise.

SIDE EFFECTS: This medication may cause flushing of the face, problems sleeping, headache, blurred vision, drowsiness, increased sensitivity to light, constipation, dry mouth, reduced sweating or thirst. If any of these symptoms persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop: confusion, tremors, irregular pulse, rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating. In the unlikely event you have an allergic reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: heart problems, glaucoma, prostate or urinary problems, contact lens wear, stomach/abdominal/intestinal problems, drug allergies. Because this medication may cause drowsiness, use caution when driving or performing tasks requiring alertness. This medication reduces sweating and may lead to heatstroke in hot weather. Use caution engaging in strenuous activity in hot weather. Contact lens wearers may need to use appropriate lubricating solutions if this medication causes drying of the eyes. Elderly patients should use this medication with caution because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Children should use this medication with caution because they may be more sensitive to its effects. Hyoscyamine should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug may be excreted into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

GENERIC NAME: HYDROCORTISONE SODIUM SUCCINATE - INJECTION (hi-dro-KORT-ih-sown)

BRAND NAME(S): A-Hydrocort, Solu-Cortef

USES: Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is a corticosteroid-type hormone used as a supplement when the body is not producing enough of the natural hormone, cortisol. Hydrocortisone sodium succinate is also used to suppress (inhibit) the immune system in order to treat conditions such as allergies, rejection of transplanted organs, or rheumatoid arthritis.

HOW TO USE: Give this medication directly into a vein (IV) or into a muscle (IM), as directed by the doctor. The dosage and length of treatment depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. Follow all instructions for proper mixing and dilution with correct IV fluids. If you have questions regarding the use of this medication, consult your pharmacist. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Use this medication exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose, take it more frequently, or use it for a longer period of time than prescribed. Also, do not suddenly stop using this drug without your doctor's approval. You may be switched to an oral corticosteroid when you are able to take drugs by mouth.

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea or stomach upset may occur. If either of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: increased appetite, stomach pain, headache, increased thirst or urination, unusual weight loss or gain, mental/mood changes, trouble sleeping, reddening of the face or neck. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision problems, eye pain, seizures, changes in the appearance of the skin, problems with wounds healing, unusual bruising, unusual weakness, unusual menstrual periods, failure to grow (in children), excess hair growth, tendon or bone/joint pain. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.