Indications
Belladonna (Atropa belladonna, also called deadly nightshade) is a highly poisonous plant. Standardised extracts of its leaf or root, in very small amounts, are used as an ingredient in some herbal and Unani compound preparations. Traditionally these have been used to relieve cramping pain and spasm of the stomach, bowel and bile ducts, to reduce excess secretions and to ease painful piles. Modern medicine uses purified Atropine instead, and safer options exist for most of these uses.
How It Works
Belladonna contains tropane alkaloids, mainly Hyoscyamine (which forms Atropine) and smaller amounts of Hyoscine. They block the nerve messenger acetylcholine, which relaxes smooth muscle in the gut and other organs and reduces secretions such as saliva and stomach acid. They also speed the heart, widen the pupils and affect the brain, so the gap between a useful amount and a toxic amount is small.
Dosage and Administration
Use only as directed on the label or by a doctor or registered practitioner, and only in a standardised product from a licensed manufacturer. Never exceed the stated amount and never use any part of the raw plant or its berries.
Interactions
- Effects and side effects increase with other anticholinergic medicines, such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants (for example Amitriptyline), antipsychotics, Hyoscine Butylbromide and medicines for overactive bladder.
- It may weaken the effect of Domperidone and Metoclopramide.
- It may change the absorption of other medicines by slowing the gut.
- Alcohol and sedatives add to drowsiness.
Contraindications
- Glaucoma, especially narrow angle glaucoma.
- Enlarged prostate or difficulty passing urine.
- Bowel blockage, severe constipation or severe ulcerative colitis.
- Fast heart rate, serious heart disease or overactive thyroid.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding, children and elderly people with confusion.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, thirst, flushed dry skin, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, constipation, difficulty passing urine, fast heartbeat and dizziness are common.
Get urgent medical help if you notice confusion, agitation, hallucinations, very large pupils, high temperature, very fast or irregular heartbeat, inability to pass urine, fits or severe drowsiness. These are signs of Belladonna poisoning.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The alkaloids cross the placenta, pass into breast milk and may reduce milk supply.
Precautions and Warnings
- Belladonna is potent and toxic: follow the stated amount exactly.
- Do not drive or operate machinery if your vision is blurred or you feel drowsy.
- It reduces sweating; avoid overheating and hard exercise in hot weather.
- Children are very sensitive to poisoning; keep well out of their reach.
Overdose
Overdose is a medical emergency. Signs include hot dry red skin, very large pupils, fast heartbeat, high temperature, confusion, hallucinations, fits and coma. Go to a hospital immediately; specific treatment is available under medical supervision.
Therapeutic Class
Herbal and Unani ingredient; anticholinergic antispasmodic.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and well out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.