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The Daily Insight

When should I take donnatal

Author

Lily Fisher

Published May 15, 2026

Donnatal (belladonna alkaloids, phenobarbital) is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic drug and a barbiturate sedative used to treat abdominal pain, bloating and cramps in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

What does Donnatal help with?

Donnatal (belladonna alkaloids, phenobarbital) is a combination of an anticholinergic/antispasmodic drug and a barbiturate sedative used to treat abdominal pain, bloating and cramps in patients with irritable bowel syndrome.

Does Donnatal help with anxiety?

Can Donnatal help with anxiety? Although one of the medications in Donnatal, phenobarbital, produces a calming effect, it is not used to treat anxiety. Donnatal is used to treat stomach problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome and ulcers. If you have anxiety, speak to your provider about treatment options.

Can you take Donnatal as needed?

This drug is usually prescribed to be taken when it is needed, such as after a meal. In the beginning, it may be helpful to take this drug at night to see if it causes a sedative effect.

How often can you take Donnatal?

How to use Donnatal. Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor. If you are taking the immediate-release tablets or liquid form of this medication, take it usually 3 to 4 times a day or as directed by your doctor.

Is simethicone good for gas?

This product is used to relieve symptoms of extra gas such as belching, bloating, and feelings of pressure/discomfort in the stomach/gut. Simethicone helps break up gas bubbles in the gut.

What schedule is Donnatal?

Donnatal® Elixir. Adults: One or two teaspoonfuls of elixir three or four times a day according to conditions and severity of symptoms. Pediatric patients: may be dosed every 4 to 6 hours. Use a pediatric dosing device or oral syringe to measure the dose.

What is a substitute for Donnatal?

Is there a generic of Donnatal? The generic version of Donnatal is phenobarbital-hyoscyamine-atropine-scopolamine (phenobarb-hyoscy-atropine-scop).

Why is Donnatal not a controlled substance?

Donnatal, although containing phenobarbital, is exempt from the Controlled Substances Act due to the belladonna alkaloids present in the formulation.

What do antispasmodics do?

Antispasmodic drugs relax the smooth muscles of the urinary bladder. By exerting a direct spasmolytic action on the smooth muscle of the bladder, antispasmodic drugs have been reported to increase bladder capacity and effectively decrease or eliminate urge incontinence.

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Can donnatal make you sleepy?

Donnatal may cause drowsiness or blurred vision and may impair your reactions.

What class is donnatal?

Donnatal belongs to a class of drugs called Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic Agents.

How long does Phenobarb stay in your system?

Phenobarbital is metabolized by the liver and excreted in the urine. It can be detected in the urine for up to 15 days after a dose. If you take a urine drug screen while on phenobarbital, it will likely test positive for barbiturates.

How expensive is Donnatal?

The lowest GoodRx price for the most common version of Donnatal is around $319.20, 19% off the average retail price of $394.36. Compare anticholinergic / barbiturate combinations.

Does Donnatal help diarrhea?

Both Bentyl and Donnatal are anticholinergic drugs, and Donnatal also contains a barbiturate sedative. Donnatal is also used to treat acute inflammation of the stomach and intestines (gastroenteritis) to reduce pain and diarrhea, and in patients with duodenal ulcer.

What does bentyl do for your stomach?

Dicyclomine is used to treat a certain type of intestinal problem called irritable bowel syndrome. It helps to reduce the symptoms of stomach and intestinal cramping. This medication works by slowing the natural movements of the gut and by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestines.

How much esgic can I take?

One or two capsules every four hours. Total daily dosage should not exceed 6 capsules. Extended and repeated use of this product is not recommended because of the potential for physical dependence.

Is esgic a controlled substance?

Esgic-Plus 500 mg / 50 mg / 40 mg is not a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA).

What is the generic for donnatal?

Generic Name & Formulations: Phenobarbital 16.2mg, hyoscyamine sulfate 0.1037mg, atropine sulfate 0.0194mg, scopolamine HBr 0.0065mg.

Can I take simethicone on an empty stomach?

Do not use more than you were told to use. Take on an empty stomach. Take 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals.

How can I reduce gas in my stomach?

  1. Eat and drink slowly. Taking your time can help you swallow less air. …
  2. Avoid carbonated drinks and beer. They release carbon dioxide gas.
  3. Skip the gum and hard candy. When you chew gum or suck on hard candy, you swallow more often than normal. …
  4. Don’t smoke. …
  5. Check your dentures. …
  6. Get moving. …
  7. Treat heartburn.

What is the strongest gas relief?

  • Phazyme® Ultimate Strength 500mg Gas Relief. Phazyme® Ultimate is 500mg in 1 pill, the strongest gas relief available OTC. …
  • Phazyme® Maximum Strength* 250mg Chewable Gas & Acid Relief. …
  • Phazyme® Maximum Strength* 250mg Gas Relief. …
  • Phazyme® Ultra Strength 180mg Gas Relief.

What schedule is phenobarbital?

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) classifies phenobarbital as a Schedule IV controlled substance, signifying that it can result in the development of physical dependence when used for a significant length of time, and it is a potential drug of abuse.

Is esgic a narcotic?

Butalbital is a narcotic that depresses the central nervous system. Acetaminophen is a pain reliever and fever reducer.

Is donnatal FDA approved?

Disclaimer: This drug has not been found by FDA to be safe and effective, and this labeling has not been approved by FDA.

What is the drug phenobarbital used to treat?

Phenobarbital is used to control seizures. Phenobarbital is also used to relieve anxiety. It is also used to prevent withdrawal symptoms in people who are dependent (‘addicted’; feel a need to continue taking the medication) on another barbiturate medication and are going to stop taking the medication.

Does bentyl help colitis?

For people with ulcerative colitis: Dicyclomine can reduce the movement of your digestive tract. If you have ulcerative colitis and you take this drug, the movement of your digestive tract could be slowed to the point that it can cause a condition called toxic megacolon.

Can you drive after taking bentyl?

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather.

When should I take antispasmodic medication?

  1. Take the medicine 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
  2. Do not take the medicine within 2 or 3 hours of taking an antacid or a medicine for diarrhea.

When should I take antispasmodic?

It is generally recommended that you take these medicines only when necessary. For example, people with IBS commonly find that there are times when symptoms flare up for a while. So, it is common to take an antispasmodic when symptoms flare up, and to stop them if symptoms settle down.

Which medicine should be taken during periods?

Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), at regular doses starting the day before you expect your period to begin can help control the pain of cramps.