Levsin
Overview
- About Levsin
Levsin can cause dry mouth. For temporary relief, suck on a hard candy or chew gum.
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If you miss a dose...
Take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
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Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature. Protect NuLev tablets from moisture.
What side effects may occur?
Return to topSide effects cannot be anticipated. If any side effects develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for you to continue taking Levsin.
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Side effects may include:
Allergic reactions, bloating, blurred vision, confusion, constipation, decreased sweating, dilated pupils, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, excitement, headache, hives, impotence, inability to urinate, insomnia, itching, heart palpitations, lack of coordination, loss of sense of taste, nausea, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, skin reactions, speech problems, vomiting, weakness
Why should Levsin not be prescribed?
Return to topDo not take Levsin if you have ever had an allergic reaction to it or similar drugs such as scopolamine. Also, you should not be given Levsin if you have any of the following:
- Bowel or digestive tract obstruction or paralysis
- Glaucoma (excessive pressure in the eyes)
- Myasthenia gravis (a disorder in which muscles become weak and tire easily)
- Ulcerative colitis (severe bowel inflammation)
- Urinary obstruction
- Amantadine
- Antacids
- Antidepressant drugs such as amitriptyline, imipramine, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine
- Antihistamines such as diphenhydramine
- Major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine and haloperidol
- Other antispasmodic drugs such as dicyclomine
- Potassium supplements
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Symptoms of Levsin overdose may include:
Blurred vision, dilated pupils, dizziness, dry mouth, excitement, headache, hot dry skin, nausea, swallowing difficulty, vomiting
Levsin is not appropriate if you have diarrhea, especially if you have a surgical opening to the bowels (an ileostomy or colostomy).
Special warnings about Levsin
Return to topBe careful using Levsin if you have an overactive thyroid gland, heart disease, congestive heart failure, irregular heartbeats, high blood pressure, or kidney disease.
Because Levsin may make you dizzy or drowsy, or blur your vision, do not drive, operate other machinery, or do any other hazardous work while taking this medication.
While you are taking Levsin, you may experience confusion, disorientation, short-term memory loss, hallucinations, difficulty speaking, lack of coordination, coma, an exaggerated sense of well-being, decreased anxiety, fatigue, sleeplessness and agitation. These symptoms should disappear 12 to 48 hours after you stop taking the drug.
People who must avoid phenylalanine should note that NuLev tablets contain this substance.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Levsin
Return to topIf Levsin is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either drug could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Levsin with the following:
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Return to topIf you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. Although it is not known whether Levsin can cause birth defects, pregnant women should avoid all drugs except those necessary to health.
Levsin appears in breast milk. Your doctor may ask you to forgo breastfeeding when taking this drug.
Recommended dosage for Levsin
Return to topLEVSIN, LEVSIN/SL, AND NULEV TABLETS
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The usual dose is 1 to 2 tablets every 4 hours or as needed. Do not take more than 12 tablets in 24 hours.
Children 2 to Under 12 Years of Age
The usual dose is one-half to 1 tablet every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give a child more than 6 tablets in 24 hours.
LEVSIN ELIXIR
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 teaspoonfuls every 4 hours or as needed, but no more than 12 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours.
Children 2 to 12 Years of Age
Dosage is by body weight. Doses may be given every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give a child more than 6 teaspoonfuls in 24 hours.
|
WEIGHT |
DOSE |
|
22 pounds |
1/4 teaspoon |
|
44 pounds |
1/2 teaspoon |
|
88 pounds |
3/4 teaspoon |
|
110 pounds |
1 teaspoon |
LEVSIN DROPS
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 milliliters every 4 hours or as needed, but no more than 12 milliliters in 24 hours.
Children 2 to 12 Years of Age
The usual dosage is one-quarter to 1 milliliter every 4 hours or as needed. Do not give a child more than 6 milliliters in 24 hours.
Children under 2 Years of Age
Your doctor will determine the dosage based on body weight. The doses may be repeated every 4 hours or as needed.
|
WEIGHT |
USUAL
|
DO NOT
|
|
7.5 pounds |
4 drops |
24 drops |
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11 pounds |
5 drops |
30 drops |
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15 pounds |
6 drops |
36 drops |
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22 pounds |
8 drops |
48 drops |
LEVSINEX TIMECAPS
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The recommended dosage is 1 to 2 capsules every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust the dosage to 1 capsule every 8 hours if needed. Do not take more than 4 capsules in 24 hours.
LEVBID EXTENDED-RELEASE TABLETS
Adults and Children 12 Years of Age and Older
The dosage is 1 to 2 tablets every 12 hours. The tablets are scored so that you can break them in half if your doctor wants you to. Do not crush or chew them. You should not take more than 4 tablets in 24 hours.
Overdosage
Return to topAny medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
