Belladonna is a plant also known as Atropa belladonna, Atropa acuminata, Baccifère, Belle-Dame, Belle-Galante, Bouton Noir, Cerise du Diable, Deadly Nightshade, Devil's Cherries, Devil's Herb, Divale, Dwale, Dwayberry, Grande Morelle, Guigne de la Côte, Herbe à la Mort, Herbe du Diable, Morelle Furieuse, Naughty Man's Cherries, Poison Black Cherries, Suchi, and other names.

Belladonna has been used in alternative medicine as an aid in treating arthritis pain, colds or hay fever, bronchospasms caused by asthma or whooping cough, hemorrhoids, nerve problems, Parkinson's disease, colic, irritable bowel syndrome, and motion sickness.

It is not certain whether belladonna is effective in treating any medical condition, and belladonna can be toxic. Medicinal use of this product has not been approved by the FDA. Belladonna should not be used in place of medication prescribed for you by your doctor.

Belladonna is often sold as an herbal supplement. There are no regulated manufacturing standards in place for many herbal compounds and some marketed supplements have been found to be contaminated with toxic metals or other drugs. Herbal/health supplements should be purchased from a reliable source to minimize the risk of contamination.

Belladonna may also be used for purposes not listed in this product guide.

Follow all directions on the product label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

When considering the use of herbal supplements, seek the advice of your doctor. You may also consider consulting a practitioner who is trained in the use of herbal/health supplements.

If you choose to use belladonna, use it as directed on the package or as directed by your doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. Do not use more of this product than is recommended on the label.

Do not use different forms of belladonna (pills, liquids, and others) at the same time or you could have an overdose.

Call your doctor if the condition you are treating with belladonna does not improve, or if it gets worse while using this product.

Store belladonna at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

You should not use belladonna if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• narrow-angle glaucoma;

• a bladder obstruction, enlarged prostate, or other urination problems;

• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);

• severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon;

• chronic constipation or lack of bowel function (especially in older adults and those who are ill or debilitated);

• glaucoma;

• myasthenia gravis;

• heart problems, especially when caused by a thyroid disorder; or

• active bleeding with fast heartbeats, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and cold hands or feet.

Do not give belladonna to a child without medical advice. Belladonna can cause serious side effects in babies or young children, including constipation, breathing problems, agitation, and seizures.

You should not use this product if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider if it is safe for you to use this product if you have ever had:

• congestive heart failure;

• rapid heartbeats;

• high blood pressure;

• Down syndrome;

• a stomach ulcer, acid reflux disease, hiatal hernia; or

• mental illness or psychosis.

Belladonna is considered likely unsafe to use during pregnancy.

Belladonna is considered likely unsafe to use if you are nursing a baby. Belladonna can also slow breast milk production.

Skip the missed dose and take the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Avoid taking belladonna if you have a fever.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how belladonna will affect you. Belladonna may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Belladonna can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Belladonna may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• fever;

• fast heartbeats;

• severe diarrhea or severe constipation;

• a seizure;

• unusual changes in mood or behavior;

• hallucinations;

• red and dry skin;

• dilated pupils; or

• painful or difficult urination.

Common side effects of belladonna may include:

• dry mouth;

• blurred vision;

• muscle spasms;

• constipation;

• decreased urination; or

• decreased sweating.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Ask a doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider before using belladonna with any other medications, especially:

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect belladonna, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.