Anaspaz Description

Each ANASPAZ tablet contains l-hyoscyamine sulfate 0.125mg. ANASPAZ may be taken orally (swallowed or chewed) or sublingually. ANASPAZ tablets are compressed, light yellow, and scored with the Ascher logo on one side and 225/295 on the other. Inactive ingredients: FD&C yellow #6, FD&C yellow #10, lactose monohydrate NF, magnesium stearate NF, mannitol USP, starch 1500 NF, stearic acid NF purified powder.

ANASPAZ is chemically pure l-hyoscyamine sulfate, one of the principal anticholinergic/antispasmodic components of belladonna alkaloids. Chemically, it is benzeneacetic acid, α-(hydroxymethyl)-, 8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1.]oct-3-yl ester, [3(S)-endo]-, sulfate (2:1), dihydrate with the chemical formula (C 17H 23NO 3)•2H 2SO 4•2H 2O.

Anaspaz - Clinical Pharmacology

ANASPAZ inhibits specifically the actions of acetylcholine on structures innervated by postganglionic cholinergic nerves and on smooth muscles that respond to acetylcholine but lack cholinergic innervation. These peripheral cholinergic receptors are present in the autonomic effector cells of smooth muscle, cardiac muscle, the sino-atrial node, the atrioventricular node and the exocrine glands. At therapeutic doses, it is completely devoid of any action on autonomic ganglia. ANASPAZ inhibits gastrointestinal propulsive motility and decreases gastric acid secretion. ANASPAZ also controls excessive pharyngeal, tracheal and bronchial secretions. ANASPAZ is absorbed totally and completely by sublingual administration as well as oral administration. Once absorbed, ANASPAZ disappears rapidly from the blood and is distributed throughout the entire body. The half-life of ANASPAZ is 3.5 hours and the majority of the drug is excreted in the urine unchanged within the first 12 hours, with a small amount hydrolyzed to tropic acid and tropine. Only traces of this drug are found in breast milk. ANASPAZ passes the blood-brain barrier and the placental barriers.

Indications and Usage for Anaspaz

ANASPAZ is effective as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer and irritable bowel syndrome (irritable colon, spastic colon, mucous colitis), acute entercolitis and other functional gastrointestinal disorders. It can also be used to control gastric secretion, visceral spasm and hypermotility in cystitis, pylorospasm and associated abdominal cramps. May be used in functional intestinal disorders to reduce symptoms such as those seen in mild dysenteries and diverticulitis. ANASPAZ is indicated (along with appropriate analgesics) in symptomatic relief of biliary and renal colic and as a drying agent in the relief of symptoms of acute rhinitis.

Contraindications

Glaucoma, obstructive uropathy (for example, bladder neck obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy); obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract (as in achalasia, pyloroduodenal stenosis); paralytic ileus; intestinal atony of elderly or debilitated patients; unstable cardiovascular status; severe ulcerative colitis; toxic megacolon; myasthenia gravis; myocardial ischemia.

Warnings

In the presence of high environmental temperature, heat prostration can occur with drug use (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating). Diarrhea may be an early symptom of incomplete intestinal obstruction, especially in patients with ileostomy or colostomy. In this instance, treatment with this drug would be inappropriate and possibly harmful. Like other anticholinergic agents, ANASPAZ may produce drowsiness or blurred vision. In this event, the patient should be warned not to engage in activities requiring mental alertness such as operating a motor vehicle or other machinery or to perform hazardous work while taking this drug.

Anticholinergic psychosis has been reported in sensitive individuals given anticholinergic drugs. CNS signs and symptoms include confusion, disorientation, short term memory loss, hallucinations, dysarthria, ataxia, coma, euphoria, decreased anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, agitation and mannerisms, and inappropriate affect. These CNS signs and symptoms usually resolve within 12 to 48 hours after discontinuation.
Elderly patients may react with excitement, agitation, drowsiness, and other unfavorable manifestations to even small doses of ANASPAZ.

Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Not all of the following adverse reactions have been associated with ANASPAZ, but have been reported for drugs in the same pharmacological class, with anticholinergic/antispasmodic action. Adverse reactions may include dryness of the mouth, urinary hesitancy, urinary retention, tachycardia, palpitations, blurred vision, mydriasis, cycloplegia, increased intraocular pressure, dry eyes, headache, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, mental confusion and/or excitement (especially in geriatric patients), flushing, insomnia, fever, altered sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, dysphagia, heart burn, constipation, bloated feeling, suppression of lactation, impotence, and decreased sweating. Allergic reactions or drug idiosyncrasies such as anaphylaxis, urticaria and other dermal manifestations may also occur.

Overdosage

The signs and symptoms of overdose include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, dry mouth, difficulty in swallowing, dilated pupils, blurred vision, urinary retention, hot dry and flushed skin, tachycardia, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory depression, CNS stimulation, fever, ataxia, excitation, lethargy, stupor, coma, and paralysis (with large overdoses).

General measures such as emesis or gastric lavage and administration of activated charcoal should be undertaken immediately. Supportive therapy is given as needed, including artificial respiration if required. Physostigmine may be given by intravenous injection to reverse severe anticholinergic symptoms.

The LD 50 for hyoscyamine in rats is 375 mg/kg.
Hyoscyamine sulfate is dialyzable.

Anaspaz Dosage and Administration

Adults and children 12 years of age and older: 1 or 2 tablets every four hours or as needed. Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours.

ANASPAZ may be taken orally (swallowed or chewed) or sublingually. The dosage of ANASPAZ should be adjusted to the needs of the individual patient to assure symptomatic control with a minimum of adverse effects.

How is Anaspaz supplied

ANASPAZ (l-hyoscyamine sulfate orally disintegrating tablets) 0.125mg is available as a compressed, light yellow, scored tablet, imprinted with the Ascher logo and 225/295 in bottles of 100 tablets (NDC 0225-0295-15) and 500 tablets (NDC 0225-0295-20).

Store at room temperature - 59º - 86º F (15º - 30º C) in a dry place.
Dispense in tight, amber glass or opaque PE plastic containers.

KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATION OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. IN CASE OF ACCIDENTAL OVERDOSE, SEEK PROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE OR CONTACT A POISON CONTROL CENTER IMMEDIATELY.

Manufactured for B.F. Ascher and Co., Inc.
Lenexa, KS 66219
Revised 04-17