Uses
Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. The effectiveness ratings for BELLADONNA are as follows:
Insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness for…
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Taking belladonna by mouth along with the drug phenobarbital does not improve symptoms of this condition.
- Arthritis-like pain.
- Asthma.
- Colds.
- Hay fever.
- Hemorrhoids.
- Motion sickness.
- Nerve problems.
- Parkinson’s disease.
- Spasms and colic-like pain in the stomach and bile ducts.
- Whooping cough.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness for these uses.
Side Effects Of Belladonna
Belladonna is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in adults and children. It contains chemicals that can be toxic.
Side effects result from its effects on the body’s nervous system. Symptoms include dry mouth, enlarged pupils, blurred vision, red dry skin, fever, fast heartbeat, inability to urinate or sweat, hallucinations, spasms, mental problems, convulsions, coma, and others.
Warnings & Precautions
- Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Belladonna is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth during pregnancy. Belladonna contains potentially toxic chemicals and has been linked to reports of serious side effects. Belladonna is also LIKELY UNSAFE during breast-feeding. It can reduce milk production and also passes into breast milk.
- Congestive heart failure (CHF): It might cause rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and might make CHF worse.
- Constipation: Belladonna might make constipation worse.
- Down syndrome: People with Down syndrome might be extra-sensitive to the potentially toxic chemicals and their harmful effects.
- Esophageal reflux: Belladonna might make esophageal reflux worse.
- Fever: Belladonna might increase the risk of overheating in people with fever.
- Stomach ulcers: It might make stomach ulcers worse.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract infections: It might slow emptying of the intestine, causing retention of bacteria and viruses that can cause infection.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract blockage: Belladonna might make obstructive GI tract diseases (including atony, paralytic ileus, and stenosis) worse.
- Hiatal hernia: Belladonna might make hiatal hernia worse.
- High blood pressure: Taking large amounts can increase blood pressure. This might make blood pressure become too high in people with high blood pressure.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma: Belladonna might make narrow-angle glaucoma worse.
- Psychiatric disorders. Taking large amounts might worsen psychiatric disorders.
- Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia): It might make rapid heartbeat worse.
- Ulcerative colitis: Belladonna might promote complications of ulcerative colitis, including toxic megacolon.
- Difficulty urinating (urinary retention): It might make this urinary retention worse.
Dosage Of Belladonna
The appropriate dose depends on several factors such as the user’s age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for belladonna. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Other
Consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
