International reference: 4 US FDA recalls for this ingredient
Penicillin Cross Contamination: All lots of all products repackaged and distributed between 01/05/12 and 02/12/15 are being recalled because they were repackaged in a facility with penicillin products without adequate separation which could introduce the potential for cross contamination with penici (belladonna)
Presence of Foreign Substance: Belladonna Alkaloids with Phenobarbital Tablets with black specks comprised of degraded organic material on tablets. (belladonna)
Superpotent Drug: FDA analysis found inconsistent amounts of belladonna alkaloids that may differ from the calculated amount on the product labels. (belladonna)
Presence of Foriegn Substance:The manufacturer, West-ward Pharmaceutical, recalled product because of the presence of black spots on tablets. In response, the repackager initiated its own recall. (belladonna)
US-market enforcement records (OpenFDA), shown for reference - not specific to this product in Tanzania.
What it does
Belladonna is a plant-based medicine that can help with certain health issues, particularly those related to muscle spasms and reducing secretions.
Commonly used for: muscle spasms, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), motion sickness, excessive sweating
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
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Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Tanzania Medicines and Medical Devices Authority · fetched 2026-03-11 23:38:10 · updated 2026-10-22 03:00:44
About belladonna
Belladonna is a plant-based medicine that can help with certain health issues, particularly those related to muscle spasms and reducing secretions.
What it treats
- muscle spasms
- irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- motion sickness
- excessive sweating
How it works
Belladonna works by relaxing muscles and reducing secretions in the body.
Who it's for
Belladonna is for adults and may be used in children under medical supervision.
Cautions
- • May cause drowsiness; avoid driving or operating machinery.
- • Not suitable for people with certain health conditions like glaucoma or enlarged prostate.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
About tincture
Tincture is a liquid form of medicine that contains a plant extract or other medicinal ingredient dissolved in alcohol or another solvent.
What it treats
- various ailments
- pain relief
- anxiety
- sleep problems
How it works
Tinctures work by allowing the active ingredients from plants or other substances to be absorbed into the body quickly, providing relief from certain conditions.
Who it's for
Tinctures can be used by adults for various health issues, but it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before use.
Cautions
- • Not suitable for people with alcohol intolerance.
- • Use with caution in pregnant or breastfeeding women.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: belladonna
Belladonna, also known as deadly nightshade, is a plant that contains tropane alkaloids, primarily atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. These compounds are anticholinergic agents that inhibit the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors in the nervous system. Historically, belladonna has been used for its sedative and muscle-relaxing properties, as well as to treat various conditions such as motion sickness and muscle spasms. Its use is limited due to its toxicity and potential for overdose.
Indications
- Motion sickness
- Parkinson's disease
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Peptic ulcers
- Muscle spasms
- Respiratory secretions reduction
Dosage
Children: Refer to the BNF for Children for appropriate paediatric dosing.
Adults: Refer to established clinical guidelines or pharmacological references for specific dosing.
Mechanism of action
The primary mechanism of action of belladonna is its antagonistic effect on muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. Atropine, one of its active components, competes with acetylcholine for binding to these receptors, leading to decreased parasympathetic nervous system activity. This results in effects such as increased heart rate, reduced secretion of mucus, and relaxation of smooth muscles.
Pharmacodynamics
Belladonna exhibits a range of pharmacodynamic effects primarily due to its anticholinergic properties. It can cause dilation of the pupils (mydriasis), increased heart rate (tachycardia), reduced salivation, and decreased gastrointestinal motility. The effects vary depending on the dose and individual sensitivity, with higher doses leading to more pronounced central nervous system effects, including sedation or hallucinations.
Pharmacokinetics
After administration, the alkaloids in belladonna are rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. They are extensively metabolized in the liver, with atropine having a half-life of approximately 2 hours. The elimination of its metabolites occurs primarily through the kidneys. The onset of action is typically within 30 minutes, with peak effects occurring within 1 to 2 hours.
Contra-indications
- Glaucoma
- Myasthenia gravis
- Prostatic hypertrophy
- Gastrointestinal obstruction
- Severe ulcerative colitis
Adverse effects
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Urinary retention
- Increased heart rate
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Hallucinations
Interactions
- Anticholinergic drugs
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Antihistamines
- Muscle relaxants
- Phenothiazines
Precautions
- May cause drowsiness; caution when driving or operating machinery
- Use with caution in elderly patients due to increased sensitivity
- Monitor for signs of anticholinergic toxicity
- Adjust dosage in patients with hepatic or renal impairment
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited data available.
Breast-feeding
Use with caution; may inhibit lactation and cause adverse effects in nursing infants.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct light. Keep out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Oral tablets
- Syrup
- Injection
- Topical preparations
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
Clinical monograph: tincture
Tinctures are concentrated herbal extracts made by soaking plant materials in alcohol or vinegar to extract their active ingredients. They are typically used for their therapeutic benefits and can be administered sublingually, added to water, or used topically, depending on the formulation. Tinctures often serve as a convenient way to deliver herbal medicine in a liquid form, allowing for easier absorption and dosage adjustments.
Indications
- Herbal remedy for anxiety
- Support for digestive health
- Anti-inflammatory support
- Antimicrobial effects
- Pain relief
- Support for immune function
Dosage
Children: Refer to specific tincture product instructions for dosage, as this varies significantly based on the plant and concentration.
Adults: Refer to specific tincture product instructions for dosage, as this varies significantly based on the plant and concentration.
Mechanism of action
The mechanism of action of tinctures depends on the specific herbs or plants used in their preparation. Generally, the active compounds extracted from the plant material interact with various biological pathways, including receptor modulation, enzyme inhibition, and antioxidant activity. For example, flavonoids and alkaloids found in many tinctures may exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, or antimicrobial effects through their interaction with cellular signaling pathways.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamics of tinctures is influenced by the specific constituents of the herbal material. These constituents may exert effects such as enhancing or inhibiting neurotransmitter activity, modulating inflammatory responses, or influencing metabolic pathways. The effects can vary widely among different tinctures based on the plant used, the extraction method, and the concentration of the active ingredients.
Pharmacokinetics
The pharmacokinetics of tinctures involves absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of the active compounds. After administration, the alcohol or vinegar solvent aids in the rapid absorption of these compounds through the mucosal membranes or gastrointestinal tract. Once absorbed, the compounds are distributed throughout the body and may undergo metabolic transformations primarily in the liver. The elimination half-life varies based on the specific herb and its active constituents, with some compounds being excreted unchanged while others are metabolized into active or inactive metabolites.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to any component of the tincture
- Severe liver disease
- Pregnancy (specific tinctures may vary)
Adverse effects
- Skin irritation
- Allergic reactions
- Gastrointestinal upset
- Drowsiness or sedation (depending on the active ingredient)
Interactions
- May interact with alcohol, increasing sedative effects
- Potential interactions with other CNS depressants
- May affect the metabolism of certain drugs via hepatic pathways
Precautions
- Use cautiously in patients with a history of substance abuse
- Monitor liver function in patients with liver disease
- Caution in operating machinery or driving due to potential drowsiness
Pregnancy
Generally not recommended during pregnancy due to potential risks associated with alcohol and other active ingredients.
Breast-feeding
Caution is advised, as components may pass into breast milk and affect the infant.
Storage
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Keep tightly closed and out of reach of children.
Formulations
- Tinctures of various herbs and compounds, including but not limited to: echinacea, valerian, and calendula
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
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The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.
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