A question re:belladonna

Re: A question re:belladonna

• AngRx

  October 2010

  I would love to answer this and I hope jenna and chrissy chime in as well. Belladonna is the plant where atropine, hyoscamine, and scopalamine are derirved from. The belladonna plant is regarded as one of the most highly toxic plants in the world. The effects it has are anticholinergic side effects such as dilated pupils, blurred vision, tachycardia (increased heart rate), loss of balance, dry mouth, slurred speech, urinary retention, and constipation.  

  Think of it like this--when you are in flight or fight (ex. almost getting into a car accident, your child hurts themselves) these are the same effects-your important organs speed up (heart, mind) and your less important organs slow down (urinary retention, constipation). This happening constantly in the body= not a good thing.

  Yes, atropine is used as a medication. The main use of atropine in an IV form is for when someone has a slow heart rate to speed it up. As an eye drop it dilates your eyes at the eye doctor. The other medications (scopalmine and hyoscamine) are also used but not very often and with tons of side effects.

  Knowing all of this--is this something you want to give your child in any amt? They report that it is in a homeopathic dose. Which means extremely small amts bordering on virtually none. The problem with the tablets right now is that quality control cant say how much is in the tablet. SOmething I wouldnt want to be unsure about.

  I hope this helps explain what you were questioning. I have to say on the flip side I have co-workers (other pharmacists) who have given this to their children and they are ok with it.  Honestly, if it were in larger amts than a homeopathic dose then it wouldnt be allowed on the market.

  I also hope I havent pissed anyone off with my stance on this but it is something, as a pharmacist, I feel very strongly about.

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• AngRx

  October 2010

  I also would like to point out what sprads said in my post below:

  "Man we have a crowded soapbox....I wish the FDA would crack down faster. I hate that manufacturers can call them 'dietary supplements' and get away with not doing a lot of the safety and efficacy testing that drugs go through."

  this exactly: there is very little regulatio on dietary supplements and you'd be surprised how many unsafe "dietary" supplements are out there.

  
  

  Report0 Reply
• chrissyrph

  October 2010

  I'll chime in, Angela!  I agree with what you said!  My biggest concern is that they are a homeopathic product (which is so diluted down it doesn't do anything anyway-it's pretty much a sham), and these products aren't regulated very strictly-which is very scary, IMO.  I kind of figure that if there really is that small an amount of belldonna in there as the manufacturer says, then it's probably not enough to do anything helpful, so why bother? But belladonna is a nasty little drug, so we also have to understand that there are risks involved with giving a person any drug (no matter what the amount).   On the other hand, I also know people who swear by these things, so to each his own- I just encourage everyone to be well informed and comfortable with their decision!  

  Report0 Reply
• RXjenna

  October 2010

  Totally agree with Angela! (And I can't believe you pulled out the fight or flight saying, LMAO )
  

  This blog entry from pediatrician Dr. Ari Brown sums it up perfectly for me:

  Most of my readers and patients know that I have never recommended Hyland's Teething Tablets, so it is no surprise to me that the FDA has declared a recall on this product.

  Because the tablets are homeopathic, the FDA has not been required to assess them for safety or therapeutic benefit. (A convenient loop hole in the lucrative alternative medicine industry.)

  The teething tablets contain a small amount of belladonna, which is a known toxin to the nervous system. So, how the heck it is sitting on grocery store shelves has always been a mystery to me!!!

  The FDA has stepped in now though, because they have received reports of children having adverse reactions, which are what you would see from belladonna toxicity. The FDA laboratory tested the teething tablets and found that there are inconsistent amounts of belladonna in the product. They (appropriately!) feel that the amount of belladonna should be more tightly regulated?considering what effect it can have in larger doses (like seizures, difficulty breathing, lethargy, excessive sleepiness, muscle weakness, skin flushing, constipation, difficulty urinating, or agitation). Furthermore, the tablets are not contained in childproof packaging, making it easier for a young child to take as many tablets as he wants. And yes, the FDA has also received reports of adverse reactions in kids from that exact scenario.

  So, what should you do if you have Hyland's Teething Tablets in your medicine cabinet? Toss 'em.

  Yes, the teething tablets are "100% natural"?but so is cocaine, and you've never give that to a baby, right? Be an informed consumer. Just because it's natural, doesn't mean it is safe.

  And, while we are on this subject, teething gets blamed on fussy moods, disrupted sleep, runny noses, and diarrhea. RARELY is teething the cause of any of these maladies! If you want a natural teething remedy, try freezing a mini bagel or banana, and let your little one gnaw on that!

  
  

  To each their own, but it speaks volumes to me that many pediatricians, dentists, and pharmacists don't recommend the use of this product.
  

  

  Report0 Reply