Belladonna extract

Belladonna extract is a herbal remedy with antispasmodic properties. Let's consider its features: indications for use, release form, dosage.

Belladonna or deadly nightshade is a poisonous plant that contains atropine (affects the nervous system and can cause severe poisoning). The medicinal plant also contains the following substances: scopolamine, hyoscyamine, atropamine. These alkaloids have analgesic and bronchodilatory properties, relieve spasms of smooth muscles, stimulate the cardiovascular system, normalize urine and bile excretion.

The complex composition of belladonna is used in the manufacture of painkillers and antispasmodic drugs. When used correctly, the plant relieves pain and spasms of various types, helps with inflammatory lesions of the abdominal organs and diseases of the nervous system.

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Indications Belladonna extract

All indications for the use of belladonna extract are based on the medicinal properties of its active components:

• Chronic hyperacid gastritis
• Gastric ulcer and duodenal ulcer
• Cholelithiasis
• Spasms of smooth muscles of abdominal organs
• Biliary, renal and intestinal colic
• Haemorrhoids
• Anal fissures
• Bronchial asthma
• Excessive sweating
• Hypersalivation
• Bradycardia
• AV block

In addition to the above indications, atropine-based solutions are used in ophthalmology for keratitis, iritis, and iridocyclitis.

Belladonna is widely used in alternative medicine. Homeopathic remedies based on it are suitable for the treatment of diseases of the genitourinary system and respiratory tract, pathologies of the nervous and digestive systems, rheumatism. Higher doses help in the treatment of migraines, enuresis and epilepsy.

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Release form

Today, belladonna extract is available on the pharmaceutical market in the following forms:

• Dry extract is a water-soluble powder. It is prescribed for ulcerative lesions of the stomach and duodenum, renal colic, bradycardia and as an antidote for severe poisoning with morphine or mushrooms.
• Alcohol tincture – made from the leaves of the plant. It is included in ophthalmological preparations and medicines for the treatment of the nervous system.
• Rectal suppositories - used for inflammation of the abdominal cavity with severe pain and to relieve increased tone of the intestinal muscles. Suppositories are effective for anal fissures, hemorrhoids, painful menstruation.

Belladonna extract is included in many medications prescribed for bronchial asthma, neurological diseases, insomnia, weakened intestinal peristalsis and increased intraocular pressure. The plant in the form of drops and granules is used in homeopathy. It helps with gout, allergies, neuralgia, cardiovascular diseases, abscesses and other pathologies.

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Pharmacodynamics

Belladonna contains atropine, which has an antispasmodic effect. Pharmacodynamics indicate a selective blockade of m-cholinergic receptors, which provokes their resistance to acetylcholine. As a result, the tone of muscles and smooth muscle organs decreases, the production and acidity of gastric juice decreases, heart contractions increase, the activity of the bronchial epithelium is suppressed, breathing is stimulated and the pupil dilates.

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Pharmacokinetics

Regardless of the form of release, after application, belladonna extract quickly spreads throughout the body, providing a therapeutic effect. The pharmacokinetics of the active substance indicates the metabolism of atropine and other components in the liver. About 80% of the dose taken is excreted by the kidneys 2 hours after application, the remaining 20% within 12-36 hours.

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Dosing and administration

The method of application and dosage of belladonna extract depend on the form of release and medical indications.

• Dry extract: 10-30 mg 2-3 times a day. The maximum available single dose should not exceed 50 mg.
• Rectal suppositories: 1 suppository 2-3 times a day, maximum dose – 10 suppositories per day.
• Alcohol tincture: 5-10 drops of tincture 3-4 times a day. The highest single dose is 23 drops, daily 70 drops.

During treatment, caution should be exercised when driving vehicles and performing work that requires increased concentration, good vision and quick psychomotor reactions.

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Use Belladonna extract during pregnancy

The possibility of using belladonna extract during pregnancy is determined by the attending physician. The use of the drug is possible in the case when the potential benefit to the mother is higher than the risks to the fetus. Belladonna-based medications are not recommended for breastfeeding.

Contraindications

Belladonna extract has contraindications for use, which are related to the activity of its components. The herbal remedy is not used for:

• Hypersensitivity to atropine and other components
• Closed-angle glaucoma
• Prostatic hypertrophy
• Obstruction of urine outflow
• Intestinal atony
• Acute bleeding
• Pregnancy and lactation
• Intestinal obstruction

Due to the pronounced antispasmodic effect and the above-described contraindications, the drug can only be used as prescribed by a doctor.

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Side effects Belladonna extract

Despite its many beneficial properties, belladonna requires caution when using it and full compliance with medical recommendations. Side effects of belladonna extract include the following reactions:

• Gastrointestinal disorders: dry mouth and thirst, taste disturbances, changes in intestinal motility, atony, changes in the tone of the bile ducts and gallbladder.
• Renal and urinary disorders: urinary retention.
• Cardiovascular system: arrhythmia, myocardial ischemia, palpitations, hot flashes, facial flushing.
• Neurological disorders and pathologies of the visual organs: dizziness and headaches, increased intraocular pressure, photophobia.
• Respiratory system: decreased secretory activity and bronchial tone.

Allergic reactions of varying severity, immune system disorders, increased sweating, etc. are also possible.

Overdose

Abuse of belladonna extract causes adverse symptoms in many organs and systems. Overdose manifests itself as increased side effects. The patient experiences attacks of nausea and vomiting, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure, increased excitability and irritability, convulsions, attacks of insomnia, hallucinations, depression of the central nervous system and respiratory system.

To eliminate signs of overdose, it is necessary to wash the stomach, parenteral administration of cholinomimetics and anticholinesterase agents is also indicated. Symptomatic therapy is then administered.

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Interactions with other drugs

Belladonna extract is a component of various medications. When using this plant in combination therapy, it is very important to monitor its interaction with other medications that contain it.

• MAO inhibitors cause cardiac arrhythmia, and when used with narcotics, a weakening of the analgesic effect is observed.
• Diphenhydramine and diprazine enhance the effect of belladonna.
• Systemic glucocorticosteroids, nitrates and haloperidol increase the risk of increased intraocular pressure.
• Penicillin drugs enhance the effect of both drugs.
• When atropine interacts with ketoconazole, ascorbic acid, attapulgite, pilocarpine and oxprenolone, the effect of the latter is reduced.

The effect of drugs containing this plant extract may be enhanced when used simultaneously with antiparkinsonian drugs, antispasmodics, some antihistamines and non-selective monoamine reuptake inhibitors. Since atropine can inhibit intestinal peristalsis, this changes the absorption of other drugs.

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Storage conditions

The plant extract has several forms of release, each of which has its own storage conditions. Thus, the dry powder preparation and rectal suppositories must be stored in a place protected from moisture, sunlight and inaccessible to children. The storage temperature should not exceed 25 ° C. It is recommended to keep the alcohol tincture of belladonna at room temperature, away from sunlight.

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Shelf life

Belladonna extract, like any medication, has its own expiration date. Preparations based on the plant must be used within 24-36 months from the date of manufacture (indicated on the package). After this period, the medicine must be disposed of and is contraindicated for use.

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