PDR for Herbal Medicines

70 /BELLADONNA PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

respiratory organs, the urogenital tract, the skin, the joints

and the gastrointestinal tract.

BELLADONNA ROOT

Approved by Commission E:

• Liver and gall bladder complaints
  Unproven Uses: The drug is used for arrhythmia, cardiac
  insufficiency NYHA I and II, nervous heart complaints, and
  colic-like pains in the gastrointestinal tract and bile ducts. In
  folk medicine, a drug from the leaves is preferred for pain in
  the gastrointestinal area, for asthma, bronchitis and muscular
  pain. (Also see Belladonna leaf.)

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

BELLADONNA LEAF AND ROOT

General: No health hazards are known in conjunction with

the proper administration of designated therapeutic dosages.

The following could occur as side effects, particularly with

overdoses: erubescence, dryness of the mouth, mydriasis,

and tachycardiac arrhythmias. These are early signs of

atropine poisoning. Other side effects may include hypocyc-

loses, heat accumulation through reduction of perspiration,

micturation difficulties and obstipation. Because of potential

ramifications, Belladonna should be used only under the

supervision of an expert familiar with the appropriate use of

this substance.

Pediatric Use: The fatal dose in children is considerably less

than that of adults.

Drug Interactions: Tricyclic antidepressants, amantadine and

quinidine will increase the anticholinergic effect.

OVERDOSAGE

BELLADONNA LEAF AND ROOT

High dosages lead to central excitation that may produce

restlessness, compulsion to talk, hallucinations, delirium and

manic attacks, followed by exhaustion and sleep. The fatal

dose depends on me atropine content; asphyxiation can occur

with 100 mg atropine, which corresponds to 5 to 50 g of

Belladonna. Treatment of poisonings consists of gastric

lavage, application of wet cloths to reduce body temperature

(avoid antipyretics), oxygen respiration for breathing dis-

tress, intubation, parenteral physostigmine salts as an anti-

dote, diazepam for spasm and chlorpromazine for serious

excitation. (Also see side effects listed under PRECAU-

TIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS, which may be early

signs of poisoning.)

DOSAGE
BELLADONNA LEAF
Mode of Administration: The comminuted drug is used for
decoctions and dried extracts, and the powdered drug is used
internally for galenic preparations. Due to the toxicity, the
drug must be handled with care.

How Supplied: Forms of commercial pharmaceutical prepa-

rations include coated and uncoated tablets, drops, tea, juice,

syrup, ampules, capsules, suppositories, plaster and ophthal-

mic drops.

Daily Dosage: When using Belladonna powder (belladonnae

pulvis normatus-total alkaloid content 0.28% to 0.32%

German pharmacopoeia 10), the average single dose is 0.05

to 0.10 g. The maximum single dose is 0.20 g, which is

equivalent to 0.60 mg total alkaloids, calculated as hyoscya-

mine. The maximum daily dosage is 0.60 g, which is

equivalent to 1.8 mg total alkaloids, calculated as

hyoscyamine.

For Belladonna extract, the average single dose is 0.01 g.

The maximum single dose is 0.05 g, which is equivalent to

0.73 mg total alkaloids, calculated as hyoscyamine. The

maximum daily dosage is 0.150 g, which is equivalent to 2.2

mg total alkaloids, calculated as hyoscyamine.

Storage: Belladonna leaves and various leaf preparations

have specific storage requirements. Store leaves and powders

tightly sealed and protected from light. Extracts require

protection from moisture and light as well as a temperature

of approximately 30°C. Store tinctures tightly sealed without

exposure to direct sunlight or extreme heat to attain a shelf

life of approximately 3.5 years.

BELLADONNA ROOT

Mode of Administration: As a comminuted drug for infu-

sions and dried extracts and as a powdered drug for other

galenic preparations for internal use.

Daily Dosage: The average daily dosage is 0.3 g, which is

equivalent to 1.5 mg total alkaloids, calculated as hyoscya-

mine. Single doses range from 0.05 g to a maximum of 0.1 g.

For Belladonna extract, the total alkaloids range from 1.3%

to 1.45% (German pharmacopoeia 10). Single doses of the

extract range from 0.01 g to 0.05 g. The maximum daily

dosage is 0.15 g, which is equivalent to 2.2 mg total

alkaloids, calculated as hyoscyamine.

For Belladonna tincture, a single dose of 0.5 to 2 ml is given

3 times daily.

Homeopathic Dosage: 5 to 10 drops, 1 tablet, 5 to 10

globules, 1 to 3 times daily or 1 ml injection solution twice

weekly sc. From D3: one suppository 2 to 3 times daily;

ointments 1 to 2 times daily (HAB1).

Storage: Belladonna root should be stored for a maximum of

3 years in well-sealed containers protected from light and

insects.