Name of the Procedure:

Injection, hyoscyamine sulfate, up to 0.25 mg (HCPCS Code: J1980)

Summary

This procedure involves an injection of hyoscyamine sulfate, a medication used to relieve various gastrointestinal and urinary symptoms. A healthcare professional administers the injection, typically delivering up to 0.25 mg of the drug.

Purpose

Hyoscyamine sulfate is used to relieve symptoms such as abdominal pain, cramping, and bladder spasms. The medication works by relaxing muscles in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts and reducing fluid secretions.

Indications

• Gastrointestinal disorders causing pain, bloating, or cramping.
• Urinary bladder spasms.
• Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or spastic colon.
• Reduction of saliva production before surgery.

Preparation

• Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions, which may include dietary restrictions.
• Inform your doctor about all medications and supplements you are taking.
• No specific diagnostic tests are usually required, but your healthcare provider might perform an initial assessment.

Procedure Description

1. The healthcare provider will clean the injection site with an antiseptic wipe.
2. The hyoscyamine sulfate medication is drawn into a syringe.
3. The provider will inject the medication into a muscle (intramuscular injection) or under the skin (subcutaneous injection).
4. A small bandage may be applied to the injection site.

Duration

The actual injection takes just a few minutes, though the entire visit may take up to 30 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is typically performed in a hospital, outpatient clinic, or doctor's office.

Personnel

• The procedure is usually carried out by a nurse or trained medical professional.
• A doctor may be present to oversee the procedure or consult as needed.

Risks and Complications

• Common risks: Mild pain or redness at the injection site, dry mouth, blurred vision.
• Rare risks: Increased heart rate, difficulty urinating, severe allergic reactions.
• Complications are generally rare, but if they occur, seek medical attention immediately.

Benefits

• Rapid relief of symptoms such as abdominal pain and bladder spasms.
• Improvement in comfort and quality of life.
• Effects can be noticed within minutes to an hour after the injection.

Recovery

• Minimal post-procedure care is needed; most patients can resume normal activities immediately.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
• A follow-up appointment might be scheduled to assess the effectiveness of the treatment.

Alternatives

• Oral antispasmodic medications.
• Other types of muscle relaxants or pain relievers.
• Dietary modifications and lifestyle changes specific to the condition being treated.
• Each alternative has its own pros and cons in terms of effectiveness, side effects, and convenience.

Patient Experience

• You might feel a brief sting or pinch during the injection.
• Post-injection, there may be minimal discomfort at the injection site.
• Pain management includes over-the-counter pain relievers if necessary.
• Most patients find the procedure and recovery quite manageable.