Hyoscine

Please note: these are basic guidelines, refer to your doctor for a professional medical opinion.

Popular brand names:

Buscopan, Hyospasmol, Scopex

Popular combinations:

Buscopan compositum

Drug group:

Drug for irritable bowel syndrome, anti-spasmodic drug

Prescription needed?

No (only for combination)

What does it do?

The drug is produced in two forms:

Hyoscine butylbromide

• Reduces spasm of the gastrointestinal tract – useful in acute gastroenteritis and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Sometimes used with other drugs to treat dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation)

Hyoscine hydrobromide

• Used to control motion sickness/vertigo/nausea caused by disturbances of the inner ear
• Premedication - useful to dry secretions before operations
• Eye drops - hyoscine is used to dilate the pupil during eye examinations/surgery

How does it work?

Hyoscine is an anticholinergic drug with various actions:

• It has antispasmodic effects on the intestine
• Calming action on the nerve pathways that control nausea and vomiting

How should it be used?

• Although this drug helps reduce cramps associated with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), adjusting your diet and avoiding triggers play important roles in reducing the frequency and severity of symptoms
• If your symptoms are getting worse, do not continue to use the drug without discussing with your doctor

What is the typical dosage?

Your doctor will recommend a dosage tailored to your need, but typically:

• Irritable bowel syndrome (butylbromide): total 30–80mg daily, 1-4 x daily, as required
• Motion sickness (hydrobromide): [tablets] 0.3mg per dose, up to 3 x daily; [patches] 1 mg applied every 72 hours as required

How quickly will it start to work?

Within 1 hour                  

How long will the effects last?

Oral up to 6 hours, patches up to 72 hours     
           

When should I stop using it?

Can be safely stopped when no longer needed
                                 

Is it safe for prolonged use?

Use for longer than a few days is unlikely to be necessary

What are the possible side effects?

The following have been reported:

• More common: dry mouth, drowsiness, constipation
• Less common: blurred vision, difficulty in passing urine, increased heart rate
• Report to your doctor before taking your next dose if you experience: severe side effects

What other considerations are important?

Dosage may be adjusted by your doctor under certain conditions.

• Certain health problems: liver/kidney/heart problems, epilepsy, megacolon or intestinal obstruction problems, glaucoma, prostate trouble or urinary retention, porphyria
• Other medicines: other drugs with anticholinergic effects, sedatives, any sublingual tablets
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Safety not established
• Children: Reduced dose necessary
• Over 60: Reduced dose may be necessary
• Driving and hazardous work: Caution, the drug can cause drowsiness and blurred vision
• Alcohol: Avoid, increased sedative effects