Hyoscine
Brand names Buscopan, Joy-Rides, Kwells, Scopoderm TTS, Travel Calm
Used in the following combined preparation Omnopon-scopolamine
GENERAL INFORMATION
Hyoscine is an anticholinergic drug that has both an antispasmodic effect on the intestine and a calming action on the nerve pathways that control nausea and vomiting. It also dilates the pupil by its anticholinergic action.
The drug is produced in two forms. Hyoscine butylbromide is prescribed to reduce spasm of the gastrointestinal tract in irritable bowel syndrome. The hydrobromide form is used to control motion sickness and the giddiness and nausea caused by disturbances of the inner ear (see Vertigo and Meniere’s disease). This form is also used as a premedication to dry secretions before operations. Eye drops containing the hydrobromide form are used to dilate the pupil during eye examinations and eye surgery.
QUICK REFERENCE
Drug group Drug for irritable bowel syndrome, drug affecting the pupil, and drug for nausea/vomiting
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed No
Available as generic Yes
INFORMATION FOR USERS
Follow instructions on the label. Call your doctor if symptoms worsen.
How taken
Tablets, injection, eye drops, skin patches.
Frequency and timing of doses
As required up to 4 x daily by mouth (irritable bowel syndrome) or up to 3 x daily (nausea and vomiting); every 3 days (patches).
Adult dosage range
Irritable bowel syndrome 80mg (hyoscine butylbromide) daily.
Nausea and vomiting 0.3mg (hyoscine hydrobromide) per dose.
Onset of effect
Within 1 hour.
Duration of action
Up to 6 hours by mouth. Up to 72 hours (patches).
Diet advice
None.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children. Protect from light.
Missed dose
Take when you remember. Adjust the timing of your next dose accordingly.
Stopping the drug
Can be safely stopped as soon as you no longer need it.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause drowsiness or agitation. Notify your doctor.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS
Taken by mouth or by injection, hyoscine has a strong anticholinergic effect on the body, causing a variety of minor symptoms. These can sometimes be minimized by a reduction in dosage.
INTERACTIONS
Sedatives
All drugs that have a sedative effect on the central nervous system are likely to increase the sedative properties of hyoscine. Such drugs include anti-anxiety and sleeping drugs, antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and antipsychotics.
Anticholinergic drugs
Many drugs have either anticholinergic or antimuscarinic effects. Using one of these drugs with hyoscine will increase side effects such as dry mouth, difficulty in passing urine, and constipation.
SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS
Be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking this drug if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart problems.
You have had glaucoma.
You have prostate trouble.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
No evidence of risk. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Not recommended under 6 years. Reduced dose necessary in older children.
Over 60
Reduced dose may be necessary.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how hyoscine affects you because the drug can cause drowsiness and blurred vision.
Alcohol
Avoid. Alcohol may increase the sedative effect of this drug.
PROLONGED USE
Use of this drug for longer than a few days is unlikely to be necessary.
