Buscopan

What is Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is the brand name for hyoscine butylbromide. This is a type of medicine known as an antispasmodic, commonly used to relieve muscle spasms in the stomach, intestines, bladder and other parts of the digestive system[1].

What is Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) used for?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) calms smooth muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal, biliary and genito-urinary tracts. For this reason, it is commonly used to treat conditions such as stomach cramps, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), period pains, and bladder spasms. It works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the gut and urinary tract – helping to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by spasms[1].

How does Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) work?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) works by blocking the action of a neurotransmitter in the body called acetylcholine. Acetylcholine causes smooth muscle in the gut and bladder to contract. By blocking this action, Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) relaxes the smooth muscle, helping to reduce spasms and relieve pain quickly[1].

Who can take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is suitable for most adults. It’s generally safe for children over the age of six, however, there is an increased risk of side effects. However, it may not be suitable for some people. In particular, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) if you:

• Have  glaucoma

• Have myasthenia gravis

• Have megacolon (very enlarged bowel)

• Have gastro-intestinal obstruction or blockage of the bowel

• Are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding

• Have severe ulcerative colitis

• Have significant bladder obstruction or urinary retention

If you are allergic to hyoscine butylbromide or any of the ingredients listed as part of the medicine[1].

Take special care with hyoscine butlybromide and check with your doctor or pharmacist if you have:

• Have lost weight or your appetite

• Think you have food poisoning, particularly after being abroad

• Have a very fast heart rate or other heart problems

• Have an enlarged prostate, or difficulty or pain when peeing

• Have a thyroid problem such as overactive thyroid gland

• Have a high temperature (fever)

• Have digestive concerns like ulcerative colitis, constipation, or heartburn & acid reflux

Check with your doctor or pharmacist straight away if you have unexplained abdominal pain which persists or worsens with fever, feeling or being sick, changes in bowel movements, abdominal tenderness, low blood pressure, feeling faint or blood in bowel movements

Please tell your doctor or pharmacist about any conditions you may have before you start treatment and always follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

How do you take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

You take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) tablets with water, swallowing them whole without crushing or chewing. It’s generally safe to take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) with or without food. To get the most consistent relief, try to take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) at the same times each day if using it regularly[1].

What is the typical dosage of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

The usual dose of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) will depend on your age. Adults and children 12 years and over usually take 1 or 2 tablets (10mg each), 3 to 4 times a day for stomach cramps or cramping pain. Young children aged 6 to 11 years should take a reduced dose of 1 tablet, 3 times a day. Do not take more than the recommended dose, always following the instructions on the packaging or from your doctor or pharmacist[1].

Can you stop taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) suddenly?

Yes, you can stop taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) when your symptoms improve. It is usually taken when required rather than on a continuous basis. However, if you are unsure, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for advice[1].

What should you do if you take too much Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Taking too much Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) can cause symptoms such as having dry mouth, blurred vision, fast heartbeat, difficulty passing urine or reddening of the skin. These can sometimes be serious, so if you think you or someone else has taken too much Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide), call 111 or get medical help straight away[1].

What should you do if you forget a dose of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

If you take regular doses of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) and forget one, you can take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s nearly time for your next dose, simply skip the missed one instead. You should not take a double dose to make up for the one you missed[1].

What medicines should you avoid while taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) may interact with other medicines, including some antihistamines, antidepressants, antipsychotic medicines, or other anticholinergic drugs. Taking hyoscine butylbromide with dopamine antagonists (such as metoclopramide or deomperidone) may reduce the effects of both drugs. Speak to your pharmacist before taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) with other irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) treatments, as most work in a similar way, however, some can be used in combination, such as peppermint oil[1].

Always inform your doctor or pharmacist about all medications and supplements you take, including supplements or over the counter and herbal products, before you start a new medicine, and follow the instructions in the Patient Information Leaflet[2].

What are the side effects of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Some of the most common side effects of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) are dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision and experiencing a fast heartbeat. Serious side effects are rare, however, if you experience allergic reactions such as rash, itching or swelling, painful red eye with loss of vision, having difficulty passing urine or change of bowel habits, stop taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) and seek medical attention[1].

The information provided in the side effects section is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects associated with this medication. For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) provided with your medication or consult your healthcare professional[2].

If you experience any side effects, including those not listed, you are encouraged to report them via the Yellow Card Scheme or contact your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This information is intended as a summary for general awareness and does not replace professional medical advice.

Taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) in the Elderly

It's important to note that elderly patients are more likely to experience anticholinergic adverse effects when taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) such as constipation, urinary retention, dry mouth/eyes, sedation, confusion, delirium, photophobia, falls and reduced cognition. If you notice an increase in these symptoms, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the appropriateness of the medication.

Frequently asked questions about Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)

Is Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) safe during pregnancy?

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is not thought to be harmful in pregnancy, but because there’s only a small amount of information on its use, it is not usually recommended. Do not take Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) when pregnant without consulting a doctor or pharmacist first[1].

Can I drink alcohol with Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Yes, it’s generally safe to drink alcohol while you’re taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide). However, bear in mind that drinking alcohol may increase side effects such as dizziness and cause discomfort[1].

Can I drive after taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)?

Some of Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)’s side effects may impede your ability to drive. In particular, you should avoid driving if you experience dizziness or blurred vision after taking Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide)[1].

Is Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) addictive?

No, Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is not considered addictive and is usually only taken as and when you need to[1].

For the official NHS guide to Buscopan, visit their website.