Hyoscine Butylbromide

Introduction

Hyoscine butylbromide, also known as scopolamine butylbromide, is a medication used to treat various conditions such as motion sickness, cramps of the uterus and stomach muscles, and to reduce secretions from the salivary glands, respiratory tract, and intestines.

Uses

Hyoscine butylbromide is used to treat motion sickness, cramps, and secretions from the salivary glands, respiratory tract, and intestines. It may also be used in the pre-operative and post-operative setting as an anti-emetic to prevent vomiting and other symptoms of nausea.

Brand Name	Hyoscine Butylbromide
Type
Weight
Generic	Hyoscine Butylbromide
Manufacturer
Available in	English বাংলা

Mechanism of Action

Hyoscine butylbromide works by inhibiting acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter responsible for stimulating muscles. This leads to blocking of parasympathetic nerve impulses to the salivary, respiratory, and gastrointestinal tracts, leading to decreased secretions in all three areas. This also helps to control motion sickness by decreasing the signals of nausea and vomiting.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

The effects of hyoscine butylbromide usually start within 30 minutes and last up to 4-6 hours.

Absorption

Hyoscine butylbromide is rapidly absorbed after oral administration.

Route of Elimination

Hyoscine butylbromide is mostly eliminated through the kidneys as metabolites.

Dosage and Administration

Hyoscine butylbromide is available in oral tablets or capsules. The dosage will depend on the individual’s condition and age. For motion sickness or pre or postoperative treatment, adults may take 2 to 4 tablets per day with meals and children may take 1 tablet per day. In the case of cramps, adults may take 2 tablets three times per day and children may take 1 tablet three times per day.

Side Effect

The most common side effects of hyoscine butylbromide include dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, and constipation.

Toxicity

Hyoscine butylbromide is a relatively safe medication with few toxic effects even in large doses. However, in cases where there is an overdose, the side effects can be very serious. Symptoms include restlessness, loss of vision, hallucinations, and convulsions.

Precautions

Patients being treated with Hyoscine butylbromide should be monitored closely as it may increase the effects of alcohol and other central nervous system depressants. The elderly should use this medication with caution as they may be more sensitive to its effects.

Interactions

Hyoscine butylbromide should not be taken with MAO inhibitors or muscle relaxants as this may increase the effects of these drugs. Additionally, there may be an increased risk of toxicity if taken with other medications, such as blood pressure medications, antihistamines, certain antibiotics, and antipsychotics.

Disease Interactions

Hyoscine butylbromide should be used with caution in patients with certain medical conditions, including glaucoma, enlarged prostate, myasthenia gravis, respiratory depression, kidney or liver disease, psychiatric conditions, and bladder obstruction.

Drug Interactions

Hyoscine butylbromide may interact with alcohol, narcotics, MAO inhibitors, muscle relaxants, certain antibiotics, and antipsychotics. Patients should also be aware that certain drugs, such as blood pressure medications, may also interact with hyoscine butylbromide.

Food Interactions

Hyoscine butylbromide taken with food may be more effective than taken on an empty stomach.

Pregnancy and Lactation Use

Hyoscine butylbromide should be used with caution during pregnancy and nursing mothers should not take this medication.

Acute Overdose

Symptoms of an acute overdose include restlessness, delirium, blurred vision, peripheral cyanosis, respiratory depression, convulsions, and death if not treated immediately.

Contraindications

Hyoscine butylbromide is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the medication, and in patients with glaucoma and urinary blockages.

Dose Directions

The dosage of Hyoscine butylbromide depends on the individual’s condition and age. For motion sickness or pre or postoperative treatment, adults may take 2 to 4 tablets per day with meals and children may take 1 tablet per day. In the case of cramps, adults may take 2 tablets three times per day and children may take 1 tablet three times per day.

Storage Conditions

Hyoscine butylbromide should be stored at room temperature.

Volume of Distribution

Hyoscine butylbromide is distributed mainly in the liver, spleen, kidneys and intestines.

Half Life

The half-life of hyoscine butylbromide is about 16 hours.

Clearance

Hyoscine butylbromide is mainly eliminated through the kidneys via renal clearance.

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Some Frequently Asked Questions About Hyoscine Butylbromide

1. What is hyoscine butylbromide?

Hyoscine butylbromide is an antispasmodic drug that relaxes smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal, biliary, and urinary tracts to relieve spasms and associated pain.

2. What is hyoscine butylbromide used for?

It is used to treat:

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Abdominal cramps

Spasms of the stomach, intestines, or bile ducts

Bladder spasms

Menstrual cramps (in some cases)

3. How does hyoscine butylbromide work?

It blocks muscarinic receptors, reducing smooth muscle contractions and relieving spasms in the gut and other organs.

4. Is hyoscine butylbromide a prescription drug?

It’s available over-the-counter (OTC) in some countries (e.g., 10 mg tablets) and by prescription for higher doses or injections.

5. Who can take hyoscine butylbromide?

It’s suitable for adults and children over 6, but not for those with glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or certain bowel obstructions.

6. How is hyoscine butylbromide taken?

It is available as oral tablets, or as an injection (administered by a healthcare provider) for severe cases.

7. What is the typical dosage of hyoscine butylbromide?

Dosage varies:

Adults: 10-20 mg tablets, 3-4 times daily

Children (6-12): 10 mg, 3 times daily

Injection: 20 mg IV/IM, repeated as needed (by a doctor)

8. How long does hyoscine butylbromide take to work?

Oral tablets work within 15-30 minutes; injections act faster, within 5-10 minutes.

9. Can hyoscine butylbromide be taken long-term?

It’s usually for short-term relief; long-term use should be monitored by a doctor due to side effects.

10. Does hyoscine butylbromide treat infections?

No, it relieves symptoms like spasms but doesn’t treat underlying infections.

11. What are the common side effects of hyoscine butylbromide?

Common side effects include:

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Constipation

Drowsiness

12. Can hyoscine butylbromide cause drowsiness?

Yes, drowsiness is possible, though less common than with hyoscine hydrobromide (used for motion sickness).

13. Does hyoscine butylbromide affect the eyes?

It may cause blurred vision or difficulty focusing due to its anticholinergic effects.

14. Can hyoscine butylbromide be taken with food?

Yes, it can be taken with or without food; food doesn’t significantly affect absorption.

15. What happens if I miss a dose of hyoscine butylbromide?

Take it as soon as you remember unless it’s near the next dose; then skip it. Don’t double up.

16. Can I overdose on hyoscine butylbromide?

Yes, overdose may cause severe dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, or confusion; seek medical help if suspected.

17. Is hyoscine butylbromide safe during pregnancy?

It’s not recommended unless prescribed by a doctor; limited data suggests caution, especially in the first trimester.

18. Can breastfeeding mothers take hyoscine butylbromide?

It’s not advised unless necessary; small amounts may pass into breast milk—consult a doctor.

19. Does hyoscine butylbromide interact with other medications?

Yes, it interacts with:

Antihistamines (increased drowsiness)

Tricyclic antidepressants (enhanced anticholinergic effects)

Anticholinergics (e.g., atropine)

20. Can I drink alcohol while taking hyoscine butylbromide?

Avoid excessive alcohol; it may increase drowsiness or worsen stomach irritation.

21. Is hyoscine butylbromide safe for people with kidney disease?

Yes, it’s generally safe, but consult a doctor in severe cases as it’s excreted by the kidneys.

22. Can hyoscine butylbromide be used in liver disease?

Yes, it’s metabolized minimally by the liver, so it’s usually safe; consult a doctor if severe.

23. How should hyoscine butylbromide be stored?

Store tablets at room temperature, away from moisture and heat; injections are stored per medical guidelines.

24. Does hyoscine butylbromide expire?

Yes, check the expiration date; expired medication may be less effective.

25. Can hyoscine butylbromide cause dry mouth?

Yes, dry mouth is a common anticholinergic side effect.

26. Is hyoscine butylbromide the same as hyoscine hydrobromide?

No, hyoscine butylbromide targets smooth muscle spasms; hyoscine hydrobromide is used for motion sickness and crosses the brain barrier more readily.

27. Can hyoscine butylbromide treat motion sickness?

No, it’s not effective for motion sickness due to limited central nervous system penetration.

28. Does hyoscine butylbromide cause constipation?

Yes, it may slow gut motility, leading to constipation in some users.

29. Can hyoscine butylbromide help with diarrhea?

It may reduce diarrhea if caused by intestinal spasms, but it’s not a primary treatment.

30. Is hyoscine butylbromide gluten-free?

Most tablet formulations are gluten-free, but check with the manufacturer.

31. Can hyoscine butylbromide tablets be crushed?

Yes, if necessary, but swallowing whole is preferred; consult a pharmacist.

32. What if I’m allergic to hyoscine butylbromide?

Allergic reactions (e.g., rash, swelling) are rare but serious; stop use and seek help.

33. Can hyoscine butylbromide affect urination?

Yes, it may cause urinary retention, especially in men with prostate issues.

34. Does hyoscine butylbromide affect blood pressure?

It may slightly increase heart rate, but significant blood pressure changes are rare.

35. Can hyoscine butylbromide treat gallstones?

It can relieve spasms and pain from gallstones but doesn’t treat the stones themselves.

36. Is hyoscine butylbromide safe for children?

Yes, for children over 6, with age-appropriate dosing under medical advice.

37. Can hyoscine butylbromide cause blurred vision?

Yes, blurred vision is a possible side effect due to its anticholinergic action.

38. Does hyoscine butylbromide need refrigeration?

No, tablets are stored at room temperature; injections may require specific storage—check the label.

39. Can hyoscine butylbromide be used for headaches?

No, it’s not indicated for headaches unless related to abdominal spasms.

40. What’s the difference between hyoscine butylbromide and dicyclomine?

Both are antispasmodics, but hyoscine butylbromide is a quaternary ammonium compound with fewer central effects than dicyclomine.

41. Can hyoscine butylbromide cause heart palpitations?

Yes, it may increase heart rate in some due to its anticholinergic properties.

42. Is hyoscine butylbromide available as a generic?

Yes, it’s available as a generic and under brands like Buscopan.

43. Can hyoscine butylbromide be taken at night?

Yes, it can be taken at any time as needed, though drowsiness may suggest nighttime use.

44. Does hyoscine butylbromide affect the liver?

It has minimal liver metabolism and rarely affects liver function.

45. Can hyoscine butylbromide be used for kidney stones?

Yes, it can relieve ureteral spasms and pain associated with kidney stones.

46. What should I do if I experience severe side effects?

Stop use and contact a doctor, especially for signs like rapid heartbeat or difficulty urinating.

47. Can hyoscine butylbromide cause fatigue?

Yes, drowsiness or fatigue may occur in some users.

48. Does hyoscine butylbromide interact with caffeine?

No significant interaction, but caffeine may counteract drowsiness.

49. Can hyoscine butylbromide be stopped abruptly?

Yes, it can be stopped without tapering, as it’s used as needed or short-term.