Hyoscine

Brand Name:Buscopan

Prescription needed: Yes

What is this drug used for?

Hyoscine is used to treat irritable bowel syndrome, relax and reduce spasms of the bladder, bowels and gastrointestinal tract. It can be used in the treatment of painful menstruation known as dysmenorrhea.

It is available as different dosage forms such as suppositories and tablets. It is also available in injection form to relax the bladder and gastrointestinal tract before certain diagnostic examinations.

Hyoscine may also be used for other medical conditions as determined by your doctor.

Is there any reason not to take this drug?

You should not take this drug if you are allergic to hyoscine or belladonna alkaloids (e.g. atropine, belladonna, scopolamine).

Do not take this medication if you have glaucoma, obstructive prostate hypertrophy, myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness) and/or megacolon (obstruction of the intestines).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

  • heart problems
  • high blood pressure
  • obstruction of the bowel
  • ulcerative colitis
  • prostate problems
  • urinary retention
  • reflux

What about possible side effects?

The most common side effects are:

  • blurred vision
  • decreased perspiration
  • drowsiness
  • dry mouth
  • diarrhea
  • nausea
  • nervousness or restlessness

Some of the side effects may go away during treatment and may be related to dose. Contact your doctor if these symptoms continue or become worse.

Other side effects include

Contact your doctor if your experience:

  • increased heart rate
  • constipation
  • increased sensitivity of eyes to light
  • urinary difficulties

Other less common and possibly severe side effects include

Call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:

  • confusion (in the elderly)
  • fast, pounding heartbeat
  • skin rash
  • swelling of eyelids, face, tongue (rare)

This is not a complete list of side effects. If you are concerned about these or other unusual symptoms while taking this medication, ask your doctor and/or pharmacist for more information and advice.

What if I am taking other drugs?

Always provide your doctor with a list of all other drugs you are taking (including over-the-counter medications and herbal/natural products) as they may interact with and/or may change the safety or effectiveness of either drug. Tell your doctor specifically if you are taking any of these drugs as these are the most common interactions and he/she may need to make changes or monitor you more closely:

  • Antacids or medicine to treat diarrhea: May prevent hyoscine from working properly. Take hyoscine at least 1 hour before these medicines.
  • Drugs with anticholinergic side effects
  • amantadine, amitriptyline and other similar antidepressants, MAO-I inhibitors, amoxapine, diphenydramine, chlorpheniramine, thioridizine, scopolamine, oxybutynin and other anti-cholinergic drugs - may increase your chances of side effects with urinating, constipation or dry mouth
  • Dopamine antagonists (e.g. metoclopramide) - decreases effect of both drugs
  • Drugs that can cause tiredness, sedation, dizziness:
    • Antihistamines (e.g. diphenhydramine, hydroxyzine)
    • Opioid pain medications (e.g. codeine, oxycodone, morphine, hydromorphone)
    • Antidepressants (e.g. amitriptyline, trazodone) and antipsychotics (e.g. risperidone, haloperidol)
    • Muscle relaxants (e.g. cyclobenzaprine)
    • Other drugs for epilepsy (gabapentin, phenytoin, phenobarbital, valproic acid)
    • Medicine for insomnia or anxiety (e.g. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam, temazepam)

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your list of medications.

Other information:

How to take the medicine: Hyoscine is a drug that is intended to be used for the short term. Talk to your doctor if symptoms persist. Do not exceed the dosage discussed by your doctor.

If you are taking hyoscine tablets, do not break, crush or chew before swallowing. Swallow whole.

Managing side effects: This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. If you are taking this medicine regularly, use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather. Hot baths or saunas may make you dizzy or faint while taking this medicine.

Sit up or get up slowly while taking this medicine to lessen dizziness.

Since this medicine may cause your eyes to be more sensitive to sunlight, wearing sun glasses may help.

Hyoscine may cause dryness of the mouth and throat. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, you may consider using sugarless candy or gum, melting bits of ice in your mouth and/or using a saliva substitute.

Children: Are more likely to have side effects. Not generally recommended. Talk to your doctor.

Seniors: Are more sensitive to side effects. Lower doses may be necessary, especially at the start of therapy.

Pregnant women: Talk to your doctor before using as safety has not yet been established.

Women who are nursing: Talk to your doctor before using this drug.

People who drive or operate machinery: Should not do so until they know how this drug affects them personally; can cause drowsiness and blurred vision.

Alcohol: Avoid alcohol as it may increase the sedative effect.

Overdose: A large overdose of this medicine could cause drowsiness or agitation. If you experience any unusual reactions or if you seriously exceed the recommended dosage, call your doctor or 911.

Stopping the drug: You can safely stop taking hyoscine when it is no longer needed.

If you miss a dose: Take it as soon as you remember. Do not take a double dose.

Storage conditions: Closed container; cool, dry location away from excess moisture (not in the bathroom) and light; always out of reach of children.

Dietary precautions: None unless prescribed by your doctor.