Hyoscine

2 Comments

Hyoscine is made in two forms the first hyoscine-N-butylbromide is used to reduce spasm of the gastrointestial tract in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), it can also be used with other medication to treat painful menstration also know as dysmenorrhoea. The second form hyoscine hydrobromide is used to treat problems that occur with the inner ear like Vertigo and Mèniére’s disease (motion sickness, giddiness, nausea). As well as tablet form, this drug is also available in patches. This form is also used as a pre-medication to dry secretions before an operation.

Eye drops containing hydrobromide form are used to dilate the pupil during eye examinations and eye surgery. The drug is an antispasmodic that was originally derived from the henbane plant. Hyoscine has both an antispasmodic effect on the intestine as well as a calming action on the nerve pathways.

Hyoscine works by relaxing the muscle that is found in the walls of the stomach, intestines and bile duct (gastrointestinal tract) and the reproductive organs and urinary tract (genitourinary tract).

Quick Guide

• Drug for irritable bowel syndrome with overdose danger – MEDIUM.
• Dependency is said to be – LOW.
• Prescription only – NO (for most preparations).
• Available as generic – YES.
• Alcohol Avoidance – YES.
• Alcohol may increase sedative effect of hyoscine.

Side Effects

You may if on hyoscine suffer one or more of these side effects, in the initial stages. However, you may find you do not suffer any at all, as it does not follow that being on hyoscine will cause unwanted side effects.

Common: Blurred Vision, Drowsiness, Dry Mouth.
Rare: Constipation, Difficulty Passing Water, Increased Heart Rate.

The side effects listed here are the most common and rare problems reported by patients using this medication It does not include all of the side effects reported by the drug’s manufacturer. If common side effects persist you need to inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you suffer any of the rare or some other side effects not listed here. For total peace of mind, seek information from your doctor or chemist.

Prolonged Use

Use of this drug for more than a few days is unlikely to be necessary.

Driving, Hazardous Work & Alcohol

You should think about avoiding these activities until you become aware of how hyoscine affects you. It is possible that this drug may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. The taking of alcohol may also increase the sedative effects of hyoscine.

Pregnancy and Breast-Feeding

Safety has not be established in pregnancy. There is no evidence of a risk if you are/intend to breast feed. However, you should discuss both these issues with your doctor and be guided by his or her advice.

Hyoscine (scopolamine) is classified as a pregnancy Category C medicine by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Category C… Animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus and there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans, but potential benefits may warrant use of the drug in pregnant women despite
potential risks.

Tell Your Doctor or Pharmacist

You should tell your doctor if you have a current health problem. For example: heart disease, kidney problems, if you are pregnant or you intend to become pregnant, or if you think you may be at risk from drug treatment for any other reason. Some types of medication can cause serious adverse effects when taken side by side so it is important to tell your doctor of any other medication you are already taking. This should also include any over-the-counter item. For example: Painkillers, cold remedies, herbal and complimentary / alternative preparations.

Over 60’s & Children

The over sixties may find that a reduced dose may be necessary. Hyoscine is not recommended for children under the age of four years for motion sickness. Patches would not be recommended for children under the age of ten years. The other uses of this drug would not be recommended for children under 6 years of age. A reduced dose would also be necessary for older children.

Overdose

If you have taken an unintentional extra dose there would be no reason to become alarmed however, if a large overdose has been taken this may cause drowsiness or agitation you should notify your doctor.

Other Medication Reactions

Sleeping drugs, anti-anxiety an antidepressants, opioid analgesics, and antipsychotics are all likely to increase the sedative effects of hyoscine. Many drugs that have anticholinergic or antimuscarinic effects have side effects like dry mouth, difficulty in passing urine, as well as constipation, and the use of hyoscine with these type of drugs increase the risk of the mentioned side effects. If this medicine is taken with domperidone or metoclopramide the actions of the medicines may cancel each other out. This is because metoclopramide and domperidone increase the motility of the gut, where as hyoscine reduces it.

Missed A Dose

Take as soon as you remember. Adjust the timing of your next dose accordingly.

Reducing or Stopping Medication

This hyoscine can be safely stopped as soon as you feel you no longer need it.

Effect Of Medication

Hyoscine can be felt within one hour. The duration of the drug can be felt for up to six hours when taken by mouth; up to 72 hours for the patches.

Storage and Safety

• Keep hyoscine in its original container, in a cool dry place, away from the reach of children.
• Never take more than the original dosage prescribed by your doctor.
• Never take medication that has past the expiry date shown on the box or container.
• Do not discard old or unwanted drugs into your trash, sink or toilet.
• Return all un-used or old medicines / drugs to your pharmacist.

If hyoscine has been prescribed for you never allow anyone else to use it, even if you know or others feel their symptom are similar to your own.

Do not leave your doctors surgery until you have a clear understanding of what the drug your doctor has prescribed for you does, and why you have been prescribed it. It is common for people who do not understand the reason behind there treatment to take their medication correctly.