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Home > Drug Category > Disorders of the Digestive Tract (IBS,Crohns Disease,Stomach) > Buscopan and Equivalent

Buscopan Information

Buscopan (Hyoscine butylbromide) is a common antispasmodic medication used primarily to relieve gripping sensations of cramps in the stomach and intestine associated with various gastrointestinal disorders. It may also be used to reduce painful cramps and spasms in the smooth muscles of the urinary tract. It is also used to relieve the spasmodic cramps in women suffering from menstrual cramps. It may also be used to alleviate persistent symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, such as abdominal cramps and bloating. The active ingredient responsible for this relief is hyoscine butylbromide, a compound classified as an antispasmodic drug that acts as an anticholinergic.

Hyoscine butylbromide appears to act by binding to muscarinic receptors on the smooth muscle of the uterus, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract, thereby blocking the effects of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which usually causes these muscles to contract. In conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, the gut's nervous system is thought to be hypersensitive, leading to unpredictable spasm or overcontraction of the bowel muscles, resulting in characteristic cramps and bloating. Buscopan addresses the root cause of these symptoms by causing the cramped muscles to relax and return to their normal rhythm. This targeted action is notably rapid, often kicking in within 15 minutes. Because the drug is poorly absorbed into the systemic circulation, it exerts its effects directly on smooth muscle rather than on the central nervous system, thereby causing less sedation compared to other medications in its class.

Buscopan Side Effects

While many people find Buscopan relatively easy to tolerate, it may cause mild, often transient side effects such as blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, flushing, and nausea. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you experience any serious side effects, including the following:
• Allergic reactions such as breathing difficulties, body itching, body rash, skin blistering, swelling of the face, mouth, tongue, lips, or throat;
• Difficulty urinating;
• Dizziness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position;
• Painful red eye with loss of vision

Inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Buscopan Precautions

Do not take this medication if you are allergic to hyoscine, other ingredients in Buscopan, or any other medicines. Before you start taking this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Abdominal problems such as esophagitis, intestinal blockage, or ulcerative colitis;
• Chronic constipation;
• Difficulty in urinating due to a disease such as an enlarged prostate;
• Down's syndrome;
• Enlarged bowel;
• Eye conditions, especially glaucoma;
• Heart disease;
• Muscle problems such as myasthenia gravis;
• Nerve problems such as autonomic neuropathy;
• Thyroid problems

It is advised not to drive or operate machinery while taking this medication until you know how it affects you, as hyoscine can cause vision problems. This medication is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. It should only be used if its benefits outweigh its risks, as determined by your doctor. Hyoscine is not recommended for use in children younger than 6 years. Buscopan should be used with caution in elderly individuals, as they are more sensitive to the side effects of this medication.

Taking hyoscine with some other medications, such as antidepressants and allergy medication, can cause more severe adverse effects. Therefore, before using Buscopan, it is essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine if it is safe to use along with hyoscine.

This medication is available in tablet form (10 mg), which should be taken by mouth as directed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Consult your physician for the appropriate dose, as it may vary based on your age and treatment response, among other factors. Do not use more than the prescribed dose to compensate for a missed dose. Store this medication at room temperature, away from sunlight and moisture, and out of children's reach.

Do I need a prescription to order Buscopan?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Buscopan.