Other Names/Brands

Dormi, Sercopan, Dormi Compositum, Hyosincap, Gencopan, Buscopan, Hispamin, Scopma, Spasmolit, Spashi, Hyoscinox, Fascopan, Gitas, Buscotica, Scobutrin, Kolicgon, Hyorex, and Scopamin

Mechanism of Action

Hyoscine butylbromide works by relaxing smooth muscles in the digestive tract, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. This medication belongs to the anticholinergic class, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine, a chemical in the body that plays a role in muscle contraction. By inhibiting these nerve signals, hyoscine butylbromide helps relieve muscle spasms or cramps, thereby reducing the pain that often occurs in conditions such as stomach ache, colic, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This medication can start working within 15–30 minutes of consumption.

Indications

Hyoscine butylbromide is indicated for the relief of pain or cramps caused by smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, urinary tract, and reproductive organs. This medication is often used to treat symptoms such as abdominal pain, colic (including intestinal and renal colic), and disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, hyoscine butylbromide can also be prescribed to relieve menstrual pain caused by uterine muscle contractions.

Contraindications

Hyoscine butylbromide is not recommended for patients with a history of allergy to hyoscine butylbromide or any other component of the drug. Furthermore, its use is contraindicated in patients with conditions such as gastrointestinal obstruction, megacolon, myasthenia gravis, narrow-angle glaucoma, and urinary retention. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also be given it with caution and under medical supervision.

Side Effects

Hyoscine butylbromide can cause several side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, nausea, and visual disturbances such as blurred vision. In some cases, this medication can also cause dizziness, increased heart rate (tachycardia), and allergic reactions such as skin rash or hives. More serious side effects, although rare, can include urinary retention or severe hypersensitivity reactions such as anaphylactic shock.

Preparations

Hyoscine butylbromide is available in various dosage forms tailored to patient treatment needs. The most commonly used dosage form is an oral tablet, usually in a 10 mg dosage, which is used to treat mild to moderate pain or cramps.

It is also available in injectable form (ampoules) for intravenous or intramuscular use, which is typically used to treat more severe or sudden smooth muscle spasms. Some products are also available as rectal suppositories. The choice of dosage form depends on the patient's clinical condition, the severity of symptoms, and the most appropriate route of administration.

Dosage

The dosage of hyoscine butylbromide varies depending on the patient's age, dosage form, and the medical condition being treated. For adults and children over 12 years of age, the usual oral tablet dose is 10 mg, which can be taken 3 to 5 times daily, as needed. For the injectable form, the usual dose is 20 mg intramuscularly or intravenously, which can be repeated if needed. In children, the dose should be adjusted and administered under medical supervision.

Safety of Drugs

Hyoscine butylbromide is classified as pregnancy category C by the FDA, meaning animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequately controlled studies in humans. Therefore, its use during pregnancy should only be considered if the expected benefit outweighs the potential risk to the fetus. For breastfeeding mothers, data on whether this drug is excreted in breast milk is limited, so use should be undertaken with caution and under the advice of a healthcare professional.

Drug Interactions

Hyoscine butylbromide can interact with several other medications, which may affect their effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects. This medication has anticholinergic properties, so if used concurrently with other medications that also have anticholinergic effects, such as antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, or antiparkinsonian drugs, it may increase the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, or urinary retention. Furthermore, concomitant use of medications such as metoclopramide or domperidone, which work by increasing gastrointestinal motility, may decrease the effectiveness of each other.

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