Buscopan (Hyoscine)

Buscopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is an anticholinergic, antispasmodic medication used to treat cramps and abdominal pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and diverticulitis, esophageal spasms, renal colic (dislodged kidney stones), and bladder spasms. It is also used to improve respiratory secretions at the end of life. Buscopan can be taken by mouth, or injection into a muscle or a vein. Buscopan reduces muscle spasms in the body by relaxing the smooth muscles within the stomach, intestines, bladder, and urethra. It does this by blocking the muscarinic receptors found of the smooth muscle walls, meaning it blocks the action of acetylcholine on the receptors found within the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal and urinary tract, which in turn reduces the amount and severity of spasms and contractions.

Manufacturer Information

Canadian Pharmacy King currently offers the brand Buscopan from Canada by Sanofi Aventis and the United Kingdom by Boehringer Ingelheim. The generic version is not available. Buscopan is available in the strength of 10 mg tablets and 20 mg/ml ampoules.

The common side effects of Buscopan may include temporary blurred vision, constipation, decreased ability to sweat, diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, flushing, or nausea. Contact your doctor fi these side effects persist or worsen. Contact your doctor immediately if you notice more serious side effects such as:

• Difficulty urinating;
• Painful red eyes with loss of vision;
• Severe dizziness or light-headedness;
• Shortness of breath;
• Skin rash and itching;
• Vision changes

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. If you notice any severe side effects or signs of an allergic reaction, seek emergency medical attention.

You should not use Buscopan if you are allergic to hyoscine butylbromide, or if you are allergic to atropinic medications such as atropine and scopolamine. As well, you should not use this medication if you have myasthenia gravis, megacolon (enlarged colon), glaucoma, or if you have obstructive prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged or blocked prostate). You should not use the injection form of this medication if you are taking a blood thinner medication (i.e. warfarin, heparin), if you have a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, if you have a fast heartbeat, or if you have heart failure. To make sure this medication is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had prostate problems, high blood pressure, digestive problems, or autonomic neuropathy. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding in order to discuss any possible risks. Buscopan is not approved for use in children under 12 years old.

Buscopan may interact with several medications, especially antihistamines (i.e. cetirizine, doxylamine, diphenhydramine), antipsychotics (i.e. chlorpromazine, clozapine, haloperidol), barbiturates (i.e. butalbital, pentobarbital, phenobarbital), benzodiazepines (i.e. alprazolam, diazepam, lorazepam), general anesthetics, MAO inhibitors (i.e. moclobemide, phenelzine, rasagiline), muscle relaxants (i.e. cyclobenzaprine, methocarbamol, orphenadrine), narcotic pain relievers (i.e. codeine, fentanyl, morphine), seizure medications (i.e. clobazam, levetiracetam, phenytoin), selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs; i.e. citalopram, fluoxetine, sertraline), thiazide diuretics (water pills; i.e. hydrochlorothiazide, metolazone), or tricyclic antidepressants (i.e. amitriptyline, desipramine, nortriptyline). This is not a complete list of interactions, and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are currently taking or have recently taken in order to reduce the risk of interactions.

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