Buscopan

butylscopolamine

Brand(s):

• Buscopan

Manufacturer:

• German Remedies Private Ltd.

Disease(s):

• Nausea / Vomiting / Dizziness / Sickness / Recovery From Anesthesia And Surgery / Parkinsonism / Irritable Bowel Syndrome / Diverticulitis / Spastic Muscle States

Butylscopolamine Tablets

What is Butylscopolamine?

Butylscopolamine (also known as scopolamine butylbromide, butylhyoscine, and hyoscine butylbromide) is an anticholinergic medication. Anticholinergics work by blocking the action of a certain chemical messenger in your body called acetylcholine. This has several effects, including:

• Reduced fluid secretion (think less sweat, saliva, and stomach acid)
• Slowed movement of the stomach and intestines
• Pupil dilation

These effects make butylscopolamine useful for treating various conditions. Primarily, it's used to relieve nausea, vomiting, and dizziness associated with motion sickness, post-anesthesia recovery, and post-surgical recovery. It may also be used to treat conditions such as:

• Parkinsonism (symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease)
• Spastic muscle states (uncontrolled muscle spasms)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Diverticulitis (inflammation of small pouches in the digestive tract)

It's important to note that butylscopolamine may be used for other purposes not listed here. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for guidance.

Precautions Before Taking Butylscopolamine

Before starting butylscopolamine, talk to your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Enlarged prostate
• Difficulty urinating
• Stomach obstruction
• Heart disease
• Bladder problems
• Glaucoma

These conditions might require dosage adjustments or close monitoring while taking butylscopolamine. Your doctor can assess your individual needs and determine the best course of action.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Butylscopolamine falls under FDA pregnancy category C. This means the effects on a developing fetus are unknown. Similarly, it's unknown whether butylscopolamine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before using butylscopolamine if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.

Children and the Elderly: Butylscopolamine is generally not recommended for children, as they may be more susceptible to side effects. Elderly individuals may also experience side effects more frequently.

How to Take Butylscopolamine

Always follow your doctor's instructions precisely. If anything is unclear, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for clarification. Take each dose with a full glass of water. Store the medication at room temperature, away from excessive heat and moisture.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Never double a dose.

Drug Interactions

Butylscopolamine can potentially increase the effects of other medications that cause drowsiness. These include:

• Antidepressants
• Alcohol
• Antihistamines (such as meclizine)
• Sedatives (sleep aids)
• Pain relievers
• Anxiety medications
• Muscle relaxants

Inform your doctor about all medications you're currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Don't start any new medications without consulting your doctor or pharmacist first.

Things to Watch Out For

Exercise caution when driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness. Butylscopolamine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. Avoid these activities if you experience any of these symptoms. Limit alcohol consumption, as it can worsen drowsiness and dizziness.

Possible Side Effects

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:

• Allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, throat closing, lip/tongue/face swelling, hives)
• Eye pain and redness with dilated pupils
• Difficulty urinating

Rare but serious side effects: In rare cases, even at normal doses, butylscopolamine has been associated with confusion, agitation, rambling speech, hallucinations, paranoia, and delusions. Stop taking the medication and seek medical help immediately if these occur.

More common, less serious side effects: These are more likely to occur. Continue using butylscopolamine but inform your doctor if you experience:

• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Dry mouth
• Restlessness
• Blurred vision
• Dilated pupils
• Dry or itchy eyes
• Flushing
• Fast heartbeats

Note that if you've been taking butylscopolamine for more than a few days, you might experience nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headache, and poor coordination when you stop taking it. Talk to your doctor about how to safely discontinue the medication.