Hyoscine butylbromide (scopolamine butylbromide) [Buscopan/Buscapina] is an antispasmodic drug indicated for the treatment of abdominal pain associated with cramps induced by gastrointestinal (GI) spasms.
Abdominal pain is pain that occurs between the chest and pelvic regions. Abdominal pain can be crampy, achy, dull, intermittent or sharp. It’s also called a stomachache. Inflammation or diseases that affect the organs in the abdomen can cause abdominal pain.
How and when to take Buscopan
Each Buscopan tablet contains 10mg of hyoscine butylbromide. Buscopan tablets are available on prescription.
Dosage
The usual dose of Buscopan for stomach cramps (or cramping pain) in adults and children aged 12 years and over is 2 tablets taken 4 times a day.
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose is 1 tablet taken 3 times a day.
The usual dose of Buscopan for symptoms of IBS diagnosed by a doctor in adults and children aged 12 years and over is 1 tablet taken 3 times a day.
You can increase this to 2 tablets taken 4 times a day if needed.
Buscopan is not recommended to treat IBS in children under 12 years.
When to take it
Take Buscopan tablets as and when you have stomach cramps or period pain.
Buscopan does not usually upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food.
Only take Buscopan IBS Relief if a doctor has confirmed that you have IBS.
What if I forget to take it?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember until it’s nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed dose.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you.
You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways that are suitable for you and your medicines.
What if I take too much?
If you take an extra dose of Buscopan, it’s unlikely to harm you.
Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you’re worried, or if you have taken more than 1 extra dose.
Side effects
Like all medicines, Buscopan can cause side effects in some people, but most people have no side effects or only minor ones.
Common side effects
These side effects happen in more than 1 in 100 people.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if these side effects bother you or do not go away:
• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurred vision
• fast heart rate
Serious side effects
It happens rarely, but some people may have a serious side effect when taking Buscopan.
Stop taking Buscopan and call a doctor straight away if you:
• get a painful red eye with loss of vision (this could be caused by an increase in pressure in your eye)
• find it hard to pee
Is Buscopan Safe To Use In Pregnancy?
Buscopan should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while using this medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if hyoscine passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are using this medication, it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using this medication have not been established for children.
Seniors: Seniors are more sensitive to the side effects of this medication, especially constipation, dry mouth, and difficulty urinating. If you experience any of these side effects and they continue or are severe, contact your doctor.
