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Buscopan is an over-the-counter medicine used for stomach pain and discomfort from the digestive system and other organs inside the abdomen.
Buscopan – composition
Buscopan is a film-coated spasmolytic medicine. One tablet contains the active substance in the form of 10 mg hyoscine butylbromide and excipients such as calcium phosphate, maize starch, colloidal silica, soluble starch, tartaric acid, stearic acid, and the coating of talc, titanium dioxide, macrogol and white wax and afterimage, sucrose and gum arabic.
Buscopan – action
The active substance of Buscopan is a semi-synthetic tropane alkaloid, i.e. hyoscine butylbromide. In terms of structure, hyoscine is similar to atropine and has a similar effect to it. It is a cholinolytic drug, which means that it blocks the activation of cholinergic receptors, which are activated by acetylcholine. Then the drug counteracts the effect of acetylcholine. By affecting muscarinic receptors, Buscopan relaxes the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary and genitourinary tract. In addition, it inhibits saliva secretion, reduces the amount of secretion in the bronchi and has a positive effect on the heart rate.
Hyoscine inhibits the central nervous system, and additionally, hyoscine butylbromide contained in the preparation has only peripheral effects and hardly penetrates the blood-brain barrier.
The active substance of Buscopan is poorly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, but nevertheless achieves high concentrations at the site of action.
Buscopan – indications
Buscopan is a diastolic and analgesic drug. It is used to relieve ailments such as colic pains and other pains in the abdominal organs. The drug can be taken in conditions of abdominal cramps, urinary system pain, renal colic, ureterolithiasis and painful menstruation. Buscopan will also relieve painful stomach cramps and pain in the digestive system.
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Buscopan – dosage
The drug is in the form of tablets for oral use. Tabletki Buscopan should be swallowed whole with fluid. In front of using Buscopan read the leaflet carefully or consult a doctor or pharmacist and carefully follow the directions for the dosage of the preparation. Remember not to exceed the recommended doses, as this will not increase the effectiveness of the drug and may harm the health and life of the patient.
The recommended dose of Buscopan is 1 tablet three times a day for children from 6 to 12 years of age and 3-5 times a day for 1-2 tablets for adults and older children. Buscopan is not recommended to be used for more than three days without consulting a doctor – the cause of digestive system ailments should be diagnosed.
Buscopan – contraindications
Even if they exist indications for administration of Buscopan it cannot always be used. Like all medicines, Buscopan should not be taken in case of hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the ingredients of the preparation. It should not be given in the case of:
- muscle fatigue;
- pathological enlargement of the large intestine;
- sucrose intolerance, which is one of the the ingredients in the coating of Buscopan.
Buscopan should not be used by pregnant women and breastfeeding women. In addition, the drug is not intended for children under 6 years of age.
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Buscopan – side effects
Buscopan, like all medicines, may have some side effects. However, patients should remember that side effects will not occur in every person, and in addition, usually the benefits of using it are higher than the harm associated with the appearance of side effects.
The side effects include:
- dry mouth mucosa;
- constipation;
- tachycardia – increasing the heart rate;
- hypotensive reactions – lowering blood pressure;
- erythema;
- burning of the skin;
- itching;
- rash;
- hives;
- edema;
- blurred vision;
- oliguria;
- impotence
In addition, it may also appear:
- severe angioedema, incl. swelling of the larynx which may even make breathing difficult;
- severe anaphylactic reactions, including low blood pressure, bronchospasm, arrhythmias and life-threatening anaphylactic shock. People who notice symptoms such as pale skin, cold sweat, dizziness, light-headedness or discomfort in the heart area should seek help immediately.
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Buscopan – precautions
Be aware that some diseases and other health-related conditions may pose contraindication to the use of Buscopan or may require modification of the dosage regimen. In certain cases, it may be necessary to undergo regular check-ups.
The recommended one should not be exceeded the daily dose of Buscopan. If the pain persists for 3 days despite the use of the drug, and additionally there is nausea, vomiting, fever, disturbed bowel movements, low pressure, abdominal tenderness, fainting or blood in the stool, a doctor should be consulted and the cause of the pain should be diagnosed.
Buscopan should be kept at room temperature, out of the reach of children. Buscopan is not recommended for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding. In justified cases, Buscopan can be taken during this time, but it should always be done after consultation with the treating physician.
Caution should also be exercised when the patient is just planning a pregnancy. Make sure your doctor knows about all the drugs you are taking at the same time Buscopan medicines and medicines that you are planning to take as they may interact with Buscopan. In children between 6 and 12 years of age, Buscopan may only be used with the consent of a doctor. Younger children should not be given this preparation because it contains a high dose of the active ingredient.
Buscopan is a reliever medication. Patients should exercise particular caution:
- with angle-closure glaucoma;
- with a narrowing of the urinary tract, caused, for example, by a narrowing of the bladder neck or an enlarged prostate gland;
- with a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, such as a narrowing of the esophagus;
- with paralytic intestinal obstruction or atonic constipation;
- with an increase in the heart rate, i.e. tachycardia, e.g. in patients with hyperthyroidism;
- Elderly.
These people should consult medical advice before starting Buscopan. In addition, it is during the use of Buscopan that an increased intraocular pressure may occur. This means that if symptoms such as visual disturbances or painful eyeball develop, stop taking the drug and consult your doctor. Buscopan may cause a decrease in perspiration, therefore it should be used with caution in people with a fever.
People with hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not take this medicine because Buscopan contains sucrose. The manufacturer has no data on the effect of the preparation on the ability to drive and use machines.
Buscopan – interactions
Before starting to use the drug, inform your doctor about all medicines you have used so far, including those available without a prescription. People using Buscopan should remember that the drug has a cholinolytic effect that may be increased if you take:
- tricyclic antidepressants;
- antipsychotics (phenothiazines and clozapine derivatives, as well as olanzapine);
- drugs from the group of MAO inhibitors;
- antihistamines;
- amantadyna;
- peptidine;
- disopyramide;
- atropine-like compounds, ipratropium, tiotroprium;
- other cholinolytic drugs.
Buscopan has the opposite effect to preparations that stimulate the peristalsis of the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, the drug should not be used simultaneously, e.g. with cisapride or metoclopramide, as the preparations may weaken each other’s effects.
Additionally, hyoscine may aggravate the existing tachycardia, i.e. the accelerated heart rate, caused by beta-adrenergic drugs.
Before use, read the leaflet, which contains indications, contraindications, data on side effects and dosage as well as information on the use of the medicinal product, or consult your doctor or pharmacist, as each drug used improperly is a threat to your life or health. Do you need a medical consultation or an e-prescription? Go to halodoctor.pl, where you will get online help – quickly, safely and without leaving your home. Now you can use e-consultation also free of charge under the National Health Fund.