Scopolamine is a drug used to treat cramps in the stomach, intestines or urinary tract . Scopolamine is also known as hyoscine. Hyoscine consists of two types, namely hyoscine butylbromide and hyoscine hydrobromide .
Hyoscine butylbromide is available in tablet, caplet and injection form. Apart from treating stomach, intestinal or bladder cramps, hyoscine butylbromide can also be used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Hyoscine hydrobromide is available as a tablet and a transdermal patch . This drug is used to treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, or vertigo.
Scopolamine belongs to the class of anticholinergic drugs. This drug works by blocking the action of acetylcholine on the central nervous system, so it can calm and relax the muscles of the digestive tract and urinary tract.
Scopolamine trademarks: Buscopan, Buscotica, Gitas, Hyorex, Scobutrin, Scopamin, Scopamin Plus
What is Scopolamine
| class | Prescription drug |
| Category | Anticholinergic |
| Benefit | Hyoscine butylbromide is used to relieve stomach, intestinal, or urinary tract cramps, a symptom of irritable bowel syndrome . Hyoscine hydrobromide is used to treat motion sickness, nausea, vomiting, and vertigo |
| Used by | Adults and children |
| Scopolamine for pregnant and lactating women |
Category C: Animal studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there have been no controlled studies in pregnant women.
Drugs should only be used if the expected benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus. Scopolamine can be absorbed into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding, do not use this medication without telling your doctor. |
| Drug form | Tablets, caplets and injections |
Warning Before Using Scopolamine
Before using this drug, you need to pay attention to the following points:
- Tell your doctor about any history of allergies you have. Scopolamine should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
- Tell your doctor if you have angle-closure glaucoma , intestinal obstruction , inability to urinate, myasthenia gravis , or severe lung disease. Scopolamine should not be given to patients with these conditions.
- Tell your doctor if you have or currently have an enlarged prostate , bladder obstruction, kidney disease, liver disease, asthma , heart disease, high blood pressure, hyperthyroidism , head injury, colitis , or brain tumor .
- Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after using scopolamine, because this drug may cause drowsiness or blurred vision.
- Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
- See your doctor immediately if you have an allergic drug reaction, serious side effects, or overdose after using scopolamine.
Dosage and Rules for Using Scopolamine
The following is the dosage of scopolamine or hyoscine butylbromide based on the condition, drug form, and age of the patient:
Condition: Irritable bowel syndrome
Form: Tablets
- Adult: 10 mg, 3 times a day. If needed, the dose may be increased up to 20 mg, 4 times daily.
- Children 6–11 years: 10 mg 3 times daily.
Condition: Abdominal cramps due to disorders of the digestive tract or urinary tract
Form: Tablets
- Adult: 20 mg, 4 times a day.
- Children 6–11 years: 10 mg 3 times daily.
Shape: Syringe
- Adult: 20 mg, injected into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) or into a vein (intravenous/IV). The maximum dose is 100 mg per day.
Hyoscine hydrobromide is used to treat motion sickness, nausea and vomiting, or vertigo. The dosage will be determined by the doctor according to the patient's condition.
How to Use Scopolamine Properly
Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information listed on the drug packaging label before using scopolamine. Do not reduce or increase your dose without consulting your doctor first.
Injectable scopolamine will be given by injection through a vein (intravenous/IV) or into a muscle (intramuscular/IM) by a doctor or medical officer under the supervision of a doctor.
Scopolamine tablets can be taken before or after meals. Swallow the tablet whole with the help of a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet before swallowing.
If you forget to take a scopolamine tablet, it is advisable to drink it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.
Store scopolamine at room temperature and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. Keep this drug out of reach of children.
Interactions of Scopolamine with Other Drugs
The following are some of the drug interactions that can occur when scopolamine is used with other drugs:
- Increased risk of side effects, such as dry mouth, constipation, difficulty urinating, or blurred vision, when used with ipratropium , amantadine , amitriptyline , haloperidol , olanzapine , or chlorpheniramine
- Increased risk of irritation and injury to the digestive tract when used with potassium supplements
- Increased risk of heatstroke when used with topiramate or zonisamide
- Decreased effect of each drug when used with domperidone or metoclopramide
Scopolamine Side Effects and Dangers
Some of the side effects that can occur after using scopolamine are:
- Dry skin or mouth
- Blurred vision
- Feeling tired or sleepy
- Dizzy
- Constipation
- Pain or difficulty urinating
Check with your doctor if the side effects above don't subside immediately or get worse. You need to see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic drug reaction or more serious side effects, such as:
- Difficulty swallowing or breathing
- Fast or pounding heartbeat
- Severe stomach pain
- Red eyes, eye pain, blurred vision, or seeing halos
- Confusion or hallucinations
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- seizures