Hyoscine butylbromide

An antispasmodic medication used to treat crampy abdominal pain

Hyoscine butylbromide, also known as scopolamine butylbromide, is a medication used to treat abdominal pain associated with cramps and spasms of the gastrointestinal tract. It is commonly marketed under the brand name Buscopan.

Pharmacology

Hyoscine butylbromide is a quaternary ammonium compound derived from the plant Duboisia. It acts as an anticholinergic agent, specifically targeting the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. By inhibiting these receptors, hyoscine butylbromide reduces the muscle contractions that cause spasms and cramps.

Uses

Hyoscine butylbromide is primarily used to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort associated with cramps and spasms in the stomach and intestines. It is also used in the management of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions that involve gastrointestinal motility disorders.

Administration

Hyoscine butylbromide can be administered via several routes, including oral, intravenous, intramuscular, and rectal. The choice of administration depends on the severity of the symptoms and the clinical setting. For rapid relief, intravenous or intramuscular administration is preferred.

Side Effects

Common side effects of hyoscine butylbromide include dry mouth, dizziness, and blurred vision. These effects are due to its anticholinergic properties. Less common side effects include urinary retention, constipation, and tachycardia.

Contraindications

Hyoscine butylbromide is contraindicated in individuals with myasthenia gravis, megacolon, and narrow-angle glaucoma. Caution is advised in patients with prostatic hypertrophy and tachyarrhythmias.

Related pages

• Anticholinergic
• Gastrointestinal tract
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor