Hyoscine Hydrobromide
Indications
Hyoscine Hydrobromide (also called scopolamine hydrobromide) is used mainly to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness), such as nausea, vomiting and dizziness during journeys by car, bus, boat or air. In hospital it may also be used to reduce saliva and airway secretions before surgery or in end-of-life care, given by a doctor or nurse.
How It Works
Hyoscine blocks the action of acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the nervous system. In the balance centre of the inner ear and the vomiting centre of the brain, this reduces the mixed signals that cause motion sickness. It also reduces secretions such as saliva and relaxes some smooth muscle.
Dosage and Administration
Chewable or ordinary tablets for travel sickness, adults and children over 10 years: usually 300 micrograms taken about 30 minutes before the journey, which may be repeated every 6 hours if needed, to a maximum of 3 doses in 24 hours. Children 4 to 10 years usually take 75 to 150 micrograms per dose, as directed on the label. Not for children under 4 years unless a doctor advises. Chew or suck chewable tablets, or swallow as directed. Injections are given by a doctor or nurse.
Interactions
Other medicines with anticholinergic effects add to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention; examples include tricyclic antidepressants (Amitriptyline), some antihistamines, antipsychotics, Amantadine and medicines for bladder spasm. Alcohol, sleeping pills and sedating medicines increase drowsiness. It can reduce the effect of Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
Contraindications
Do not use hyoscine if you are allergic to it, or if you have narrow-angle (closed-angle) glaucoma, severe constipation or blockage of the bowel, an enlarged prostate with difficulty passing urine, or myasthenia gravis.
Side Effects
Common side effects include dry mouth, drowsiness, blurred vision, dizziness and difficulty passing urine. Less common effects include a fast heartbeat, constipation, skin flushing, confusion, restlessness and, especially in older people or children, hallucinations or memory problems.
Get urgent medical help if you develop sudden eye pain with redness and blurred vision, inability to pass urine, severe confusion or hallucinations, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, high temperature, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Avoid in pregnancy unless a doctor advises, as information is limited. It may pass into breast milk and reduce milk supply; use while breastfeeding only on medical advice.
Precautions and Warnings
It can cause drowsiness and blurred vision, so do not drive, cycle or use machines after taking it. Avoid alcohol. Use with care in older people, children, and people with heart disease, high blood pressure, an overactive thyroid, epilepsy, kidney or liver disease, or reflux. It can reduce sweating, so avoid overheating in hot weather.
Overdose
Overdose can cause a very dry mouth, hot dry flushed skin, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, high temperature, agitation, confusion, hallucinations and, in severe cases, fits or coma. Children are especially at risk. Get emergency medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antiemetic for motion sickness, antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) agent.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children. Injections are stored as directed on the pack.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Hyoscine Hydrobromide