Hyoscine Hydro Bromide

Hyoscine Hydro Bromide (also known as scopolamine) is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medication used to prevent motion sickness. It works by stopping messages sent from the vestibular system from reaching the vomiting centre in the brain, which coordinates the vomiting reflex. It is also used for pain due to smooth muscle spasm.

• Prevention and control of nausea and vomiting associated with motion sickness/travel sickness
• Pain due to smooth muscle spasm

Adult Dose (Oral):

• Motion Sickness: 300 mcg 30 minutes before journey, then 300 mcg 6 hourly if needed; Max: 3 doses in 24 hours
• Smooth Muscle Spasm: 20 mg 4 times daily

Child Dose (Motion Sickness):

• Over 12 years: 300 mcg 30 min before journey, repeat 6 hourly; Max: 3 doses in 24 hours
• 7-12 years: 1-2 tablets (Max: 2 tablets in 24 hours)
• 4-7 years: 1 tablet (Max: 2 tablets in 24 hours)
• 3-4 years: half tablet (Max: 1 tablet in 24 hours)
• Under 3 years: Not recommended

Common Side Effects:

• Blurred vision
• Increased heart rate
• Dryness in mouth
• Diarrhea
• Dilatation of pupil
• Difficulty with micturition
• Dizziness

Precautions:

• Hyoscine Hydro Bromide may decrease alertness and affect vision; do not drive or operate machinery if these symptoms occur
• Avoid alcohol (may increase drowsiness)
• Inform doctor if you have heart problems, thyroid problems, fever, constipation or difficulty urinating
• Aluminium hydroxide preparations may reduce absorption
• Effect potentiated by phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants or alcohol

Contraindications:

• Narrow-angle glaucoma/Blindness
• Acute haemorrhage
• Paralytic ileus
• Tachycardia due to cardiac insufficiency
• Myasthenia gravis

Drug Interactions:

• Additive sedative effects with alcohol or other CNS depressants
• Effect potentiated by other anticholinergic drugs and TCAs
• Reduced effects with acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, galantamine, rivastigmine, tacrine)
• Aluminium hydroxide preparations may reduce absorption

Food Interactions: Hyoscine Hydro Bromide may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.

Use in Pregnancy: May be unsafe; animal studies have shown harmful effects; not recommended during pregnancy.

Use in Lactation: Safe during breastfeeding; does not pass into breastmilk in significant amount; single dose unlikely to interfere with breastfeeding, but milk secretion may decrease during long-term use.

Pediatric Use: Dose for children over 3 years provided above; not recommended under 3 years.

Renal Impairment: Caution in kidney disease; dose adjustment may be needed.

Hepatic Impairment: Caution in liver disease; dose adjustment may be needed.