Uses
Hyoscine (also known as scopolamine) is used to treat cramps (spasms) of the stomach, intestines, kidneys, and bladder. It helps to relieve discomfort caused by conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, gallstones, kidney stones, and overactive bladder. It works by slowing down the natural movements of the gut and by relaxing the muscles in these parts of the body. Hyoscine may also be used before certain medical procedures (such as endoscopy) when it is necessary to relax the smooth muscle of the stomach and intestines (gastrointestinal tract). This medication is a belladonna alkaloid. It belongs to the class of drugs known as antispasmodics. This injectable form of hyoscine is used when the same drug cannot be taken by mouth or when a very fast response is needed.
How To Use
This medication is given by injection into a vein or muscle or under the skin by a health care professional as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.
Side Effects
Dry mouth, nausea, decreased sweating, flushing, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, or redness/burning/pain at the injection site may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
- shortness of breath
- trouble urinating
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
This medication may increase the pressure inside the eyes of people with a certain type of eye disease (narrow-angle glaucoma) or those at risk for it. Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
- vision problems (such as loss of vision)
- eye pain
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before using hyoscine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other belladonna alkaloids (such as atropine, hyoscyamine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- myasthenia gravis
- glaucoma
- trouble urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate)
- certain heart problems (angina, fast/irregular heartbeat, heart failure, mitral valve stenosis)
- other stomach/intestinal problems (such as slow gut, blockage, megacolon, infection, ulcerative colitis)
- high blood pressure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- heartburn problems (such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This drug may increase the risk for heatstroke because it decreases sweating. Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather, saunas, and during exercise or other strenuous activity.
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, trouble urinating, or eye problems.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- pramlintide
- potassium tablets/capsules
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness or cause your heart to beat faster. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as gastric secretion test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: extreme drowsiness, mental/mood changes, fever, fast/irregular heartbeat, dry/hot/red skin, trouble breathing, seizures.
Missed Dose
It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.
