Buscopan

Buscopan (hyoscine butyl bromide) is a medicine used to relieve cramps or cramps in the abdominal organs, often associated with gastrointestinal, biliary and urological diseases. This antispasmodic agent acts by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract and biliary tract, thereby reducing pain.

Hyoscine butylbromide is an ammonium derivative and acts as an antimuscarinic agent by blocking the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that stimulates smooth muscle contraction. This makes it effective in treating cramps and pain without interfering with the secretion of digestive juices or impeding normal intestinal motility.

Indications Buscopana

1. Intestinal cramps: Buscopan can be used to relieve cramps caused by irritable bowel syndrome or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Colic: The drug can be used to reduce pain from spasms and colic of the gastrointestinal tract in adults and children.
3. Gastric dysfunction: Buscopan may be useful in treating gastric dysfunction such as functional dyspepsia, which may be accompanied by pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
4. Urinary colic: The drug can be used to relieve pain due to urolithiasis and other conditions accompanied by spasms of the urinary tract.
5. Preparation for diagnostic procedures: Buscopan can be used to dilate pupils during diagnostic procedures such as ophthalmoscopy or fundus scanning.

Release form

1. Tablets: Buscopan tablets contain a doctor-prescribed amount of the active ingredient and are usually taken orally with water. This dosage form is commonly used to treat symptoms of abdominal cramps and pain.
2. Solution: Buscopan solution can be used for injection under medical supervision in case of more severe conditions such as gastrointestinal spasms.
3. Capsules: Some manufacturers may produce Buscopan in capsule form for ease of use.

Pharmacodynamics

1. Antimuscarinic action: Hyoscine butyl bromide is an antagonist of muscarinic receptors, blocking mainly M1 receptors. This leads to a decrease in the tone and activity of the smooth muscles of the digestive system, urinary system and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Anti-spasmodic effect: Buscopan helps reduce the convulsive activity of the smooth muscles of organs such as the intestines and stomach. This is especially useful for various functional gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and spastic dyskinesia.
3. Urological use: The drug can also be used to relieve spasms in the urinary system, for example, with urolithiasis or bladder spasms.
4. Long-acting: Buscopan has a relatively quick onset of action and a long-lasting effect, which makes it convenient for use in the treatment of spastic conditions.
5. Minimal CNS Effects: Because hyoscine butyl bromide does not penetrate the blood-brain barrier well, its use does not usually cause central side effects such as drowsiness or lethargy.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Buscopan is usually well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It is quickly and completely absorbed from the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream.
2. Distribution: After absorption, hyoscine butyl bromide is rapidly distributed into body tissues. It can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, which allows it to exert its effects on the central nervous system.
3. Metabolism: Hyoscine butyl bromide is metabolized in the liver to form metabolites, which are then excreted in the urine. It undergoes hydrolysis in the stomach and intestines, and is also metabolized by the liver.
4. Excretion: The main part of hyoscine butyl bromide and its metabolites is excreted in the urine, mainly unchanged.
5. Semi-terminal period: The half-term period of elimination of hyoscine butyl bromide from the body is about 9-10 hours.

Dosing and administration

Dosage for adults:

• Oral administration: Usually taken 10-20 mg (1-2 tablets) 3-4 times a day. The tablets should be taken whole, without chewing, and washed down with water.
• Intravenous or intramuscular administration: In a hospital setting, a 20 mg injection can be used for acute spasms. The dosage may be repeated several times a day depending on medical indications.

Dosage for children:

• Children aged 6 years and older are usually prescribed 10 mg 3 times a day.
• Buscopan injections for children should be carried out only under the supervision of a doctor, and the dosage is determined depending on the weight and condition of the child.

Use Buscopana during pregnancy

1. FDA Risk Category:

   • Buscopan is classified as FDA Category C for use during pregnancy. This means that animal studies have shown negative effects on the fetus, and there are not enough studies in pregnant women. It is also possible that the benefits of use in pregnant women may be worth the risk, despite the potential risk.

2. Limited data:

   • There is insufficient data on the safety of hyoscine butylbromide during pregnancy. Some sources suggest that it can be used when necessary when other methods are ineffective, but only as directed and under the supervision of a physician.

3. Use during childbirth:

   • Buscopan is sometimes used to ease labor or reduce pain during labor. However, its use must be strictly supervised by medical professionals.

Precautions:

• If you are pregnant and are considering using Buscopan, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to evaluate your condition, the potential risks and benefits of the drug, and possible alternatives.
• You should not start or stop taking any medications during pregnancy without consulting your doctor.

Contraindications

1. Individual intolerance: People with a known individual intolerance to hyoscine butyl bromide or any other component of the drug should avoid its use.
2. Glaucoma: Buscopan may increase the angle of closure of the anterior chamber of the eye, which may lead to worsening of glaucoma. Therefore, patients with threatened anterior chamber angle closure should avoid using this drug.
3. Difficulty urinating: Buscopan may increase symptoms of difficulty urinating in patients with prostatic hyperplasia or other urinary problems.
4. Myasthenia gravis: Buscopan may increase muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis, which may cause symptoms of the disease to worsen.
5. Acute blood loss: Patients with acute blood loss or conditions that may be aggravated by the antispasmodic effect of the drug should avoid its use.
6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of Buscopan during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. Use must be agreed with your doctor.
7. Children's age: The use of Buscopan in children should be agreed with a doctor, since dosage and safety must be assessed individually.

Side effects Buscopana

1. Dry mouth: Due to anticholinergic effects, dry mouth may occur.
2. Constipation: Hyoscine butyl bromide may slow gastrointestinal motility, sometimes leading to constipation.
3. Urinary retention: Because the medicine relaxes smooth muscle, it may cause difficulty urinating, especially in men with prostate problems.
4. Headache: Some people may experience headaches after taking the drug.
5. Dizziness: Dizziness may occur, especially when standing up, due to a potential drop in blood pressure.
6. Increased sensitivity to light: Like other anticholinergics, Buscopan may cause pupil dilation and increased sensitivity to light.
7. Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions such as hives, itching, swelling of the face or throat are possible and require immediate medical attention.

Overdose

1. Dry mouth: One of the most common side effects of hyoscine is dry mouth, which can be worsened by overdose.
2. Dilated pupils (mydriasis): Hyoscine blocks muscarinic receptors in the eye, resulting in dilated pupils (mydriasis). In case of overdose, this effect may be more pronounced.
3. Visual disturbances: Enlarged pupils can cause blurred vision and discomfort.
4. Difficulty urinating: Hyoscine can cause urinary retention and other urinary problems.
5. Tachycardia or arrhythmias: Increased cardiac activity may occur, which can lead to tachycardia or even cardiac arrhythmias.
6. Cardiac agitation and hypertension: Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system can cause cardiac agitation and increased blood pressure.
7. Drowsiness and drowsiness: In some cases, overdose may cause central nervous system effects such as drowsiness and drowsiness.

Interactions with other drugs

1. Anticholinergic drugs: Buscopan may enhance the effects of other anticholinergic drugs, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, antipsychotics, etc., which may lead to an increase in side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and difficulty urinating.
2. Centrally acting drugs: Buscopan may enhance the sedative effect of centrally acting drugs, such as sleeping pills, antianxiety medications, etc., which may lead to increased drowsiness and slower reactions.
3. CNS acting drugs: Buscopan may interact with other drugs, affecting the central nervous system (CNS), such as alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics and other substances, enhancing their depressant effect.
4. Drugs for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract: Buscopan may enhance the effect of other drugs for the treatment of the gastrointestinal tract, such as antisecretory agents or antispasmodics.
5. Drugs affecting the cardiovascular system: Interactions with drugs affecting the cardiovascular system, such as antihypertensives or drugs for arrhythmias, may be possible.