Buscopan

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) is a drug used to relieve spasms or cramps in the abdominal organs, often associated with gastrointestinal, biliary and urological diseases. This antispasmodic drug 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 contractions. This makes it effective in treating spasms and pain without affecting the secretion of digestive juices or interfering with normal intestinal motility.

Indications Busscopana

1. Intestinal spasms: Buscopan may be used to relieve spasms caused by irritable bowel syndrome or other functional gastrointestinal disorders.
2. Colic: The drug can be used to reduce pain in 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 involve pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen.
4. Urinary colic: The drug can be used to relieve pain in urolithiasis and other conditions accompanied by spasms of the urinary tract.
5. Preparation for diagnostic procedures: Buscopan may be used to dilate the pupils during diagnostic procedures such as ophthalmoscopy or fundus scanning.

Release form

1. Tablets: Buscopan tablets contain a doctor-prescribed dose of the active ingredient and are usually taken orally with water. This form is commonly used to treat symptoms of cramping and abdominal pain.
2. Solution: Buscopan solution can be used for injection under the supervision of medical personnel 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 butylbromide is a muscarinic receptor antagonist, blocking mainly M1 receptors. This leads to a decrease in the tone and activity of the smooth muscles of the digestive organs, urinary system and gastrointestinal tract.
2. Antispasmodic action: "Buscopan" helps reduce the spasmodic activity of smooth muscles of organs such as the intestines and stomach. This is especially useful in 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, such as in cases of urolithiasis or bladder spasms.
4. Long-lasting action: "Buscopan" has a relatively rapid 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 butylbromide poorly penetrates the blood-brain barrier, its use does not usually cause central side effects such as drowsiness or lethargy.

Pharmacokinetics

1. Absorption: Buscopan is generally well absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It is rapidly and completely absorbed from the stomach and intestines into the bloodstream.
2. Distribution: After absorption, hyoscine butylbromide is rapidly distributed into body tissues. It can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, allowing it to exert its effects on the central nervous system.
3. Metabolism: Hyoscine butylbromide 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 major part of hyoscine butylbromide and its metabolites is excreted in the urine, mainly unchanged.
5. Elimination half-life: The elimination half-life of hyoscine butylbromide from the body is approximately 9-10 hours.

Dosing and administration

Dosage for adults:

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

Dosage for children:

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

Use Busscopana during pregnancy

1. FDA Risk Category:

   • Buscopan is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that animal studies have shown harmful 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 justify 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 may be used when needed 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 should be strictly supervised by medical professionals.

Precautions:

• If you are pregnant and considering using Buscopan, it is important to discuss this with your doctor. Your doctor will be able to assess 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 known individual intolerance to hyoscine butylbromide 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 worsen glaucoma. Therefore, patients with a risk of angle closure of the anterior chamber 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 lead to worsening of symptoms of this disease.
5. Acute blood loss: Patients with acute blood loss or conditions that may be aggravated by the antispasmodic action of the drug should avoid its use.
6. Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of using Buscopan during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been fully established. Use should be agreed upon with a doctor.
7. Childhood: The use of Buscopan in children should be agreed upon with a doctor, as the dosage and safety must be assessed individually.

Side effects Busscopana

1. Dry mouth: Dry mouth may occur due to the anticholinergic effect.
2. Constipation: Hyoscine butylbromide may slow down gastrointestinal motility, sometimes resulting in constipation.
3. Urinary retention: Because the medication relaxes smooth muscles, 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 dilation of the pupils 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 may worsen with overdose.
2. Dilation of pupils (mydriasis): Hyoscine blocks muscarinic receptors in the eye, causing dilation of the pupils (mydriasis). In case of overdose, this effect may be more pronounced.
3. Visual disturbances: Enlarged pupils may cause blurred vision and discomfort.
4. Difficulty urinating: Hyoscine may cause urinary retention and other urinary dysfunction.
5. Tachycardia or arrhythmias: Increased cardiac activity may occur, which may lead to tachycardia or even cardiac arrhythmias.
6. Cardiac excitation and arterial hypertension: Increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system can cause cardiac excitation and an increase in 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 and others, 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, anti-anxiety drugs, etc., which may lead to increased drowsiness and slower reactions.
3. Medicines affecting the central nervous system: Buscopan may interact with other drugs affecting the central nervous system (CNS), such as alcohol, barbiturates, narcotics and other drugs, enhancing their depressant effect.
4. Gastrointestinal drugs: Buscopan may enhance the effects of other gastrointestinal drugs, such as antisecretory agents or antispasmodics.
5. Drugs affecting the cardiovascular system: Interactions with drugs affecting the cardiovascular system, such as antihypertensive agents or drugs to treat arrhythmia, may be possible.