Buscopan

Buscopan – Full Introduction

Buscopan is the brand name for Hyoscine Butylbromide, an antispasmodic medication used to relieve spasms of smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and genital tracts. It is especially effective for colicky abdominal pain.

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Drug Class

• Antispasmodic

• Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent

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Mechanism of Action

Buscopan works by blocking muscarinic (M₁–M₃) receptors in smooth muscle, leading to:

• Reduced parasympathetic activity

• Relaxation of smooth muscle

• Relief from spasms and cramping pain

Hyoscine butylbromide has poor penetration of the blood–brain barrier, so it causes minimal central nervous system effects compared to atropine.

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Therapeutic Uses

• Abdominal colic

• Gastrointestinal spasms (IBS)

• Biliary colic

• Renal colic

• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)

• Spasm-related pain during diagnostic procedures

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Benefits

• Rapid relief of spasmodic pain

• Minimal CNS side effects

• Useful in acute colicky pain

• Available in oral and injectable forms

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Common Side Effects

• Dry mouth

• Blurred vision

• Constipation

• Tachycardia

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Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Urinary retention

• Acute angle-closure glaucoma

• Severe allergic reactions

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Contraindications & Precautions

• Narrow-angle glaucoma

• Prostatic hypertrophy

• Myasthenia gravis

• Intestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus

• Use with caution in elderly patients

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Dosage & Administration

• Adults: 10–20 mg up to 4 times daily (oral)

• Injection: As prescribed for acute colic

• Can be taken with or without food

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Conclusion

Buscopan is an effective antispasmodic agent for relieving smooth muscle spasms and colicky pain. Due to its anticholinergic effects, it should be used cautiously in patients with glaucoma, urinary retention, or prostate enlargement.