Buscopan®

Active ingredient

Butylscopolamine

General

Buscopan® contains the active ingredient butylscopolamine. Butylscopolamine belongs to the group of parasympatholytics, so it counteracts the parasympathetic nervous system and is therefore referred to as an antagonist. Another name for drugs in this group is anticholinergics, as they block an acetylcholine receptor and thus develop their effect. The desired effect of Buscopan® is that of the anticonvulsant (Spasmolysis) in the gastrointestinal tract and the urinary tract. Buscopan® is therefore also known as a spasmolytic.

Application / indication

Buscopan® is at Spasms in the area of Gastrointestinal tract, of the Biliary tract, of the urinary tract and the female genitals used to relieve convulsions (spasmolysis). So among others at Stomach and intestinal cramps, Renal colic, by Ureteral stones triggered and at by Gallstones triggered Biliary colic. Also at Irritable bowel syndrome Buscopan® can be used.

Contraindications

Buscopan® must not be used if you are hypersensitive to the active ingredient butylscopolamine.
Further contraindications are mechanical constrictions (Stenoses) in the gastrointestinal tract, for example due to tumors, pathological enlargements of parts of the Colon (Megacolon), mechanical constrictions (Stenosis) of the lower urinary tract, for example by enlarging the Prostate gland (Prostatic hyperplasia), green Star (glaucoma) and a certain form of the Muscle weakness, the Myasthenia gravis.

In pregnancy and Lactation a strict indication should be made with a precise risk-benefit assessment.

Please also read: Medication during pregnancy

Buscopan® should also be used cautiously in children under 6 years of age due to lack of experience.

Side effects

Possible side effects when taking Buscopan® are

• dizziness
• Drop in blood pressure (Hypotension)
• Racing heart (Tachycardia)
• Dry mouth
• nausea and vomitingn
• Disturbances in focusing with the eyes (Accommodation disorders)
• Triggering an attack of glaucoma in pre-stressed patients
• decreased saliva and sweat secretion
• Itching and rash (Urticaria)
• Urination disorders how Leakage of urine and Urinary retention

Many of these side effects are caused by the inhibition of the parasympathetic nervous system, which is also responsible for the desired antispasmodic effect. One calls these types of side effects as anticholinergic because they are caused by a blockage of Acetylcholine-Receptors come about.

Interactions

When Buscopan® is combined with other drugs with an anticholinergic effect, the above-mentioned Side effects, for example Dry mouth, Urinary retention, Accommodation disorders and Tachycardia, reinforced occur.
For example in a combination with

• tricyclic antidepressants: used to treat depressions such as Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorders
• Antihistamines: used mainly to treat allergic diseases how hay fever
• Anticholinergics: e.g. Ipratropium bromide, used to treat airway obstruction COPD

When combining Buscopan® with drugs from the group of Sympathomimeticswhich amplify the action of the sympathetic nervous system, it can become excessive Increase in heart rate (Tachycardia) come.

dosage

Buscopan® is available as Dragees, as Suppositories and as Solution for intramuscular, subcutaneous or intravenous injection.
The single dose of the dragees is 10-20 mg (1 to 2 tablets can be taken at the same time), the maximum daily dose is 60 mg. The single dose for suppositories is also 10-20 mg, the maximum daily dose is 100 mg (10 suppositories).

costs

Buscopan® dragees and tablets are without a prescription in the pharmacy available. 20 dragees with 10 mg butylscopolamine each cost around 8 euros, 50 dragees around 17 euros. 10 suppositories of 10 mg each cost around 10 euros.