Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) — NZ Medication Guide

📋 Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ — This information is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.

What is Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)?

Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan®) is an antispasmodic agent used to relieve abdominal cramping and spasm. This medication is available over-the-counter at NZ pharmacies; also funded by Pharmac on prescription.

What is Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) Used For?

Hyoscine butylbromide is used for the symptomatic relief of abdominal and pelvic cramps associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), intestinal colic, dysmenorrhoea (painful periods), renal colic, and gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures.

How Does Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) Work?

Hyoscine butylbromide is a quaternary ammonium anticholinergic that blocks muscarinic receptors in the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal, biliary, and urinary tracts. This causes smooth muscle relaxation, relieving cramps and spasm. Because it does not cross the blood-brain barrier (quaternary structure), it lacks CNS side effects.

How to Take Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)

For IBS or abdominal cramps: 10 mg (one tablet) three to four times daily; increase to 20 mg if needed. Take with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Available as 10 mg tablets (OTC) and 20 mg/mL injection for acute colic (in hospital).

Common Side Effects of Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan)

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Mild constipation
• Urinary hesitancy

Serious Side Effects — Seek Medical Attention

Contact your doctor or call 111 immediately if you experience any of the following:

• Acute urinary retention (in BPH)
• Acute narrow-angle glaucoma (use with care in at-risk patients)
• Tachycardia (at higher doses)

Drug Interactions

Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) may interact with other medicines. Always inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you are taking. Key interactions include:

• Other anticholinergic medicines (additive effects — dry mouth, urinary retention)
• Metoclopramide (antagonises prokinetic effect)

New Zealand Prescribing Information

Hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan® 10 mg tablets; 20 mg/mL injection) is available OTC at NZ pharmacies without prescription for IBS and abdominal cramps. Injection form is funded by Pharmac for acute colic and palliative care (to reduce secretions). Unlike hyoscine hydrobromide (scopolamine), the butylbromide salt does not cross the blood-brain barrier and does not cause drowsiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Buscopan® the same as scopolamine?

Buscopan® contains hyoscine butylbromide, which does not cross the blood-brain barrier and has no CNS effects (no drowsiness). Scopolamine (hyoscine hydrobromide) does cross the blood-brain barrier and causes sedation — used for travel sickness. They are chemically related but clinically different.

Can I take Buscopan® for IBS every day?

Hyoscine butylbromide can be used regularly for IBS-associated abdominal cramping. However, persistent or severe abdominal pain should always be investigated by a doctor to exclude serious conditions before attributing symptoms to IBS.

References & Further Information

The following New Zealand and international resources were used to inform this page. We encourage you to consult these authoritative sources for the most current information:

• New Zealand Formulary — Hyoscine Butylbromide
• Pharmac Funded Medicines Schedule
• BPAC NZ — Irritable Bowel Syndrome Management

⚠️ Disclaimer: This page is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or a qualified health provider. In New Zealand, medication availability and funding may vary — check with Pharmac or your pharmacist for current information.

Reviewed by a Registered Pharmacist NZ