Hyoscine Hydrobromide

This information is about hyoscine hydrobromide. There's separate information about hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) for stomach cramps, IBS and period pain.

What hyoscine hydrobromide is for

Hyoscine hydrobromide is mainly used to treat travel sickness.

It helps with symptoms like feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).

It works on the parts of your inner ear, nerves and brain that control balance and nausea.

It's also sometimes given as an injection as part of end-of-life care or hospital treatment.

How to take hyoscine hydrobromide and how much to use (dose)

Hyoscine hydrobromide usually comes as tablets that can be chewed, sucked or swallowed whole.

Always check the packet or leaflet that comes with your medicine. Ask a pharmacist or doctor for advice if you're not sure how to take it or have any problems taking it.

How to take common types of hyoscine hydrobromide

If you miss a dose of hyoscine hydrobromide

If you're taking hyoscine hydrobromide for travel sickness and you miss a dose, you can take another dose if it's been at least 6 hours since your last dose.

Do not take 2 doses to make up for a missed dose.

If you take too much hyoscine hydrobromide

Taking extra doses of hyoscine hydrobromide can be dangerous.

Call NHS 111 if:

If you're told to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring the hyoscine hydrobromide packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.

Side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide

Like all medicines, hyoscine hydrobromide can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide include:

• blurred vision or large (dilated) pupils
• dry mouth
• feeling very tired (drowsy) or dizzy
• constipation
• skin rash or redness - redness can be harder to see on black or brown skin

If you feel drowsy, dizzy or have blurred vision after taking hyoscine hydrobromide, do not drive, ride a bike or use machinery until you no longer have these symptoms.

Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if:

Serious side effects

Hyoscine hydrobromide can sometimes cause serious side effects, although most of them are rare.

Possible serious side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide include:

• changes to your heart rate, such as a fast or irregular heartbeat
• an increased number of seizures, if you have epilepsy
• confusion, unusual behaviour, and seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), particularly in children
• an allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), which can cause symptoms such as a swollen throat or tongue, a raised, itchy rash or difficulty breathing

Call 999 if:

More about side effects

These are not all the side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide.

For a full list, see the leaflet that comes with your medicine or search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website.

You can report any side effects you get on the Yellow Card website

Who can and cannot take hyoscine hydrobromide

Most adults and children aged 4 years or older can take hyoscine hydrobromide.

But hyoscine hydrobromide is not suitable for everyone. For example, it may not be suitable if:

• you've had an allergic reaction or other serious side effects from hyoscine hydrobromide
• you have epilepsy
• you have an overactive thyroid
• you have liver, kidney or prostate problems
• you have glaucoma or have been told you're at risk of glaucoma
• you have a blocked intestine or other stomach problems
• you have heart failure or a fast heartbeat
• you are aged 60 or older

Before taking hyoscine hydrobromide, tell your doctor if you have any medical conditions.

Breastfeeding and hyoscine hydrobromide

You may be able to take hyoscine hydrobromide while breastfeeding, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Your baby may need to be monitored for any side effects.

If you're taking hyoscine hydrobromide when breastfeeding, speak to a healthcare professional or call NHS 111 if you have any concerns about your baby.

Pregnancy and hyoscine hydrobromide

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant or trying to get pregnant. Hyoscine hydrobromide is not usually recommended during pregnancy.

However, you may be able to take it if there are no other ways to treat your travel sickness and the benefits outweigh the risks.

Find out more about taking hyoscine during pregnancy on the Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) website

Taking hyoscine hydrobromide with other medicines, food and drink

There are some medicines, remedies and supplements that may not mix well with hyoscine hydrobromide.

This includes:

• antihistamines, particularly drowsy (sedating) antihistamines
• medicines for migraines and nerve pain, such as amitriptyline or nortriptyline
• some medicines for Parkinson's disease, such as amantadine
• other medicines for nausea and vomiting, such as metoclopramide and domperidone

Before taking hyoscine hydrobromide, tell the pharmacist or your doctor if you're taking any other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

Food, drink and alcohol with hyoscine hydrobromide

You can eat and drink as normal while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.

But it's best not to drink alcohol, as it can increase the risk of side effects like feeling very sleepy.

Find out more about your medicine

To find out more about your medicine, you can:

• check the leaflet that comes with it
• search for your medicine leaflet on the electronic medicines compendium website
• speak to a pharmacist for advice

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