Hyoscine hydrobromide

How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient hyoscine hydrobromide, which is a type of medicine called an antimuscarinic (or anticholinergic). It is used to prevent travel sickness. Travel sickness is believed to be a result of the brain receiving conflicting information about what the body senses is happening and what the eyes see is happening. In the inner ear are three fluid filled canals called the vestibular system. These detect changes in the body's position. Motion sickness is thought to occur when the vestibular system sends messages to the brain telling it that the body is being moved around, while the eyes send messages that the body is stationary. Hyoscine hydrobromide is thought to prevent motion sickness by stopping the messages sent from the vestibular system from reaching an area of the brain called the vomiting centre. This area of the brain co-ordinates the vomiting reflex. Hyoscine blocks receptors called muscarinic (or cholinergic) receptors that are found in the vomiting centre. This prevents the vomiting centre from sending nerve messages to the stomach that would normally cause vomiting. Hyoscine needs to be taken before travel to be most effective, as once feeling sick or vomiting has started it is more difficult to control, particularly with tablets that need to be kept down. Hyoscine hydrobromide is available in two forms, as tablets that can be bought without a prescription from pharmacies (eg Kwells, Joy-Rides), and as a skin patch that is only available on prescription (Scopoderm TTS). Hyoscine tablets need to be taken around 30 minutes before travel to be most effective at preventing sickness, and the dose may need to be repeated during long journeys. Scopoderm TTS needs to be applied to the skin behind the ear 5 to 6 hours before travel, or the night before. It can prevent travel sickness for up to 72 hours, but if it is only needed for a shorter time it should be removed at the end of the journey. Read the instructions provided with each individual medicine for more detailed information about doses and administration.

What is it used for?

Preventing travel sickness

Warning!

Different brands or preparations of this medicine may not be recommended for use in children under certain ages. Consult the product information provided with the medicine, or ask your pharmacist for further information.

Follow the printed instructions you have been given with this medicine.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, blurred vision and other side effects that may affect your ability to drive. You should not drive or operate machinary if you experience these symptoms. Alcohol should be avoided as it can worsen these side effects.

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Elderly people

Enlarged prostate gland

Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias)

Obstruction of the stomach or intestines

Not to be used in

Glaucoma

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine in pregnancy has not been established. It should only be used during pregnancy, particularly in the first trimester, if the expected benefit to the mother outweighs any potential risk to the developing foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Small amounts of this medicine may pass into breast milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor before breastfeeding while using this medicine.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Blurred vision

Dizziness

Irritation of skin at patch application site

Dry mouth

Drowsiness

Problems with urinating

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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