From the FDA Drug Label
PRECAUTIONS General:Use with caution in patients with: ... coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrythmias, hypertension, and renal disease. The hyoscine (TD) patch, also known as buscopan, should be used with caution in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, and hypertension 1.
- The drug label advises to investigate any tachycardia before giving any anticholinergic drug since they may increase the heart rate.
- It is recommended to use caution when administering the drug to patients with these conditions.
From the Research
Buscopan patches are not a standard formulation of the medication, and their safety in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) is not established, therefore, alternative antispasmodics with fewer cardiovascular effects, such as mebeverine, might be more appropriate for CVD patients. For patients with CVD, standard Buscopan should be used with caution, as it can potentially cause tachycardia and other anticholinergic effects that may exacerbate certain cardiovascular conditions 2. The anticholinergic properties of Buscopan work by blocking muscarinic receptors, reducing smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, but these same effects can impact heart rate and rhythm.
Key Considerations
- Patients with pre-existing heart conditions such as coronary heart disease, cardiac arrhythmias, or heart failure should consult their healthcare provider before using Buscopan.
- The typical oral dose is 10-20 mg taken up to four times daily, but this may need adjustment in CVD patients.
- Mebeverine has been shown to be an effective treatment option in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with a good safety profile and low frequency of adverse effects 3.
- Always inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions and medications before starting Buscopan.
Alternative Treatment Options
- Mebeverine might be a suitable alternative for CVD patients, given its efficacy and safety profile in treating abdominal pain and IBS symptoms 3.
- Other antispasmodics, such as alverine, dicyclomine, hyoscine, hyoscyamine, otilonium, pinaverium, and trimebutine, may also be considered, but their efficacy and safety in CVD patients should be evaluated on an individual basis 4.