Hyoscine Butylbromide (Buscopan) Dosing for a 6-Year-Old Child
For a 6-year-old child, the recommended dose of hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan) is ½ to 1 tablet every four hours as needed, not exceeding 6 tablets in 24 hours. 1
Dosage Details
The FDA-approved dosing for hyoscine butylbromide in pediatric populations is age-based:
- Children 2 to under 12 years of age: ½ to 1 tablet every four hours as needed
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 6 tablets in 24 hours
- Adults and children 12 years and older: 1 to 2 tablets every four hours as needed
- Maximum daily dose: Do not exceed 12 tablets in 24 hours
Administration Methods
The medication may be administered in several ways:
- Taken orally (swallowed)
- Chewed
- Taken sublingually (under the tongue)
Choose the method that works best for the child's ability to take medications.
Clinical Considerations
Indications
Hyoscine butylbromide is an antimuscarinic agent that helps relieve smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract. It's commonly used for:
- Abdominal pain with cramping
- Nonspecific colicky abdominal pain
- Gastrointestinal spasms
Efficacy
Research has shown that hyoscine butylbromide is effective for treating colicky abdominal pain in children, with similar pain reduction to acetaminophen. In one study, both medications reduced pain scores to clinically meaningful levels (below 30mm on a visual analog scale) in over 50% of children. 2
Safety Precautions
When administering hyoscine butylbromide to children, be aware of these important safety considerations:
Contraindications:
- Known hypersensitivity to the drug
- Tachycardia
- Cardiac conditions including angina and cardiac failure 3
- Prostatic hypertrophy with urinary retention
Common side effects to monitor for:
- Blurred vision (warn caregivers about this)
- Dry mouth
- Tachycardia (usually mild and transient)
Rare but serious adverse effects requiring immediate medical attention:
- Painful or blurred vision (may indicate acute angle-closure glaucoma)
- Significant cardiac symptoms
Monitoring
- Monitor for symptom relief after administration
- Watch for any adverse effects, particularly visual disturbances or cardiac symptoms
- If symptoms worsen or persist beyond expected timeframes, reassess the diagnosis and treatment plan
Important Cautions
- Avoid in children with known cardiac conditions
- Use with caution in children with a history of increased intraocular pressure
- Ensure adequate hydration during treatment
- Do not exceed recommended dosage or duration of treatment
Hyoscine butylbromide is generally well-tolerated in children when used at appropriate doses, but careful attention to dosing and potential contraindications is essential for safe administration.