What is the maximum dose of hyoscine (scopolamine) butylbromide?

Medical Advisory BoardAll articles are reviewed for accuracy by our Medical Advisory Board
Educational purpose only • Exercise caution as content is pending human review
Article Review Status
Submitted
Under Review
Approved

Last updated: March 24, 2025View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

Which best describes you? Your choice helps us use language that's most understandable for you.

From the Research

The maximum dose of hyoscine butylbromide is 100 mg per day for adults, typically administered as 20 mg doses given up to 5 times daily, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study available 1.

Key Points

  • The recommended dose is based on the study by 1, which demonstrated the efficacy of hyoscine butylbromide in managing death rattle, with a dose of 60 mg/day.
  • For parenteral administration (injection), the maximum daily dose is also 100 mg, usually given as 20 mg doses repeated up to 5 times daily.
  • For acute spasmodic pain, a single dose is typically 20 mg, which can be repeated after 30 minutes if necessary.
  • Hyoscine butylbromide works as an antispasmodic by blocking muscarinic receptors, causing smooth muscle relaxation in the gastrointestinal tract.

Important Considerations

  • This medication should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, or cardiac conditions.
  • Common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and urinary retention due to its anticholinergic properties.
  • The medication should not be used in patients with myasthenia gravis, megacolon, or mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • Reduced doses may be necessary in elderly patients or those with renal or hepatic impairment, as seen in the study by 2, which evaluated the stability of hyoscine butylbromide in combination with other medications.

Clinical Application

  • The study by 3 demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a single dose of 20 mg intravenous hyoscine-N-butyl bromide in shortening the duration of the first stage of labor.
  • The study by 4 showed that hyoscine N-butyl bromide could reduce the severity of catheter-related bladder discomfort after transurethral resection of prostate.
  • The study by 5 described the use of hyoscine butylbromide as a subcutaneous infusion in patients with inoperable malignant bowel obstruction, with an objective reduction of drainage from the gastrointestinal tract.

References

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

Have a follow-up question?

Our Medical A.I. is used by practicing medical doctors at top research institutions around the world. Ask any follow up question and get world-class guideline-backed answers instantly.