Buscopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) Dosing for Adults
For adults, the standard dose of Buscopan is 10-20 mg orally every 4-6 hours as needed, not exceeding 100 mg daily, or 20 mg intravenously for acute situations. 1
Oral Dosing
Standard oral administration:
- 1-2 tablets (10-20 mg) every 4 hours as needed 1
- Maximum: 12 tablets (120 mg) in 24 hours 1
- Tablets may be taken sublingually, swallowed whole, or chewed 1
Typical therapeutic regimen for irritable bowel syndrome:
- 30 mg per day divided into multiple doses (typically 10 mg three times daily) 2
- This dosing showed statistically significant improvement in abdominal pain compared to placebo over 4 weeks 2
Intravenous Dosing
For acute spasmodic pain or diagnostic procedures:
- 20 mg IV as a single dose 3, 4
- This provides adequate spasmolytic effect within minutes 3
- 10 mg IV may be sufficient for some patients, particularly in diagnostic settings 3
Key Clinical Considerations
Onset and duration of action:
- IV administration produces immediate effect with rapid reduction in gastrointestinal smooth muscle contractions 5
- Colonic effects typically last 30 minutes after IV administration 5
- Duodenal effects may persist up to 120 minutes 5
Safety profile:
- Minimal systemic absorption after oral administration (bioavailability <1%) 6
- Does not cross the blood-brain barrier, avoiding central anticholinergic effects 6
- Safe even in elderly patients when given intravenously 4
- Adverse effects occur in approximately 5% of patients and are generally mild 2
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Do not use repeated short-interval IV dosing for prolonged spasmodic conditions, as the drug's effects are short-lived and repeated administration is not recommended 5
Avoid exceeding maximum daily oral doses of 100-120 mg, as higher doses do not provide additional benefit and may increase anticholinergic side effects 1, 2
Oral administration is ineffective for immediate relief in acute situations; IV route should be used when rapid spasmolytic effect is needed 4