What is the recommended dose of Hyoscine (N-butylbromide) for a 14-year-old patient?

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: January 12, 2026View editorial policy

Personalize

Help us tailor your experience

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

Hyoscine N-Butylbromide Dosing in a 14-Year-Old

For a 14-year-old patient, administer 10 mg of hyoscine N-butylbromide intravenously or intramuscularly, which can be repeated up to a maximum of 20 mg per dose if needed, based on the adult dosing regimen that applies to adolescents aged 12 years and older.

Age-Appropriate Dosing Framework

  • Adolescents aged 12 years and older should receive adult dosing of hyoscine N-butylbromide, which is 10-20 mg intravenously or intramuscularly 1
  • The standard adult dose is 20 mg IV, though lower doses (10 mg) are effective for many indications and reduce the risk of anticholinergic side effects 2
  • A 14-year-old falls into the adolescent category where adult dosing protocols apply, as pediatric restrictions typically apply only to children under 6-12 years of age 1

Clinical Context and Indication-Specific Considerations

For Gastrointestinal Spasm or Abdominal Pain

  • Start with 10 mg IV/IM and assess response before considering a second dose 1
  • The drug has demonstrated efficacy comparable to paracetamol in pediatric abdominal cramps in randomized controlled trials 1
  • Maximum single dose should not exceed 20 mg 2

For Diagnostic Procedures (Endoscopy, Imaging)

  • 20 mg IV is the standard dose for colonoscopy and upper GI procedures to achieve adequate smooth muscle relaxation 3, 2
  • Administer at the time of cecal intubation during colonoscopy or at the start of the procedure for upper GI studies 3
  • Lower doses (5-10 mg) provide inadequate gastroduodenal distension and are not recommended for diagnostic imaging 2

Safety Profile in Adolescents

  • Hyoscine N-butylbromide has an excellent safety record in children and adolescents, with data from thousands of patients showing no significant safety concerns 1
  • The most common side effect is transient tachycardia, which typically resolves without intervention 3
  • Contraindications include narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, megacolon, and obstructive uropathy (standard anticholinergic precautions) 1

Administration Guidelines

  • Intravenous route is preferred for rapid onset (3-5 minutes), while intramuscular administration has onset at 20-30 minutes 4
  • Duration of action is approximately 30-60 minutes 4
  • Monitor heart rate during and after administration, particularly in patients with cardiac conditions 3

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

  • Do not underdose for diagnostic procedures: 5-10 mg doses result in inadequate smooth muscle relaxation and poor examination quality 2
  • Avoid in patients with tachyarrhythmias or significant cardiac disease without careful monitoring 4
  • Be aware that anticholinergic effects may delay capsule transit in the esophagus if oral medications are given concurrently 5

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.