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Hyoscine hydrobromide

  • Tablets are taken half an hour before your journey begins.
  • Patches are applied to a hairless area of skin behind your ear 5 - 6 hours before your journey begins.
  • If you feel drowsy you must not drive or operate machinery.
  • If you have stopped using patches, it is possible that you will experience a withdrawal syndrome of dizziness and feeling sick.

About hyoscine hydrobromide

Type of medicine Antimuscarinic
Used for Travel sickness
To control secretions in the lungs, nose and throat
Also called Joy Rides (tablets)
Kwells (tablets)
Scopaderm (patches)
Available as Tablets
Patches
Injection

You experience travel sickness because your body is telling the vomiting centre in your brain that you are moving and your eyes that you are not. Hyoscine hydrobromide stops this message from being sent to the vomiting centre, therefore preventing you from being sick.
One of the effects of hyoscine hydrobromide is to dry up any fluids in your body. For this reason, it can be used to dry secretions in the lungs, nose and throat.

Before taking/using hyoscine hydrobromide

Before taking/using hyoscine hydrobromide make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from glaucoma.
  • If you have prostate problems.
  • If you have stomach problems.
  • if you suffer from heart disease.
  • If you have noticed a fast and fluttery heartbeat.
  • If you have noticed any difficulty in passing water.
  • If you suffer from Down's Syndrome.
  • If you suffer from Myasthenia gravis.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you suffer from porphyria ( a blood disorder).

How to take/use hyoscine hydrobromide

  • Tablets are taken half an hour before your journey begins.
  • Patches are applied to a hairless area of skin behind your ear 5 - 6 hours before your journey begins.
  • Injections, for reducing secretions, are administered in hospital.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • If you feel drowsy you must not drive or operate machinery.
  • If you feel drowsy, try to avoid alcohol.
  • If you have stopped using patches, it is possible that you will experience a withdrawal syndrome of dizziness and feeling sick.
  • If you are using patches, wash your hands and the site of application thoroughly after handling the patches.

Can hyoscine hydrobromide cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets.
Hallucinations Stop taking/using hyoscine hydrobromide and contact your doctor.
Skin rash at application site (patches) Try changing the application site.
Photophobia Avoid bright lights.
Wear sunglasses outdoors.

How to store hyoscine hydrobromide

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2007 DocID:
3297		 DocRef:
dils2228		 Last Updated:
19 Jul 2007		 Date of Next Review:
18 Jul 2009		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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