Resopan

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Resopan

Property Description
Active ingredient Hyoscine Butylbromide
Form Tablets, Injectable solution
Pharmacological class Antispasmodic (Anticholinergic)
Common use Relief of muscle spasms and cramping
Origin Semisynthetic derivative

Resopan is a trade name for a medicine containing the active ingredient Hyoscine Butylbromide (also known as Butylscopolamine), which is utilized specifically to relieve painful cramping (spasms) in the digestive and urinary tracts. This agent is classified as a powerful antispasmodic and a semisynthetic derivative, chemically originating from the naturally occurring substance scopolamine (hyoscine).

The drug's structure is unique: Hyoscine Butylbromide is chemically modified to be a quaternary ammonium compound. This alteration restricts its passage across the blood-brain barrier, ensuring its primary therapeutic action is concentrated on the peripheral nervous system, directly targeting the smooth muscles of the internal organs. The low systemic bioavailability of the drug supports this targeted action, which helps minimize systemic anticholinergic effects. As a single-ingredient product, Resopan is most frequently encountered in the form of oral tablets and as an injectable solution for acute, severe episodes.

Pharmacological Class and Primary Action

Resopan is pharmacologically categorized as an antispasmodic that functions within the broader Anticholinergic class. Its primary therapeutic goal is to achieve swift smooth muscle relaxation to immediately resolve the source of cramping pain.

This effect is achieved by blocking the signaling action of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine at specific muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells. Hyoscine Butylbromide acts to reduce spasms of the gastrointestinal tract and biliary system, supporting its use in treating cramping pain. This blockade interrupts the command signal that triggers involuntary contractions. Consequently, the medicine restores the affected muscle tissue to its relaxed state, offering relief from the intense, acute cramping associated with conditions like colic.

Regulatory References

  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine

What side effects are possible with Resopan?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Resopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is documented through regulatory classification of adverse reactions, reflecting its action as a peripheral anticholinergic agent. Side effects are officially grouped by physiological system and frequency, according to governmental standards.

Frequency Classification of Adverse Reactions

The most frequent effects are linked to the drug's anticholinergic properties. Reactions classified as common (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include dry mouth (xerostomia) and accommodation disorders (impaired close-range vision). Effects listed as uncommon include tachycardia (increased heart rate) and dizziness. Urinary retention is categorized as rare.

Systemic Safety Considerations

Adverse reactions are formally reported across multiple system-organ classes, including Cardiac disorders (e.g., tachycardia), Eye disorders (e.g., blurred vision, accommodation disorders), Gastrointestinal disorders (e.g., dry mouth), and Immune system disorders (hypersensitivity reactions).

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

Official labeling documents serious adverse reactions, notably the potential for anaphylaxis and anaphylactic shock, particularly observed following the injectable administration. Furthermore, the medicine carries mandatory safety restrictions. It is generally contraindicated in patients with conditions that could be exacerbated by anticholinergic action, such as untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy (with urinary retention), paralytic ileus, and tachyarrhythmias. These constraints define the critical boundaries for its use, ensuring the safety information aligns strictly with documented regulatory limitations.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The official regulatory profile for Resopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) describes overdosage primarily through manifestations of acute anticholinergic toxicity. Signs of overexposure that are formally documented include dry mouth, urinary retention, reddening of the skin (flushing), tachycardia (fast heart rate), and transient visual disturbances.

In the event that an overdose is suspected, the regulatory guidance mandates that patients seek immediate medical attention. This instruction applies even if the symptoms appear mild, as regulatory documents note the rare potential for serious, life-threatening complications, including isolated reports of coma, confusion, or agitation, and the risk of respiratory paralysis.

Treatment of an overdose is described as symptomatic and supportive. The regulatory information states that the effects of overdosage respond to parasympathomimetics. Specific medical procedures are described for managing severe manifestations, such as intubation and artificial respiration for respiratory paralysis and catheterisation for urinary retention. For oral overdosage, management may involve gastric lavage with activated charcoal.

Regulatory authorities caution that children and older patients may be more susceptible to severe anticholinergic effects, suggesting increased vigilance in these populations.

Therapeutic Uses of Resopan

Quick Facts

  • Relief of Discomfort: May assist in addressing pain and discomfort associated with smooth muscle contractions.
  • Gastrointestinal Support: Used in the management of symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
  • Spasm Management: May help relieve cramps in the stomach, intestine, ureter, and bladder.

Resopan is a prescribed medication used for therapeutic support in conditions characterized by smooth muscle spasms. Its primary use is to assist in the relief of discomfort and cramping that can occur in the gastrointestinal, urinary, and biliary tracts.

The medication is indicated for the management of symptoms related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These symptoms typically include abdominal pain, cramping, and associated discomfort. By helping to relax the smooth muscles within the digestive system, Resopan may contribute to the reduction of these involuntary contractions.

Furthermore, Resopan is associated with improvement in general pain due to spasms within the smooth muscles, which can affect multiple internal organs. It is employed as a tool to help manage these issues and provide symptomatic relief, supporting patient comfort when used as directed by a healthcare professional.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Scope

Eligibility Scope Official Regulatory Finding
Populations for whom use is allowed (as stated in label): Adults and, for oral forms, children typically over 6 years of age.
Populations for whom use is not recommended (if applicable): Children under 6 (oral forms); all pediatric patients (injectable solution); pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Patients with hypersensitivity to the drug; Myasthenia Gravis; Megacolon; Paralytic or Obstructive Ileus; Mechanical Stenosis in the Gastrointestinal Tract; Untreated Narrow-Angle Glaucoma.
Age-related eligibility rules: Use is established for adults. Oral tablet use is often not recommended for children under 6 years. Use of the injection is not recommended for pediatric populations.
Condition-specific eligibility rules: Contraindicated in tachycardia, angina, or cardiac failure for parenteral administration. Use with caution in patients prone to tachyarrhythmias or intestinal/urinary obstructions.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status (if explicitly documented): Use is not recommended during either pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited clinical data.
Eligibility-related restrictions: Intramuscular injection is prohibited in patients concurrently receiving anticoagulant drugs.

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level)

Eligibility Classifications (High-Level) Official Regulatory Finding
Eligibility severity classification (as defined in official documents): Contraindicated; Not Recommended; Use with Caution
Eligibility-context constraints (as defined in official documents): Administration route (IM injection); specific hereditary metabolic disorders (oral forms); physiological state (Pregnancy/Lactation).

Resulting eligibility structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • The medicine is strictly contraindicated in patients with myasthenia gravis, megacolon, or mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract.
  • The oral form is generally allowed for adults and children over six, while use is not recommended in younger children or during pregnancy and lactation.
  • Use requires caution in patients with certain cardiac conditions or a predisposition to narrow-angle glaucoma; the IM route is prohibited in those on anticoagulants.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile:

Official regulatory documents define the authorized patient population through a stringent list of absolute contraindications related to existing medical conditions, primarily muscular and obstructive disorders. The profile also sets clear restrictions based on age, specifically for the pediatric group, and mandates that use during physiological states such as pregnancy and lactation is not recommended due to insufficient data.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

This section describes the officially documented interaction patterns for Resopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) as detailed in government prescribing information. The interaction profile is defined by both pharmacodynamic effects and specific procedural restrictions.

Co-administration with anticoagulant drugs is a formal contraindication if Resopan is administered via the intramuscular injection route, due to the regulatory-defined risk of intramuscular hematoma formation.

Several medications may intensify Resopan's effects. The anticholinergic effect may be intensified when co-administered with other agents possessing similar properties, including tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, quinidine, amantadine, and certain antipsychotics. The tachycardic effects of beta-adrenergic agents may also be enhanced. Conversely, co-treatment with dopamine antagonists (such as metoclopramide) may result in the diminution of the effects of both drugs on gastrointestinal function.

Due to the reduction in gastrointestinal motility caused by Resopan, the systemic absorption and pharmacologic effects of other oral medications may be delayed. Furthermore, official regulatory documents advise against co-consumption of alcohol as it is linked to an increased chance of drowsiness. For the oral tablet formulation, a specific restriction exists: patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption, or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not use the tablets due to the excipient, sucrose.

Mechanism of Action

Resopan: Mechanism of Action

Resopan exerts its effects through the selective modulation of key signaling pathways within specific biological systems. Its core function is to intervene in processes characterized by dysregulated or overactive signaling patterns.

Modulating Receptor-Mediated Signaling

Resopan demonstrates a direct interaction with cellular receptors, where it acts to initiate or suppress targeted signaling sequences. This engagement modifies early molecular steps that govern systemic physiological outcomes, resulting in a reduction in pathway signaling frequency within the targeted tissue compartment.

Regulating Dysregulated Pathway Cascades

The agent influences the intracellular environment through the allosteric modification of downstream effector proteins. This action is critical in systems requiring precise adjustment of pathway activity that may otherwise intensify under specific stimuli. The consequence of this modification is the attenuation of mediator synthesis rates and the concurrent modulation of specific kinase activity, ensuring focused physiological adjustment.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Resopan: Administration Guidelines

Resopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is administered via two principal methods: oral for symptomatic relief and parenteral (injection) for acute episodes. The specific administration protocols, including dose, frequency, and method, are intended to ensure proper use.


Administration Overview

Instruction Domain Standard Guideline
Route of Administration Oral (tablets); Parenteral: Intravenous (IV), Intramuscular (IM), or Subcutaneous (SC) (injection).
Standard Adult Dose Oral: 10 mg to 20 mg per dose. Parenteral: 20 mg per dose.
Dosing Frequency Oral: Up to 3 to 5 times daily. Parenteral: May be repeated once after 30 minutes if necessary.
Maximum Dose The maximum total daily dose for the injectable form should not exceed 100 mg.

Contextual Use and Procedural Steps

Resopan is intended for short-term, episodic symptomatic use and is not indicated for continuous long-term daily intake without medical re-evaluation.

Oral Intake: Tablets must be swallowed whole with adequate water and should not be crushed or chewed. The dose may be taken with or without food.

Parenteral Administration: If the injection is administered intravenously, it must be performed slowly (e.g., over at least 3 minutes). Furthermore, the IM route is restricted in patients on anticoagulant therapy, requiring the use of the IV or SC route instead. The injectable solution can be used undiluted or diluted with standard IV solutions like Sodium Chloride 0.9% or Glucose 5% solutions.

Pediatric Dosing: For children aged 6 to 12 years, the oral dose is typically 10 mg three times daily, which is a reduction from the adult range.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Resopan

Evidence for Gastrointestinal Cramping and Spasm

Studies explored how symptoms change over time for individuals experiencing abdominal cramping and spasms. These studies, which include Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), was applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms. Researchers specifically examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, such as measuring changes in pain intensity over short periods of time, and monitoring the proportion of participants who reported symptom change from an acute episode.

Findings describe patterns observed in the studies where outcomes related to physical discomfort were monitored against those receiving a placebo. Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and research provides insight into short-term changes, typically focusing on the first hour or two after administration. The evidence collected so far relates mainly to how the agent was evaluated in studies during a single episode of acute pain associated with muscle spasms.

Evidence for Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) Symptoms

Resopan was evaluated in research contexts involving conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome. The evidence base includes systematic reviews that often pool data from multiple RCTs that studied smooth muscle relaxants. Studies monitored outcomes reflecting daily functioning or activity level, specifically examining the frequency and severity of abdominal pain associated with this condition.

Studies report how symptoms evolved in the observed populations, and research suggests that the agent may be associated with reduced pain intensity compared to placebo in some of these short-term trials. Findings describe patterns observed in the studies related to patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. Comparative evidence is lacking in several areas, and long-term effects are not fully established.

Duration of Study and Long-Term Use

Research exploring short-term symptom changes is a main type of evidence for Resopan. Most studies conducted during periods of increased symptom activity have been designed to observe responses over defined time intervals, typically ranging from a single hour up to six weeks for recurrent conditions. This means that follow-up durations were limited in the majority of studies.

What is Still Uncertain in the Research Landscape

Evidence highlights what is known — and what is still uncertain. Evidence quality varies across studies, and comparative evidence is lacking in several areas. Findings were mixed in some trials, especially in acute settings. Research provides context but not individual predictions, as results apply only to the populations studied in the research.

Key Studies & References

  1. Hyoscine Butylbromide Drug Information (Professional and Patient)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Resopan (FAQ)


Q: How quickly does Resopan usually start to work?

Official regulatory summaries indicate that the medicine has a relatively rapid onset of action. This is particularly noted when the product is administered by injection (parenteral route) for acute episodes. The speed of effect may differ slightly between the oral tablet and injection forms.


Q: How long does Resopan stay in your system?

According to pharmacokinetic data found in official product information, the medicine is processed by the body. The terminal elimination half-life after taking the oral form typically ranges from approximately 6 to 11 hours.


Q: Can Resopan cause fatigue or sleepiness?

Official adverse reaction listings include dizziness as an uncommon effect. Although fatigue or sleepiness are not primary common side effects, the potential for drowsiness is listed only in the context of alcohol interaction.


Q: Is Resopan considered safe for long-term use?

Official regulatory documents indicate that Resopan is primarily intended for short-term, episodic symptomatic use. It is not indicated for continuous long-term daily intake without an updated medical re-evaluation. Research studies supporting the drug's use are predominantly short-term, consistent with its classification as an episodic treatment.


Q: What is Resopan's safety classification in pregnancy?

The use of Resopan during pregnancy is not recommended in official product information. This status is assigned due to limited or insufficient clinical data concerning its use in pregnant humans.


Q: Does Resopan interact with common pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen?

The drug’s action may result in a reduction of gastrointestinal movement, as noted in regulatory documents. This reduction in motility may delay the absorption of other oral medications, which could include common non-prescription pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.


Q: What if Resopan doesn't seem to be working for me?

Official documents caution that if severe, unexplained abdominal pain persists, worsens, or is accompanied by other serious symptoms such as fever or vomiting, it is important to seek immediate professional medical attention. The medicine is intended to provide rapid, short-term relief from spasm.


Q: Is Resopan a type of antibiotic?

No, Resopan is not an antibiotic. It is pharmacologically classified as an antispasmodic, which belongs to the broader anticholinergic class of medicines. Its function is to relieve muscle spasms, not to treat bacterial infections.


Q: Is Resopan the same kind of drug as [Name of similar common drug]?

The active ingredient in Resopan, Hyoscine Butylbromide, is officially classified as an antispasmodic (Anticholinergic). This classification defines its primary therapeutic function to relieve muscle cramps in the digestive and urinary tracts.


Q: Does Resopan have a generic version available?

Yes, Resopan is the brand name. The active ingredient in Resopan, Hyoscine Butylbromide, is listed in international regulatory databases as a non-proprietary or generic name.


Q: Is Resopan a controlled substance?

Resopan (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is not listed in the U.S. DEA schedules as a controlled substance, a status generally reflected in many other major national regulatory classifications.


Q: Are there different strengths of Resopan available?

Yes, official prescribing information lists the availability of different formulations. This includes both 10 mg and 20 mg film-coated tablets and a 20 mg/ mL injectable solution.


Q: Can Resopan be taken with vitamins or supplements?

Official regulatory documents and leaflets note that there is insufficient information to confirm whether taking complementary medicines, herbal remedies, and supplements alongside Resopan is entirely safe or free from interaction.


Q: What does the clinical evidence say about Resopan?

Clinical evidence from placebo-controlled studies primarily supports its use in the short-term treatment of abdominal pain or discomfort associated with gastrointestinal cramps and spasms. These studies provide context on how symptoms have been observed to evolve in specific patient populations.


Q: How long has Resopan been on the market?

Regulatory records indicate that the active ingredient, Hyoscine Butylbromide, has been in use for a long time. It was first registered in Germany in 1951 and has been marketed worldwide since 1952.


Q: Can teenagers or children use Resopan?

The oral form is generally allowed for adults and children over 6 years of age. Use of the injectable solution is generally not recommended for any pediatric population.


Q: Does Resopan interact with blood pressure medication?

Resopan should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing conditions like hypertension (high blood pressure) or cardiac rhythm disorders. The official documentation describes a need for caution and monitoring for these populations.


Q: Is Resopan used to treat anxiety or depression?

No, the official regulatory indications for Resopan are limited. The medicine is approved only for the relief of smooth muscle spasm of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary systems, not for mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.


Q: Is it normal to feel a little sick when first starting Resopan?

Official documents list gastrointestinal disorders (such as dry mouth) among the commonly reported side effects. These effects may be experienced when a person first starts taking the medicine.


Q: Is Resopan considered a brand-name drug?

Yes, Resopan is classified as a trade name for a medicine containing the active ingredient Hyoscine Butylbromide.


Q: What happens if I stop taking Resopan suddenly?

Official documentation describes Resopan as an episodic, short-term use treatment for spasms. Because of this, there is no specific warning in the label against sudden discontinuation, unlike drugs with potential for dependence.

How should Resopan be stored and disposed of?

Storage Requirements

Resopan must be stored at a temperature below 25 C or 30 C, depending on the specific regulatory labeling for the product formulation. The medication must be kept out of the sight and reach of children and protected from light, moisture, and excessive heat [2.3, 2.9, 2.2]. The product must remain in its original package to maintain these protective conditions [2.9]. The injectable solution is for single use only, and any unused portion of an opened ampoule must be immediately discarded [1.3]. Do not use the medicine after the expiration date printed on the package [2.2].

Disposal Instructions

Unused or expired Resopan must be disposed of in accordance with local regulatory requirements [1.6]. The preferred method is returning the product to a drug take-back location or authorized mail-back program [3.4]. If household disposal is necessary and take-back is unavailable, the medicine should be mixed with an unappealing substance (e.g., dirt or coffee grounds) inside a sealed container before being placed in the trash [3.1].

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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