Scopolan compositum

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Scopolan compositum

Method of action: Antiparkinsonian

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Laura Arias

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 Scopolan compositum

Property Description
Active Ingredients Hyoscine Butylbromide, Sodium Metamizole Monohydrate
Form Coated tablets (Oral), Solution for injection (Parenteral)
Pharmacological Class Antispasmodic-Analgesic Combination
General Purpose Relief of pain associated with smooth muscle spasms (visceral cramping)
Origin Semisynthetic Derivative (Hyoscine Butylbromide) and Synthetic Compound (Sodium Metamizole)

Scopolan compositum is a fixed-dose combination product designed for the effective management of acute spasmodic pain, integrating two powerful active substances with complementary actions. This medication is available for oral intake as coated tablets and in an injectable form for parenteral administration. This dual-action composition offers a comprehensive therapeutic solution for intense discomfort linked to involuntary muscle contractions.


What Type of Medicine is Scopolan compositum?

Scopolan compositum is categorized as an Antispasmodic-Analgesic Combination, which reflects its ability to address both the physical spasm and the resulting pain signal. The component Hyoscine Butylbromide is recognized as an anticholinergic agent that provides a diastolic action (muscle relaxation) by blocking specific chemical signals at nerve endings. This means that the medicine is recognized for its ability to help ease discomfort by physically resolving the muscle cramp itself.

The drug's other core ingredient, Sodium Metamizole Monohydrate (also known as Dipyrone), is an effective non-opioid analgesic that also contributes spasmolytic and fever-reducing properties. The combination is specifically utilized for its synergistic effect, which allows for more powerful and swift pain relief than either agent would typically provide alone against acute visceral pain.


General Benefit: Dual Relief from Visceral Cramping

The general benefit of Scopolan compositum is the provision of rapid, powerful relief from visceral pain—severe pain originating in the internal organs—that is directly linked to smooth muscle spasms. The formulation is typically positioned for adult patients experiencing sharp pain, where a combination of antispasmodic and strong analgesic action is required. By coupling the targeted smooth muscle relaxation from Hyoscine Butylbromide with the strong pain signal modulation provided by Sodium Metamizole, the fixed-dose approach ensures effective resolution of painful spasmodic episodes, which is the key advantage over single-mechanism medications.

Regulatory References

  1. Metamizole (Dipyrone) NIH

What side effects are possible with Scopolan compositum?

Possible side effects and safety information

The officially documented safety profile for Scopolan compositum is structured around the distinct risks of its two active components: the anticholinergic effects of Hyoscine Butylbromide and the hematological and hypersensitivity risks of Sodium Metamizole.


Adverse Reaction Classifications

Adverse reactions are officially grouped by System-Organ-Class, including Blood and Lymphatic System Disorders (e.g., Agranulocytosis), Immune System Disorders (e.g., Anaphylactic shock), Eye Disorders (e.g., Accommodation disorders), and Cardiac Disorders (e.g., Tachycardia).

  • Uncommon side effects (based on regulatory frequency classification) often reflect anticholinergic activity, such as Tachycardia (fast heart rate), Dry mouth, and various Skin reactions.
  • Rare effects include Urinary retention.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Key Constraints

Regulatory documents highlight several serious adverse reactions (SARs) that can be potentially fatal. These include Agranulocytosis and Anaphylactic Shock, which can occur with either component but are strongly associated with Sodium Metamizole. Agranulocytosis is noted to be a dose-independent effect that can develop at any time during or shortly after treatment.

Specific Safety Constraints exist, with the medicine being not recommended or contraindicated during Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, and in children and adolescents up to 18 years of age. Caution is advised for Elderly Patients and those with Renal or Hepatic Impairment. Additionally, the drug may cause visual disturbances and impair psychophysical fitness, which is a key restriction on daily activities.

These classifications define the official risk profile, separating expected, non-serious effects from critical, potentially life-threatening complications.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help — Official Regulatory Information

The official overdose profile for Scopolan compositum is defined by the toxicities of its two components: Hyoscine Butylbromide (anticholinergic) and Sodium Metamizole (analgesic). Overdose manifestations arise from the combined effects on the Central Nervous System, Cardiovascular System, and renal function, as documented in regulatory sources.

Documented Overdose Presentations

System Documented Signs and Symptoms
Anticholinergic Tachycardia, dry mouth, skin flushing, blurred vision, urinary retention.
Metamizole-Related Nausea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, hypotension, dizziness.
Severe CNS Disturbances of consciousness, psychomotor agitation, confusion, and potential for convulsions or coma at very high doses.

Life-threatening outcomes documented in regulatory prescribing information include cardiorespiratory arrest, severe hypotension, and acute kidney injury. Due to these severe risks, official instructions mandate that the patient must discontinue the drug and contact emergency services immediately upon the suspicion or recognition of overdose symptoms.

Treatment procedures described in regulatory texts are symptomatic and supportive, and may include measures to limit absorption (e.g., gastric lavage with activated charcoal) and the use of parasympathomimetics as an antidote for the anticholinergic component. Intensive medical observation is required.

Therapeutic Uses of Scopolan compositum

Scopolan compositum is used to alleviate the discomfort associated with spasmodic pain in a variety of clinical situations. The primary purpose of this compound is the symptomatic relief of painful cramps that arise from smooth muscle activity in the body's internal organs. This includes providing assistance for conditions characterized by spasms of the gastrointestinal tract, such as biliary colic or intestinal spasms. It is also indicated for managing painful episodes related to the genitourinary tract, specifically conditions like renal colic and severe forms of spastic dysmenorrhea. The compound is intended to help manage the intensity of acute pain where muscle spasms are a contributing factor.


Quick Fact: Relief for Pain and Cramps


Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Scopolan compositum?

Eligibility for Scopolan compositum is defined by the strict regulatory constraints of its two active ingredients, Hyoscine Butylbromide and Metamizole. The medicine is primarily intended for Adults and is typically not recommended for use in children and adolescents under 18 years of age for the oral coated tablets.

Absolute Contraindications

The medicine must not be used in patients with the following officially documented conditions:

  • Hypersensitivity to the active substances or other pyrazolone derivatives (like Metamizole).
  • Hematologic disorders, including a history of agranulocytosis or impaired bone marrow function.
  • Glaucoma (narrow-angle), Myasthenia Gravis, or tachycardia (fast heart rate).
  • Mechanical stenosis in the gastrointestinal tract, obstructive ileus, or megacolon.
  • Prostate proliferation leading to urinary retention.
  • Pregnancy during the third trimester.
  • Acute renal or liver failure.

Restricted or Conditional Use

Population Regulatory Rule
Pregnancy (1st/2nd Trimesters) Not recommended (precautionary) [1.2, 2.5].
Breastfeeding Women Not recommended (due to excretion of Metamizole metabolites into milk) [1.2, 2.5].
Renal/Hepatic Impairment Requires special caution; acute failure is contraindicated [1.2].
Older Adults Use requires special care [1.2].

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section details officially documented interaction patterns for Scopolan compositum, a fixed-dose combination of Hyoscine Butylbromide and Sodium Metamizole Monohydrate, as defined in government regulatory prescribing information.


Contraindicated and Pharmacokinetic Restrictions

Co-administration with pyrazolone and pyrazolidine derivatives is strictly prohibited due to a heightened risk of severe blood dyscrasias. Furthermore, the co-use of alcohol (ethanol) is forbidden as regulatory documents state it increases the risk of serious adverse outcomes. The Sodium Metamizole component is a documented moderate to strong inducer of CYP3A4, CYP2B6, and CYP2C19, and an inhibitor of CYP1A2. This enzyme modulation can significantly alter the exposure of other medicines, notably resulting in reduced plasma concentrations of Cyclosporine and an increased concentration of Methotrexate.

Pharmacodynamic and Combination Effects

Interactions involving the Hyoscine Butylbromide component can lead to intensified anticholinergic effects when combined with agents like tricyclic antidepressants, MAO inhibitors, and specific antihistamines. Metamizole also carries pharmacodynamic risk: its simultaneous administration with low-dose Acetylsalicylic Acid is documented to inhibit the antiplatelet effect of aspirin. Caution is also specified for co-administration with Dopamine Antagonists, as this may lead to antagonism of gastrointestinal effects. No mandatory timing or dose-separation requirements are formally specified. Regulatory text also requires particular caution for elderly patients due to potential for heightened interaction susceptibility.

Mechanism of Action

Scopolan compositum contains two distinct active components, each modulating different biological pathways. Hyoscine butylbromide functions as a quaternary ammonium derivative and a non-selective competitive antagonist at peripheral muscarinic acetylcholine receptors (mAChRs) on smooth muscle cells. By occupying these receptors, it blocks the binding of acetylcholine, thereby inhibiting the cholinergic signal transmission required for visceral smooth muscle contraction and glandular secretion. Its structure restricts its distribution, preventing central nervous system activity.

Metamizole sodium monohydrate acts through its active metabolites to modulate cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly in the central nervous system, resulting in the inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis. Prostaglandins are key mediators in nociceptive and fever pathways. Furthermore, metamizole exhibits a direct smooth muscle relaxant effect via a distinct mechanism, potentially involving the nitric oxide (NO)-cGMP pathway. The combined action results in the synergistic interruption of parasympathetic-driven contractile activity coupled with the modulation of ascending pain signals.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Scopolan compositum

The administration of Scopolan compositum involves the use of this fixed-dose combination product containing Hyoscine Butylbromide (10 mg) and Sodium Metamizole Monohydrate (250 mg). The primary purpose of these guidelines is to define the standardized pattern for the drug's short-term, symptomatic use in adults, ensuring adherence to the established parameters for dosing and duration.

Administration Scope

Property Administration Guidelines
Route of administration Oral use (Coated tablets)
Dosing schedule (Adults) Single dose: 1 to 2 coated tablets
Maximum daily dose: 6 coated tablets
Timing in relation to meals Not specified.
Age-group administration rules Not administered to individuals under 18 years of age.
Special procedural conditions Always use the smallest effective dose. If symptoms worsen, use must be discontinued.

Instruction Classifications (High-Level)

Classification Pattern
Administration method type Oral (tablet ingestion)
Frequency pattern As-needed (ad hoc); Maximum 3 times per day
Use-context constraints Temporary use only; Maximum self-treatment duration of 3 days.

Resulting Procedural Structure

Standard step sequence:

  • Initial Use: Administer a single dose of 1 to 2 tablets upon the onset of symptoms.
  • Repetition: The dose may be repeated up to three times per day, remaining below the defined daily limit.
  • Duration Limit: Administration should not exceed 3 consecutive days without medical consultation.

The administration protocol structures the medicine as a strictly short-term, acute intervention for the adult population. These rules establish clear numerical boundaries for single and total daily doses, defining the maximum exposure for temporary symptomatic relief.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Scopolan compositum

Evidence for Use in Acute Renal and Biliary Colic

Studies evaluating the fixed-dose combination of Hyoscine Butylbromide and Sodium Metamizole have included short-term Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) and comparative studies. These trials were primarily conducted in acute settings, focusing on adult patients experiencing the severe, episodic discomfort associated with kidney stones (renal colic) and issues related to the gallbladder or bile ducts (biliary colic). Research has examined outcomes related to physical discomfort, primarily monitoring symptom intensity using standardized measures, and tracking the need for additional pain intervention (known as rescue analgesia) shortly after administration.

Some studies reported that the measured changes in patient-reported pain scores were observed in the immediate post-treatment phase, often within the first hour. The evidence base in this area is broadly categorized as Moderate based on established research grading systems.

Evidence for Spasmodic Pain in the Gastrointestinal and Genitourinary Tracts

Studies have also evaluated the combination for conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations, such as general abdominal cramping linked to smooth muscle spasms and pain related to spastic dysmenorrhea. Studies exploring short-term symptom changes for these indications include a mix of evaluation trials and various observational reports involving adult populations. Research monitored patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort and functional changes. For spastic dysmenorrhea, research examined the effect on pain severity over the menstrual period, which typically involved a mid-term treatment duration of three to five days. The evidence quality varies across studies, leading to an overall classification of Low to Moderate certainty for the broader gastrointestinal spasm category.

Key Limitations and Areas of Scientific Uncertainty

The scientific literature highlights several areas where the research evidence is limited. Comparative evidence is sometimes lacking in trials that directly compare the fixed-dose combination against the separate, single components, which limits the ability to fully determine the combined formulation's specific role. Furthermore, long-term effects for chronic or frequently recurring conditions are not fully established. Research provides context but not individual predictions, and the evidence highlights what is known—and what is still uncertain—about the observed patterns of the combination across diverse patient subgroups and long-term scenarios.

Key Studies & References Comparison of the effect of diclofenac with hyoscine-N-butylbromide in the symptomatic treatment of acute biliary colic (Comparative study context)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Scopolan compositum (FAQ)


Q: What is the official maximum recommended dose for a single use?

The official product information for adults states that the single dose is established to be between one and two coated tablets. The full product label establishes clear numerical boundaries for the maximum single dose and maximum daily dose. Patients should follow the specific directions provided by their healthcare provider and the product leaflet.


Q: What are the most common or uncommon side effects I should look out for?

Regulatory documents indicate that uncommon side effects include a fast heart rate (Tachycardia), dry mouth, and various skin reactions. The official patient leaflet contains the full list of reported effects, including any that are classified as common or very common. If any severe or unexpected reactions occur, patients should contact a healthcare professional.


Q: What should I do if I forget to take my dose?

Product guidance generally addresses missed doses by stating that the dose may be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose is typically advised to be skipped. Taking a double dose to compensate for a forgotten one is typically advised against by regulatory bodies. Patients should always review the specific guidance on the product label.


Q: Does Scopolan compositum treat the cause of the pain or just the symptoms?

This medicine is specifically indicated for the short-term, symptomatic treatment of pain associated with spasms. According to official therapeutic guidelines, its primary purpose is to relieve the immediate discomfort and spasms, not to address or cure the underlying cause of your pain or condition.


Q: How long does it take for Scopolan compositum to start working?

Pharmacological data for the components suggests that the pain-relieving action may typically be noticed within a timeframe of 30 to 60 minutes following oral administration. Individual response times may vary, but this timeframe reflects observations from the active ingredient.


Q: What should I do with expired or unused tablets?

The disposal of this medicine should comply with local regulatory requirements or be handled through pharmacy take-back programs. If a formal program is unavailable, official precautions advise mixing unused tablets with an unappealing substance, sealing them in a container, and then discarding them in the household trash to prevent accidental ingestion.


Q: What is the difference between an antispasmodic and an analgesic?

The medicine is a fixed-dose combination of two types of agents. An antispasmodic agent, like Hyoscine Butylbromide, works by relaxing smooth muscle to relieve cramping. An analgesic agent, like Metamizole, works to modulate pain signals and may also have fever-reducing properties.


Q: What type of pain is this medicine used for?

The medicine is officially indicated for the relief of severe pain linked to smooth muscle spasms in several body systems. This includes pain associated with the gastrointestinal tract, the biliary tract (such as biliary colic), and the genitourinary system (such as renal colic or painful menstrual periods).

How should Scopolan compositum be stored and disposed of?

Official Storage and Disposal Requirements

Storing Scopolan compositum coated tablets must strictly adhere to the conditions outlined in the regulatory labeling to maintain the product's integrity and ensure safety.

Storage Component Regulatory Mandate
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 25°C (room temperature).
Child Safety Must be kept out of the reach and sight of children.
Shelf-Life Do not use the medicine after the expiry date printed on the package.

For disposal, unused or expired medication should be handled according to local regulations. If a take-back program is unavailable, it is advised to mix the tablets with an unappealing substance, seal the mixture in a container, and discard it in the household trash. Identifying information should be scratched off the original label before disposal.

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

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