Uscosin

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 10/01/2026

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 Uscosin

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active Ingredient Hyoscine Butylbromide
Form Tablet (oral) and Solution (injection)
Pharmacological Class Antispasmodic / Anticholinergic
Common Use Relief of visceral spasms/cramping
Origin Synthetic derivative of scopolamine

Defining Uscosin: Identity and Purpose

Uscosin is a medication containing the active component Hyoscine Butylbromide, a substance utilized primarily to relieve acute, painful internal cramping. Its fundamental therapeutic purpose is to act as an effective antispasmodic agent against visceral spasms—the intense, involuntary tightening of smooth muscles within the walls of the digestive or genitourinary tracts. The medication is classified as a single-ingredient product (monotherapy), focused entirely on calming these acute muscular contractions. Hyoscine Butylbromide serves an essential role as an antispasmodic for relief from gastrointestinal and genitourinary pain and is used to ease discomfort caused by muscle tightening, such as the pain associated with a bout of irritable bowel syndrome.


Classification and Composition: What Type of Medicine Is It?

Uscosin belongs to the Anticholinergic drug class and is specifically recognized as a potent Spasmolytic agent. The active compound, Hyoscine Butylbromide, is not a naturally derived substance but a synthetic derivative of the plant-based alkaloid scopolamine. This compound is chemically designated as a quaternary ammonium compound. This specific molecular structure is crucial, as it limits the compound's absorption across the blood-brain barrier. This design ensures that the therapeutic effects are concentrated peripherally on the muscles of the abdomen and pelvis.


Available Forms and Targeted Action

Uscosin is manufactured in two primary dosage forms: oral tablets and a sterile solution for injection, supporting both oral and parenteral routes of administration. This dual availability offers critical flexibility for managing symptoms. The overall principle is the prompt, targeted relaxation of smooth muscle; by blocking the signals that initiate uncontrolled tightening, the medication directly addresses the underlying muscular cause of cramping pain.

Regulatory References

  1. WHO Essential Medicines List: Hyoscine Butylbromide
  2. WHO Model List of Essential Medicines

What side effects are possible with Uscosin?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is defined by its action as a peripheral anticholinergic agent, with adverse reactions documented and classified according to regulatory standards (e.g., EMA/ICH frequency bands). The most common effects are generally linked to this pharmacological class.

Frequency-Classified Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions are formally categorized by incidence, derived from official regulatory data:

Classification Examples of Reactions
Common (1/100 to <1/10) Dry mouth, Dyshidrosis (sweating abnormality)
Uncommon (1/1,000 to <1/100) Tachycardia, Accommodation disorders, Skin reactions (urticaria, rash)
Rare (1/10,000 to <1/1,000) Urinary retention
Not Known Anaphylactic shock, Hypotension, Mydriasis

System-Organ-Class and Serious Reactions

Side effects are documented across several System-Organ-Classes, including Eye disorders (accommodation issues), Cardiac disorders (tachycardia), and Renal and urinary disorders (urinary retention).

Serious Adverse Reactions highlighted in official labeling include life-threatening events such as Anaphylactic shock and severe hypotension, particularly associated with the injectable form.

Safety Restrictions and Limitations

Regulatory documents establish clear safety constraints against the use of Uscosin in specific clinical situations. These restrictions include, but are not limited to, patients with untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, and conditions causing mechanical obstruction of the gastrointestinal tract, such as paralytic ileus or megacolon. Additionally, co-administration with other drugs possessing anticholinergic properties may lead to intensified adverse effects, a principle noted in regulatory texts.

Overdose and Emergency Response

The official regulatory documentation for Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) describes the clinical presentation of an overdose as an exaggeration of the medication’s pharmacological effects.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Overdose is characterized by pronounced anticholinergic effects. These manifestations include tachycardia (abnormally rapid heart rate), urinary retention, dry mouth, and reddening of the skin (erythema). Other documented signs are visual disturbances due to impaired visual accommodation.

Severe Toxicity and Emergency Action

In cases of severe toxicity, the potential for life-threatening outcomes is documented, including circulatory disturbances and respiratory paralysis. Due to these risks, regulatory authorities mandate immediate medical attention if an overdose is suspected. This action is required even if there are no immediate signs of discomfort or poisoning.

Official Supportive Management

The required management procedure is symptomatic and supportive treatment. Official labeling states that overdosage symptoms are responsive to parasympathomimetics. Furthermore, regulatory texts describe specific measures for managing acute oral overdose, which may include gastric lavage followed by the administration of activated charcoal and magnesium sulfate. Procedures such as catheterisation may be necessary to treat urinary retention.

Therapeutic Uses of Uscosin

What Uscosin Treats: Main Uses and Benefits

Uscosin is applied across domains where additional symptomatic support is needed, primarily for conditions characterized by periods of heightened symptoms and noticeable physiological strain. It is used as part of symptomatic management for conditions such as spastic bladder, colic, peptic ulcer, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

This medication helps address symptom clusters that may become intense or disruptive in the context of symptoms linked to organ-specific functional stress, and it is also commonly used to help manage excessive secretions like sialorrhea. The benefit provided is supportive relief, assisting patients in coping more steadily with symptoms that interfere with daily functioning.

Quick Fact: Symptomatic Support for Spasms

Regulatory References

  1. Official FDA Labeling via DailyMed

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Official Eligibility Profile

Regulatory documents define the eligible population for Uscosin by establishing specific non-negotiable contraindications based on the patient's medical history and current physiological state. Only patients who do not meet these exclusionary criteria may use the medicine.

Classification Who Must Not Use Uscosin (Contraindicated)
Allergy Patients with known hypersensitivity to the active substance or any excipients contained in Uscosin.
Comorbidities Patients with specific severe pre-existing medical conditions as formally listed in the official prescribing information (e.g., severe hepatic impairment, specific severe cardiac conditions).
Life Stage Use is typically contraindicated in pregnant women and nursing mothers due to potential risks established in regulatory safety assessments.
Age Restriction The product is not authorized or not recommended for use in certain pediatric age groups (e.g., neonates or children below a specified age) because safety and efficacy have not been formally established.

Eligibility also requires special consideration and monitoring for certain groups, such as the elderly and patients with mild-to-moderate renal or hepatic impairment, where use may be restricted or require close clinical oversight, as stated in the product's official labeling.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

Official regulatory documentation defines the interaction profile of Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) through pharmacodynamic effects and specific administration restrictions, with no major pharmacokinetic interactions noted.


Pharmacodynamic and Absorption Interactions

Interaction Type Interacting Agent Category Official Interaction Description
Additive Effect Other Anticholinergic Agents Results in the intensification of anticholinergic effects, including with certain tricyclic antidepressants and antihistamines.
Antagonistic Effect Dopamine Antagonists May lead to the diminution of effects on gastrointestinal motility for both Uscosin and the co-administered drug (e.g., metoclopramide).
Exposure Modification Antacids/Adsorbent Diarrhoeals These substances can decrease the absorption of Uscosin, potentially reducing its systemic exposure.
Exposure Modification Oral Medications Uscosin’s reduction of gastrointestinal motility may delay the systemic absorption and resulting pharmacologic effects of other orally administered medicines.
Substance Interaction Alcohol Consumption may increase the chance of side effects, specifically those related to central nervous system effects such as drowsiness.

Regulatory Restrictions and Timing Rules

The intramuscular (IM) route of administration is strictly contraindicated in patients who are receiving anticoagulant drugs, due to a documented risk of intramuscular haematoma. The subcutaneous or intravenous route must be used as an alternative. For co-administration with antacids or adsorbent antidiarrhoeals, the official regulatory guidance establishes a timing rule, advising that these products should be administered at least 1 hour before Uscosin to manage the potential for reduced absorption.

Mechanism of Action

Blocking the Parasympathetic Signal at Muscarinic Receptors

The mechanism of Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) is anchored in its role as a competitive antagonist against acetylcholine, the primary neurotransmitter for the parasympathetic nervous system. It acts by binding to muscarinic receptors ( M1, M2, M3) on visceral smooth muscle cells, effectively blocking the excitatory signal that initiates involuntary contractions. The action is restricted to the peripheral nervous system because the molecule's quaternary ammonium compound structure limits its passage across the blood-brain barrier.

Inducing Smooth Muscle Relaxation (Spasmolysis)

By blocking the muscarinic signal, the molecule suppresses the subsequent Gq-protein signaling cascade, which prevents the necessary release of intracellular calcium ions ( Ca^2+) within the muscle cells. The resulting decrease in Ca^2+ maintains the muscle fibers in a relaxed state, leading directly to spasmolysis, the physiological consequence of reduced smooth muscle tone. This peripheral-selective mechanism results in the physiological effects being concentrated in the viscera, while avoiding modulation of central nervous system pathways.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Uscosin: Administration Guidelines

This section details the principles for administering Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) in clinical practice, focusing strictly on routes, dosage, frequency, and label-based instructions.


Approved Routes and Standard Dosing

Uscosin is available in two primary forms with specific administration routes. The method of use depends on the clinical context:

Route of Administration Typical Adult Dose Range Maximum Daily Dose
Oral (Tablets) 10 mg to 20 mg per dose, up to four times daily. 80 mg
Parenteral (IV/IM/SC) 20 mg initially, may be repeated after 30 minutes. 100 mg

Oral dosing for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome typically starts at a lower frequency and may be increased, not exceeding the oral maximum of 80 mg/day. The injectable form is generally reserved for acute spasm and diagnostic procedures.


Key Administration Conditions

Duration of Use: Uscosin is intended for short-term use to manage acute episodes of painful cramping. It should not be taken on a continuous, daily basis or for extended periods without medical assessment of the underlying cause of the pain.

Procedural Rules:

  • Oral Intake: Tablets must be swallowed whole with an adequate amount of water.
  • Intravenous (IV) Administration: The injection must be performed slowly (e.g., over 3 minutes). The solution may be diluted with standard IV fluids, such as Sodium Chloride 0.9%.
  • IM Route Restriction: The Intramuscular (IM) route is restricted in individuals receiving anticoagulant therapy; in such cases, the SC or IV route must be used instead.

Population Rules: The use of oral tablets is generally not recommended for children under 6 or 12 years, depending on the specific product label. No specific dose adjustment is mandated for older adults.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research evidence / Overview of studies for Mydriatic Agent


Evidence for use in Pre-operative Mydriasis for Cataract Surgery

Research has explored the agent’s use in adults preparing for cataract surgery. The studies typically consisted of short-term randomized controlled trials (RCTs), where the agent was evaluated in settings that included the goal of observing pupil size changes before the procedure. Researchers monitored the speed and final size of the pupil opening, which is relevant in evidence describing how symptoms are measured as the outcomes reflecting the required physical access noted by the surgeon. The findings describe patterns observed in the studies where the agent was associated with the achievement of specific pupil dilation diameters within a short timeframe. However, long-term effects are not fully established, as the follow-up durations were limited to the immediate post-operative period.


Evidence for use in Management of Acute Anterior Uveitis

This area will outline the types of studies that exist for this condition, which mainly include historical observational studies and small, non-randomized trials. Research was studied for its use in managing acute anterior uveitis, conditions marked by functional limitations and often involving inflammation. Studies examined how the agent affected the ciliary muscle—an outcome related to physical discomfort. These studies described patterns observed in the studies where the agent was associated with the induction of cycloplegia, a temporary condition where the focusing muscle is observed not to work. Research exploring the agent's contribution to changes in overall inflammation levels is still emerging, and findings were mixed across the existing studies. Evidence is limited for this indication, and certainty remains low due to the lack of modern, well-controlled trials.


Evidence for use in Refraction Assessment in Children

This content will summarize comparative studies and clinical reviews that have measured the magnitude and duration of cycloplegia achieved in pediatric patients and reported on the necessary recovery time. This agent was evaluated in comparative studies to assess its role in temporarily affecting the eye’s focusing mechanism in children. The research examined how refraction measurements changed when the agent was used compared to when it was not. Comparative studies described patterns observed in the studies regarding the duration of the effect and the time required for the child’s focusing ability to fully recover. Data for certain groups remain insufficient, and since the follow-up durations were limited to the acute period (hours to one day), there is limited information for long-term outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Uscosin (FAQ)

Q: What specific conditions is Uscosin officially approved to treat?

A: Uscosin is officially approved for the symptomatic relief of spasm—involuntary muscle tightening—in the digestive, biliary (gallbladder and bile ducts), and genito-urinary tracts. This is based on therapeutic indications found in official regulatory documents.

Q: How long does it usually take before a person begins to feel the effects of Uscosin?

A: Official regulatory data indicates that the onset of action for the oral form is generally within 15 minutes.

Q: What is the expected duration of action for a single dose of Uscosin?

A: Regulatory data indicates that the therapeutic effect of a single oral dose of Uscosin is expected to last approximately 4 to 6 hours.

Q: How is Uscosin cleared from the body (e.g., through kidneys or liver)?

A: Pharmacokinetic studies show that the active ingredient is largely cleared from the body by the kidneys, primarily in the form of inactive breakdown products (metabolites). Some of the drug is also eliminated in the feces.

Q: Is there a generic version of Uscosin currently available?

A: Official drug listings and regulatory records show that the active ingredient, Hyoscine Butylbromide, is available through multiple manufacturers under various generic and brand names in many jurisdictions.

Q: Is it possible for Uscosin to interact with over-the-counter pain relievers?

A: Regulatory documents examine potential interactions with other drug classes, particularly those that might intensify the drug's anticholinergic effects. Most common over-the-counter pain relievers do not have a specific, known interaction listed in official product information.

Q: Does Uscosin interact with herbal supplements or vitamins?

A: Official regulatory data advises caution regarding the use of Uscosin with herbal products or certain dietary supplements. These items may have unknown interactions that could potentially change how the medicine works.

Q: Can grapefruit or grapefruit juice affect how Uscosin works?

A: Regulatory product information does not list a specific interaction between Uscosin and grapefruit or grapefruit juice.

Q: Does Uscosin interact with common supplements like magnesium or calcium?

A: Official warnings state that supplements containing certain minerals, such as magnesium or calcium, may reduce the absorption of Uscosin. These substances can potentially reduce the amount of medicine that enters the system, impacting its effectiveness.

Q: Is it safe to use Uscosin while also taking a multivitamin?

A: Multivitamins often contain minerals that act similarly to antacids or adsorbent agents. Regulatory warnings advise that these substances may reduce the absorption of Uscosin, potentially lowering the amount of drug that reaches the bloodstream.

Q: Can Uscosin interact with medications for blood pressure or diabetes?

A: Official documents warn that Uscosin may interact with specific agents used to treat conditions like high blood pressure, such as the potential for additive effects with beta-adrenergic agents.

Q: Does Uscosin change or affect the effectiveness of birth control?

A: Official regulatory documents do not list an interaction between Uscosin and hormonal contraceptives (birth control).

Q: Is Uscosin safe to use in combination with cold and flu remedies?

A: Many over-the-counter cold and flu remedies contain agents with anticholinergic properties, such as certain antihistamines. Regulatory warnings caution that combining Uscosin with these types of medicines may lead to intensified side effects.

Q: What if I start taking a new medicine after I've already started Uscosin?

A: Official product information emphasizes the need to review all concurrent medications with a healthcare provider. Uscosin may interact with certain drug classes, which could potentially increase the risk of side effects or change how the drugs are processed.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose of Uscosin?

A: Official labeling advises that if the time for the next dose is near, the missed dose is typically skipped, and the regular schedule is followed.

Q: How does food affect the way Uscosin is absorbed?

A: Studies and official information indicate that consuming food at the same time as Uscosin may delay its absorption. This means that the time it takes for the drug's effects to begin may be extended.

Q: Are there any dietary restrictions mentioned in the official prescribing information for Uscosin?

A: Official prescribing information lists specific substances that should be avoided or limited, such as alcohol and certain antacids, but does not mandate broad, general dietary restrictions.

Q: Can Uscosin cause drowsiness or affect my ability to drive?

A: The official label indicates that Uscosin may cause visual disturbances or dizziness in some patients. Regulatory warnings caution that operating machinery or driving should be avoided if you experience these effects.

Q: Why do some people report feeling more fatigued when they start taking Uscosin?

A: Fatigue or general weakness, while not listed among the most common adverse reactions, is included in the adverse event reports found in official labeling.

Q: Can Uscosin cause changes in appetite or weight?

A: Changes in appetite or body weight, if observed in clinical trials, are reported in the Adverse Reactions section of official labeling. They are generally listed at an uncommon or rare frequency.

Q: Is it normal to experience nausea when first starting Uscosin?

A: Nausea is not typically listed among the common side effects in the official frequency tables for Uscosin. The most commonly documented adverse reactions related to the digestive system are generally dry mouth.

Q: How often do the serious side effects occur, based on clinical trial data?

A: Regulatory documents classify the frequency of serious adverse reactions, such as anaphylactic shock and severe hypotension. For Uscosin, this frequency is officially listed as 'Not Known,' meaning it cannot be reliably estimated from available data.

Q: What are the known risk factors for experiencing side effects from Uscosin?

A: Regulatory documents identify specific pre-existing medical conditions that increase the risk of adverse effects. These include conditions like untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, and certain severe heart conditions.

Q: Is Uscosin safe for individuals with a history of stomach or digestive issues?

A: The official product information specifically lists certain severe digestive issues as contraindications, including conditions that cause mechanical obstruction of the digestive tract, such as paralytic ileus.

Q: Is Uscosin known to be safe for people with pre-existing kidney or liver conditions?

A: Regulatory warnings state that Uscosin should be used with caution and under monitoring in individuals who have mild-to-moderate kidney or liver impairment. Severe liver impairment is typically listed as a condition where the medicine should not be used.

Q: Is the safety profile of Uscosin different for men versus women?

A: Official regulatory documents indicate that specific dose adjustments or safety monitoring based on the patient's sex are not generally required for the use of Uscosin.

Q: How does the FDA or other regulatory body classify Uscosin in terms of risk?

A: Regulatory bodies classify the risk profile of Uscosin. This includes the official pregnancy risk classification and its status as a non-controlled substance.

Q: Is Uscosin a Schedule-controlled substance?

A: Official regulatory agencies, such as the FDA and international bodies, have not classified Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) as a Schedule-controlled substance.

Q: Is there a known risk of dependence or withdrawal if Uscosin is stopped?

A: Official regulatory documents state that Uscosin does not carry a known potential for dependence or the development of withdrawal symptoms when the medicine is stopped.

Q: Can a person develop a tolerance to the effects of Uscosin over time?

A: Clinical data reviewed by regulatory authorities does not indicate the development of tolerance to the spasmolytic (anti-cramping) effect of Uscosin during its intended short-term use.

Q: Is it possible to take too much of this medicine?

A: Official regulatory documents include a specific section detailing the known symptoms of a suspected overdose. This section also outlines the required professional actions for managing such an event.

Q: Does Uscosin affect the results of common blood tests?

A: Regulatory documents include information on known drug-laboratory test interactions. Uscosin is specified regarding whether it may interfere with the results of certain common clinical laboratory tests.

Q: What should I do if the medicine doesn't seem to be working for me?

A: Official regulatory documents suggest that if the pain or other symptoms persist or worsen during the short course of treatment, the documentation advises consulting a healthcare professional.

Q: What should I do if I have an allergic reaction to Uscosin?

A: Official regulatory documents clearly state that if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, the medication should be stopped. The documentation advises seeking immediate professional attention.

How should Uscosin be stored and disposed of?

How to Store and Dispose of Uscosin

Uscosin (Hyoscine Butylbromide) must be stored according to official regulatory specifications to maintain product stability and ensure household safety.

Storage Requirements

The medication must be stored below 30 C and kept in a dry place. It is essential to protect the product from light by keeping the tablets and injection ampoules in their original package or outer carton. The tablets have a labeled shelf life of 3 years. The injection solution is for single use only and any unused portion must be immediately discarded.

Child Safety and Disposal

All forms of Uscosin must be stored out of the sight and reach of children.

Disposal of unused or expired medicine must follow local requirements. Medicines must not be thrown away via wastewater or standard household trash. Patients should consult a pharmacist regarding proper pharmaceutical disposal procedures.

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

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