Hyoscine for travel sickness

About hyoscine

Hyoscine is an effective medicine for travel sickness. It works by preventing the confusing messages going to your brain.

There are a number of different brands of tablet available which contain hyoscine as a salt, called hyoscine hydrobromide. You can buy these without a prescription at pharmacies. There are two strengths of tablets available: 300 microgram tablets for adults, and 150 microgram tablets for children. The dose for younger children will require halving a tablet.

There is also a product called Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patch. This is a patch for people aged 10 years or over. You stick the patch on to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey, and then remove it at the end of the journey. The patch releases hyoscine through your skin and into your bloodstream.

One of the other effects of hyoscine is that it causes a dry mouth. It is sometimes prescribed by doctors for this reason, rather than to prevent travel sickness.

There is also a similar-sounding medicine called hyoscine butylbromide. This is an antispasmodic medicine which is used to relieve pain caused by tummy (abdominal) cramps. There is more information about this in a separate medicine leaflet called Hyoscine butylbromide tablets.

Before taking hyoscine

To make sure this is the right treatment for you, before you (or your child) start taking hyoscine, it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you are unwell and have a high temperature (fever).

• If you have digestive system problems such as reflux disease, diarrhoea, or ulcerative colitis.

• If you have an eye condition called glaucoma.

• If you have high blood pressure, a fast heart rate, or any other heart problems.

• If you have problems with your liver, kidneys or prostate gland.

• If you have epilepsy.

• If you have a condition causing muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you have Down's syndrome.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
  

How to use hyoscine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about hyoscine, including a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Recommended doses are as follows:
  

  • For adults and children over 10 years of age: 150-300 micrograms.

  • For those aged 4-10 years: 75-150 micrograms.

  • For those aged 3-4 years: 75 micrograms.

• You should take a dose of tablets 30-60 minutes before the start of the journey, and then repeat the dose after six hours if needed. There is a maximum number of tablets that can be taken in any 24-hour period, so remember to check the directions on the label carefully to make sure that you (or your child) do not take more than the recommended daily amount.

• Read the label on the pack carefully to see whether the tablets should be sucked or chewed, or simply swallowed with a drink of water.

• If you have been prescribed Scopoderm® 1.5 mg patches:

  • Stick one patch to the skin just behind your ear 5-6 hours before the start of your journey and remember to remove it after your arrival.

  • The effect of the patch can last up to 72 hours, so it is suitable for people taking long journeys.

  • Once removed, fold the patch in half so it sticks together and dispose of it carefully.

  • Remember to wash your hands after handling the patches, and also it is important to clean behind your ear after you have removed the patch. This is to make sure you remove any remaining traces of hyoscine from your skin.

  • Do not apply more than one patch at a time and do not cut the patches unless your doctor or a pharmacist tells you to.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Hyoscine can make you sleepy, and if you are using the patches, you may still feel sleepy the following day. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines until you feel well again. Also, avoid drinking alcohol, as this will increase the feelings of sleepiness.

• When you buy any medicines, you should always check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take alongside your other medicines. This is particularly important with hyoscine because it can increase the side-effects from some other treatments.

• Other things which can help to prevent travel sickness are:
  

  • Looking out of a window or sitting with your head tilted slightly backwards.

  • Taking regular breaks in your journey to have some fresh air and drink some cold water.

  • Breathing deeply and slowly while you listen to music.

Can hyoscine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with hyoscine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

How to store hyoscine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
  

Important information about all medicines