Hyoscine tablets

• Always take hyoscine tablets exactly as your healthcare provider or pharmacist has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
• The usual dose of hyoscine tablets is 20 mg which is one 20 mg tablet or two 10 mg tablets. These are usually taken up to four times daily with a gap of 4 to 6 hours between doses.
• Hyoscine tablets are usually used for a short time unless prescribed for longer by your healthcare provider. 
• If your stomach cramps or pain gets worse or doesn't improve after a few days, you must see your healthcare provider. 

• Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
• Food: You can take hyoscine tablets with or without food.
• Missed dose: If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it's nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the usual time. Don't take double the dose.

• Are you under 6 years of age or an older adult who is frail?
• Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?
• Have you ever had problems with your bowel (such as bowel obstruction, an enlarged bowel or ulcerative colitis)?
• Do you have high blood pressure, a fast heart rate or any other problems with your heart?
• Do you have a blood disorder such as porphyria?
• Do you have prostate problems or problems passing urine (peeing)?
• Do you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye)?
• Do you have myasthenia gravis?
• Do you have gastro-oesophageal reflux disease?
• Do you have diarrhoea?
• Do you have problems swallowing food?
• Are you taking or using any other medicines? This includes any medicines being taken which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

If so, it’s important that you tell your healthcare provider or pharmacist before taking hyoscine tablets. Sometimes a medicine isn’t suitable for a person with certain conditions, or it can only be used with extra care.

Here are some things to know when you're taking hyoscine tablets. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Driving: Hyoscine tablets can make you feel tired or dizzy. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Alcohol: Avoid alcohol while you're taking hyoscine. It can increase your chance of side effects such as feeling sleepy.
• Other medicines: Hyoscine interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your healthcare provider before starting hyoscine and before starting any new products.
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding: Talk to your healthcare provider if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or want to breastfeed.

Like all medicines, hyoscine tablets can cause side effects although not everyone gets them. If you're concerned about any symptoms you think might be related to your medicine, talk to your healthcare provider. The following information offers some guidance but doesn't include all possible side effects.

Tell your healthcare provider if these side effects bother you

• Dry mouth: To relieve dry mouth, suck ice chips, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.
• Constipation.
• Problems with your eyesight and vision such as blurred vision: Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Feeling sleepy and dizzy: Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you. Don’t drink alcohol.
• Feeling restless.
• Nausea (feeling sick) and vomiting (being sick).
• Difficulty passing urine (peeing).
   

Tell your healthcare provider immediately or phone Healthline free on 0800 611 116 if these occur

• Feeling confused.
• Skin feels flushed, dry and hot and you’re not sweating: Try to keep cool, sponge your skin with cool water and drink plenty of water.
• Changes in your heart rate such as fast or irregular.

Phone 111 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) clinic if these occur

• Signs of an allergic reaction such as itchy skin, and rash, swollen lips or tongue, problems breathing, like a tight chest or shortness of breath.

Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.