Description

What Is Hyoscine Hydrobromide?

Hyoscine hydrobromide is a medicine used to prevent or treat motion or travel sickness. It works by influencing the signals between the inner ear and brain involved in balance and nausea. This can help reduce the unpleasant symptoms that some people experience while travelling.

Kwells and Joy-Rides are trademarks for hyoscine hydrobromide tablets. However, strengths differ between products so always check the packaging and patient information leaflet before use.

**What is hyoscine used for?**

Hyoscine hydrobromide tablets are used mainly to prevent or treat travel sickness. If your eyes and inner ear tell your brain different things about movement you can get motion sick . That means some people may feel nauseous, dizzy or sweaty or may vomit when they travel by car, boat, plane or train.

Hyoscine tablets may also be good for planned journeys, as they can start to work in around 20 to 30 minutes. Follow the instructions that come with your particular product.

What Are Kwells and Joy Rides?

Hyoscine hydrobromide affects a chemical messenger in the nervous system called acetylcholine. It can therefore reduce signals associated with nausea and vomiting. It also affects some of the muscle activity in the stomach.

As instructions differ between brands and strengths, users should read the package leaflet carefully. Your chemist can also show you how to take the medicine properly.

Side Effects Common

Like all medicines, hyoscine hydrobromide can cause side effects. Typical effects include:

• Xerostomia
• Drowsiness
• Lightheadedness
• Vision blurred
• Constipation
• A fast heart rate for some people

Not everyone will experience these effects. However, if the medicine makes you feel sleepy, dizzy or causes blurred vision, do not drive, ride a bicycle or use machinery until you feel better.

Also, alcohol can make you sleepier, so it’s best to avoid alcohol when using hyoscine hydrobromide.

Who should be more cautious?

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not appropriate for all individuals. It is not suitable for you if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, bowel obstruction, difficulty passing urine, certain heart conditions, epilepsy or certain thyroid, kidney or liver conditions. Ask your doctor or chemist before using it. Hyoscine hydrobromide is not usually recommended during pregnancy and for this reason professional advice is needed.

Also tell your doctor or chemist if you are taking any other medicines. Hyoscine hydrobromide may interact with some antihistamines, antidepressants, Parkinson’s medicines and other medicines or increase the side effects.

How to Prevent Motion Sickness

But medicine need not be used for travel sickness. You can also look at the horizon, get some fresh air, take breaks on long journeys and avoid reading or watching moving screens while travelling.

So, with appropriate medical advice and taking practical travel measures, trips can be made to be more comfortable.

FAQs

Buscopan contains the active ingredient hyoscine.

No. Kwells and other products contain hyoscine hydrobromide, which is not the same as hyoscine butylbromide, the active ingredient in Buscopan. Hyoscine hydrobromide is mainly used for travel sickness and Buscopan is used for cramps in the stomach and other muscles.

How fast does hyoscine hydrobromide work?

Usually a tablet will start to work in about 20 to 30 minutes.” But always follow the instructions that come with your specific product.

Does hyoscine make you sleepy?

Yes. You might feel sleepy. If you feel sleepy, dizzy or your vision is blurred, do not drive a car or operate machinery.

Overall

Hyoscine (Kwells and Joy-Rides) can help prevent and control travel sickness by acting on signals involved in balance and feeling sick. However, it is important to choose the right product and follow the directions for use. Always read the patient information leaflet. If you have medical conditions or take other medicines, speak to a chemist or healthcare professional.