How does hyoscine hydrobromide work?
Hyoscine hydrobromide belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergics or antimuscarinics.
Hyoscine hydrobromide blocks a chemical called acetylcholine. This chemical is found naturally in parts of your brain and nervous system.
Blocking acetylcholine reduces the amount of saliva produced by your salivary glands, as well as secretions in your lungs.
It's not fully understood how hyoscine hydrobromide prevents travel sickness.
It may block messages from your inner ear (which controls balance) to the part of your brain that controls vomiting.
Hyoscine hydrobromide also relaxes the wave-like muscle contractions in the walls of your stomach.
How long does it take to work?
The tablets start working in 20 to 30 minutes.
The patches take up to 6 hours to work fully.
Is it safe to take for a long time?
Hyoscine hydrobromide is unlikely to do you any harm when you take it for a long time, as long as you take the recommended dose and the side effects do not bother you.
What will happen if I stop taking it?
If you take hyoscine hydrobromide for travel sickness, nothing will happen when you stop taking it at the end of your journey.
Will it affect my contraception?
Hyoscine hydrobromide does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Do not drive a car or ride a bike if hyoscine hydrobromide makes you sleepy, gives you blurred vision, or makes you feel dizzy, clumsy or unable to concentrate or make decisions.
This may be more likely when you first start taking it, but could happen at any time (for example, when starting another medicine).
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.
GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking hyoscine hydrobromide?
It's best not to drink alcohol while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.
Hyoscine hydrobromide combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.
Is there any food or drink I need to avoid?
Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.