Like all medicines, hyoscine hydrobromide can cause side effects. But most people have no side effects or only minor ones.
Common side effects
These common side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide happen in more than 1 in 100 people. There are things you can do to help cope with them:
Feeling sleepy or dizzy
Do not drive, cycle or use tools or machinery if you're feeling this way. Try to avoid drinking alcohol as this will make you feel more tired.
Talk to your doctor if this bothers you as you may need to switch to a different medicine.
A dry mouth
Try chewing sugar-free gum or sucking sugar-free sweets.
Constipation
Eat more high-fibre foods, such as fresh fruit and vegetables and cereals, and drink plenty of water. Try to exercise more regularly (for example, by going for a daily walk or run). If this does not help, talk to a pharmacist or doctor.
Fast heart rate
If this keeps happening after taking hyoscine hydrobromide, speak to a doctor. You may need to change to a different type of medicine.
It may help to cut down on alcohol, smoking, caffeine and big meals, as these can make the problem worse.
Blurred vision
Avoid driving, cycling or using tools or machines while this is happening. If it lasts for more than a day or two speak to your doctor as they may need to change your treatment.
Problems peeing
Try to relax when you pee. Do not try to force the flow of urine. If it does not happen, try again later.
Talk to a doctor urgently if you cannot pee at all.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if the advice on how to cope does not help and a side effect is still bothering you or does not go away.
Serious side effects
It happens rarely, but some people may have a serious side effect when taking hyoscine hydrobromide.
Stop taking hyoscine hydrobromide (or remove your patch) if this happens to you.
Call your doctor or call 111 straight away if you:
- have a painful red eye with loss of vision – this could be caused by an increase in pressure in your eye
- are feeling confused or seeing things that are not real (hallucinations)
- cannot pee at all
- have a fast, pounding heart rate that does not settle or keeps coming back
- have a high temperature
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- you have difficulty breathing or short, shallow breathing
- you have a fit or seizure
- you're unable to stay awake and cannot keep your eyes open for more than a few seconds
Find your nearest A&E
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Serious allergic reaction
In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to hyoscine hydrobromide.
Immediate action required: Call 999 now if:
- your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
- you're breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you're choking or gasping for air)
- your throat feels tight or you're struggling to swallow
- your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
- you suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
- someone faints and cannot be woken up
- a child is limp, floppy or not responding like they normally do (their head may fall to the side, backwards or forwards, or they may find it difficult to lift their head or focus on your face)
You or the person who's unwell may also have a rash that's swollen, raised, itchy, blistered or peeling.
These can be signs of a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.
Do not drive yourself to A&E.
The person you speak to at 999 will give you advice about what to do.
Other side effects
These are not all the side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.
Reporting side effects
You can report any suspected side effect using the Yellow Card safety scheme.
Visit the Yellow Card website for more information about reporting side effects.