how long do kwells travel sickness tablets last

Kwells Travel Sickness Tablets

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Kwells 300 microgram tablets and Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets provide quick and effective prevention and management of travel sickness.

About Kwells Travel Sickness Tablets

What are kwells travel sickness tablets.

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, can cause significant discomfort and anxiety for sufferers and their caregivers. To combat this, Kwells offers a solution to help manage and alleviate symptoms, enabling a smoother journey.

What is the difference between Kwells Travel Sickness Tablets and Kwells Kids Travel Sickness Tablets?

The difference between the kids and adults’ version is that the adult’s version is 300 micrograms, whereas the kids version is 150 micrograms.

What is travel sickness?

Travel sickness, also known as motion sickness, occurs when there's a disconnect between the sensory signals the brain receives from the inner ear, eyes, and other body parts. These conflicting signals confuse the brain, leading to symptoms such as:

• General feeling of discomfort

Common scenarios that trigger travel sickness include:

• Boat trips (sea sickness)
• Airplane flights (air sickness)
• Train journeys
• Amusement park rides

Factors that can influence the severity of travel sickness include:

• Age (children are more susceptible)
• Genetics (it can run in families)
• Anxiety and stress levels
• Previous experiences with motion sickness

What can you do to prevent travel sickness?

To manage and prevent travel sickness, several strategies can be helpful:

• Focus on the horizon or a stable object
• Sit in the front seat of a car or choose seats with the least motion (e.g., the middle of an airplane or on the deck of a ship)
• Avoid reading or using screens
• Ensure good ventilation and fresh air
• Stay hydrated and eat light, non-greasy foods
• Use over-the-counter or prescription medications designed to prevent motion sickness, such as antihistamines

Understanding and recognizing the symptoms early can help in taking preventative measures to mitigate the discomfort associated with travel sickness.

How to take Kwells

Both Kwells and Kwells Kid’s tablets can be sucked, chewed or swallowed. They have a scoreline so they can be halved if necessary.

The tablets can be taken up to 30 minutes before travelling to prevent travel sickness or at the onset of nausea.

Kwell’s 300 microgram tablets:

Adults: Take one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not take this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Elderly: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Kwells tablets.

Children over 10 years: Give your child half or one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Kwells tablets should not be given to children under 10 years of age.

Kwell’s Kid’s 150 microgram tablets:

Give your child one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Kwells Kid’s tablets should not be given to children under 4 years of age.

Kwells ingredients

Kwells contains 300 micrograms of Hyoscine Hydrobromide.

Kwells Kid’s ingredients

Kwells Kid’s contains 150 micrograms of Hyoscine Hydrobromide.

Kwells Warnings

Before taking this medicine:

Do not take Kwells tablets if you:

• Are allergic (hypersensitive) to Hyoscine hydrobromide or any of the other ingredients in the tablets.
• Have any of the following conditions: Glaucoma, Blockage of intestines (Paralytic ileus), Narrowing of stomach outlet (Pyloric stenosis), Myasthemia gravis, Enlarged prostate gland

Before taking Kwells tablets, you should see your doctor if you:

• Are over 60 years of age
• Are under medical care, especially for heart, metabolic, gastrointestinal, liver or kidney conditions
• Have previously had a sudden painful inability to pass urine
• Have ulcerative colitis
• Have diarrhoea or fever
• Have Down's Sysndrome
• Suffer from seizures or fits.

As Kwells may cause drowsiness, children who have been given Kwells tablets should not be left unattended.

Stugeron Tablets

• Up to 8 hours relief

Scopoderm Patches

We stock 2 other treatments for travel sickness.

Visit our Travel Sickness page for treatments, advice and FAQs.

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Authored by

Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.

Reviewed by

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.

• Review Date: 13 August 2024
• Next Review: 13 August 2026
• Published On: 13 August 2024
• Last Updated: 28 August 2024

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Hyoscine for travel sickness

Joy rides, kwells, scopoderm.

Peer reviewed by Sid Dajani Last updated by Michael Stewart, MRPharmS Last updated 21 Nov 2022

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

• Download Download Article PDF has been downloaded
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Follow the dosage directions on the label or pack. Do not take more than the recommended dose.

If you are taking tablets, take a dose about 30 minutes before you travel.

If you have been prescribed a patch, apply it to the skin behind your ear 5-6 hours before your journey starts.

Hyoscine may make you sleepy. If this happens, do not drive and do not use tools or machines.

In this article :

About hyoscine, before taking hyoscine, how to use hyoscine, getting the most from your treatment, can hyoscine cause problems, how to store hyoscine, important information about all medicines.

Continue reading below

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

Important: on rare occasions more serious side-effects can occur when using hyoscine hydrobromide patches (Scopoderm ® patches). This is more likely if using the patches in a way the manufacturer did not intend, for example cutting patches or using more than one patch. People using hyoscine patches, or their carers, should be alert for signs that the dose is too high. These can include: a high temperature (fever), difficulty passing urine, confusion, disorientation, seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), fits or convulsions, reduced consciousness and difficulty breathing. If you notice any of these symptoms, remove the patch(es) immediately and seek medical help.

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

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

Never take more than the recommended dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.

If you are having an operation or any dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.

Do not keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.

If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

Report side effects to a medicine or vaccine

If you experience side effects, you can report them online through the Yellow Card website .

Further reading and references

• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® Kids ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Kwells® 300 microgram tablets ; Dexcel Pharma Ltd, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated May 2022.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Joy-Rides® Tablets ; Teva UK Limited, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated October 2020.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Scopoderm® 1.5 mg Patch ; GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Healthcare, The electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated August 2021.
• Medicines Complete BNF 87th Edition ; British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.

Article history

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Next review due: 20 Nov 2025

21 nov 2022 | latest version.

Last updated by

Peer reviewed by

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Kwells – Travel Sickness Prevention & Treatments

Motion Sickness Relief & Treatment

Motion sickness, or travel sickness, is that unwell feeling that occurs when you’re in a moving vehicle, whether that’s a car, boat, bus, plane, or train. Learn how you can find relief and treat motion sickness.

Motion Sickness Causes & Symptoms

The cause of motion sickness is movement that your body is not used to. Read more about the causes and symptoms here.

Motion Sickness in Children

Motion sickness tends to affect kids more than adults and is actually fairly common. Read more about motion sickness in children, the causes, the symptoms and treatments.

Motion Sickness & Sea Sickness Alternative Remedies

The last thing you want on your next trip away is a bout of motion sickness – so what motion sickness remedies are out there to help you find motion sickness relief?

View the Kwells ® range

Get motion sickness under control with Kwells. Available range for kids 2-12 years and also adults.

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Kwells Kids

• Kwells 300 microgram tablets
• Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets
• Travel Sickness
• Motion Sickness
• Sea Sickness
• Car Sickness

Join our journey of discovery for tips to prevent travel sickness

Here to help you enjoy the journey

Kwells has been a go-to, over-the-counter travel sickness remedy for UK travellers for over three decades.

We believe the journey is as important as the destination and that travel sickness shouldn’t dampen your day out or your adventurous holiday spirit.

Kwells travel sickness tablets for adults and children over the age of 10 and Kwells Kids for children over the age of four are used for the fast and effective prevention and control of travel sickness.

About motion sickness

Motion sickness is the general term used to describe the nausea symptoms caused by repeated movements when you’re travelling, such as going over bumps in a car or moving up and down in a boat. 1

It can also occur on fairground rides, while playing video games 2 or using Virtual Reality headsets 3 .

Also known as cybersickness, VR motion sickness sufferers experience similar symptoms to those who suffer from travel sickness.

About travel sickness

Travel sickness is common, particularly in children 4 and is caused by repeated movements when travelling whether its car, boat, plane or train.

It occurs when the inner ear sends different signals to your brain from those your eyes are seeing. 1 These confusing messages cause you to feel unwell.

Symptoms can include a headache and nausea, feeling cold and going pale, sweating and feeling weak. 4

About sea sickness

Alongside car sickness and air sickness, sea sickness is an unpleasant combination of symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and vomiting. 2 Sea sickness is said to be the most common form of motion sickness. 5

Whether it’s a cruise ship or a boat it’s caused by the vessel moving up and down over the water, again sending those mixed messages from your eyes and inner ear to the brain.

About car sickness

Whether it’s a day out or a staycation, car sickness can really put a downer on a journey. As with other forms of travel sickness, car sickness is caused by the repeated movements of travelling.

Thankfully there are things you can do to prevent or relieve the symptoms and unlike being on water or in the air, you can stop for breaks for fresh air, refreshment and exercise.

Children aged three to 12 are most likely to suffer from travel sickness – and this often becomes apparent on car journeys – with most teenagers growing out of the condition.

About nausea

Nausea, or feeling sick, is one of the main motion sickness symptoms. 4

And here’s an interesting fact for you; the word nausea is derived from the Greek word ‘naus’ which came from ‘nautical’ meaning a ship!

If you do feel sick while travelling fresh air may help as well as taking sips of a cold drink – some people find fizzy drinks work best. 6 You could also try focussing on a stable object such as the horizon or closing your eyes. 2

References:

1 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/motion-sickness/

2 https://111.wales.nhs.uk/travelhealth/TravelSickness/

3 https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/923616/safety-domestic-vr-systems.pdf

4 https://patient.info/travel-and-vaccinations/health-advice-for-travel-abroad/motion-travel-sickness

5 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7048153/

6 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/feeling-sick-nausea/

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Our Products

Short trips or big adventures, you can help end the misery and unhappiness of travel sickness..

Kwells 300 microgram tablets and Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets are used for the fast and effective prevention and control of travel sickness.

• Contains Hyoscine Hydrobromide
• Helps prevent travel sickness

Kwells 300 microgram tablets. For the prevention of travel sickness, suitable for adults and children aged 10+. Contains Hyoscine Hydrobromide 300 microgram. Kwells Kids 150 microgram tablets. For the prevention of travel sickness, suitable for children aged 4+. Contains Hyoscine Hydrobromide 150 microgram. Always read the label

Privacy Overview

Who can and cannot take hyoscine hydrobromide - Brand names: Kwells, Joy-Rides, Kwells Kids, Travel Calm, Scopoderm

Who can take hyoscine hydrobromide.

Hyoscine hydrobromide travel sickness tablets can be taken by most adults and children from the age of 3 years.

Patches for travel sickness can be used by most adults and children from the age of 10 years.

Who may not be able to take hyoscine hydrobromide

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not suitable for some people. To make sure it's safe for you, tell a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you:

• have ever had an allergic reaction to hyoscine hydrobromide or any other medicine
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have difficulty peeing or a bowel blockage
• have myasthenia gravis , a condition that causes muscle weakness
• have heart problems, including a very fast heart rate
• have thyroid, kidney or liver problems
• have epilepsy (seizures)
• have digestive problems, such as acid reflux or severe constipation
• have ulcerative colitis
• have a high temperature
• are pregnant or trying to get pregnant, as hyoscine hydrobromide is not recommended in pregnancy

Page last reviewed: 5 October 2022 Next review due: 5 October 2025

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Kwells Travel Sickness Tablets 12 Pack

Authored 23 September 2020 by Dr A. Wood MB ChB Manchester University 1984. Former NHS GP in Bristol. GMC no. 2855422

Reviewed by Dr C. Pugh , Dr B. Babor Last reviewed 04 August 2023 Last updated 28 August 2024 Editorial policy

• Travel sickness
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Kwells 300mg Tablets 12s

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Description

This medicine is sold under the discretion of a Well Pharmacist. You will be required to answer a few short questions to ensure this medicine is suitable for you.

Kwells tablets are for the prevention of travel sickness. Kwells tablets can be taken up to 20-30 minutes before travelling to prevent travel sickness, or at the onset of nausea.

Travel sickness happens when the brain receives mixed messages. Visual messages from the eyes inform the brain that the immediate surroundings are stationary, but a delicate balancing organ in the ear tells the brain that you are moving. This conflicting information triggers the nausea we associate with travel sickness.

If Hyoscine hydrobromide has been prescribed for you by your doctor, follow any instructions he/she may have given you.

If you have purchased Kwells tablets, follow these directions closely:

The tablets can be sucked, chewed or swallowed. They have a scoreline so they can be halved if necessary. The tablets can be taken up to 30 minutes before travelling to prevent travel sickness or at the onset of nausea.

Adults: Take one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not take this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Elderly: Consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Kwells tablets.

Children over 10 years: Give your child half or one tablet every 6 hours, as required. Do not give your child this medicine more than 3 times in 24 hours.

Kwells tablets should not be given to children under 10 years of age.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not suitable for some people. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you:

• Have had an allergic reaction to hyoscine hydrobromide or any other medicines in the past
• Have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• Have difficulty peeing or a bowel blockage
• Have myasthenia gravis, an illness that causes muscle weakness
• Have heart problems, including a very fast heart rate
• Have thyroid, kidney or liver problems
• Have food poisoning or other digestive problems, such as acid reflux, severe constipation or ulcerative colitis
• Have a high temperature
• Are trying for a baby or you’re pregnant, as hyoscine hydrobromide is not recommended in pregnancy
• Do not take Kwells tablets if you are pregnant or breast-feeding unless recommended by your doctor or midwife. Medicines can affect the unborn baby. Always talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine in pregnancy.

Active Ingredients

Hyoscine Hydrobromide 300 micrograms.

Also contains: Mannitol (E421). Potato starch, Gelatine powder, Aluminium stearate, Sachharin sodim (E954) and Ferric oxide (E172)

See patient information leaflet for more advice

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Hyoscine hydrobromide (Kwells and Joy-Rides)

1. about hyoscine hydrobromide.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is taken to prevent travel sickness (motion sickness) .

It can also be used to reduce the amount of saliva in your mouth. This can help with symptoms if you're having palliative care or end of life care .

Hyoscine hydrobromide comes as patches and tablets that you suck, chew or swallow. It can also given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

You can buy the travel sickness tablets and patches at pharmacies.

Hyoscine hydrobromide patches and tablets for reducing excess saliva are available on prescription only.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not the same as hyoscine butylbromide , better known as Buscopan.

2. Key facts

• Hyoscine hydrobromide is mainly used to prevent travel sickness.
• The most common side effects are a dry mouth, constipation and blurred vision.
• The travel sickness tablets come in different strengths: 300 micrograms for adults, 150 micrograms for children.
• Do not give travel sickness tablets to children under the age of 4 years. Do not give the patches to children under the age of 10 years.
• Popular brand names for the travel sickness tablets are Kwells, Kwells Kids and Joy-Rides. The patches are called Scopaderm.

3. Who can and cannot take hyoscine hydrobromide

Hyoscine hydrobromide tablets for travel sickness can be taken by adults and children from the age of 4 years.

For excess saliva, the tablets are prescribed for adults and children aged 12 years and older.

Hyoscine hydrobromide patches (for both travel sickness and excess saliva) can generally be used by adults and children from the age of 10 years.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not suitable for some people. Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you:

• have had an allergic reaction to hyoscine hydrobromide or any other medicines in the past
• have an eye problem called primary angle closure glaucoma
• have difficulty peeing or a bowel blockage
• have myasthenia gravis , an illness that causes muscle weakness
• have heart problems, including a very fast heart rate
• have thyroid, kidney or liver problems
• have food poisoning or other digestive problems, such as acid reflux , severe constipation or ulcerative colitis
• have a high temperature
• are trying for a baby or you're pregnant, as hyoscine hydrobromide is not recommended in pregnancy

4. How and when to take it

Always read the information that comes with your medicine.

The instructions may be vary, depending on why you're taking hyoscine hydrobromide and whether you're taking tablets or using patches.

You can suck or chew the tablets, or swallow them whole with a drink of water. You can take the tablets with or without food.

The patches work like a plaster and you stick them on your skin.

How to take tablets for travel sickness

Pharmacies sell 2 different strengths of hyoscine hydrobromide tablets:

150 micrograms (including Kwells Kids and Joy-Rides) – for children aged 4 years and older

300 micrograms (including Kwells) – for adults and children aged 10 years and older

Take a dose at least 30 minutes before the start of your journey, or as soon as you start to feel sick when travelling.

For long journeys, you can repeat the dose every 6 hours.

Do not take more than 3 doses in 24 hours.

Dosage by tablet strength

How to use patches for travel sickness.

Patches are suitable for adults and children aged 10 years or older.

• Stick a patch to the skin behind the ear 5 to 6 hours before the start of your journey (or the evening before you travel).
• Remove the patch at the end of your journey.

For long journeys, you can keep the patch on for up to 72 hours (3 days).

If you're still travelling after 72 hours, remove the first patch and stick a new patch behind the other ear. You can keep this on for another 72 hours if needed.

How to take tablets for excess saliva

These tablets are available on prescription only. They can be taken by adults and children aged 12 years or older.

The usual dose is 1 tablet (300 micrograms), 3 times a day.

How to use patches for excess saliva

Adults and children aged 10 years or older:

• Stick a patch to the skin behind the ear.
• Leave the patch on for 72 hours (3 days).
• After 72 hours, remove the patch.
• Stick a new patch behind the other ear.
• Repeat the process.

Occasionally a doctor may prescribe patches for a child under the age of 9 years.

In this case, they'll use your child's weight to work out what size patch to use. They may only need to use half a patch.

What if I take too much?

Taking 1 extra dose of hyoscine hydrobromide by accident is unlikely to harm you.

But you may get more side effects, such as a dry mouth or blurred vision.

The amount of hyoscine hydrobromide that can lead to an overdose varies from person to person, and too much hyoscine can be dangerous.

Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:

• you or your child take 2 extra doses of hyoscine hydrobromide or more

Taking too much hyoscine can be dangerous. In serious cases, you can become unconscious or have fits and you'll need emergency treatment in hospital.

Go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111

If you need advice for a child under the age of 5 years, call 111.

If you need to go to A&E, do not drive yourself. Get someone else to drive you or call for an ambulance.

Take the hyoscine hydrobromide packet or leaflet inside it, plus any remaining medicine, with you.

5. Side effects

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 happen in more than 1 in 100 people.

Talk to a pharmacist or doctor if these side effects bother you or do not go away:

• feeling sleepy or dizzy
• a dry mouth
• constipation
• blurred vision or itchy eyelids
• problems peeing (taking longer to empty your bladder, or feeling that your bladder's not quite empty even after peeing)

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.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E 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

Serious allergic reaction

In rare cases, it's possible to have a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to hyoscine hydrobromide.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• you get a skin rash that may include itchy, red, swollen, blistered or peeling skin
• you're wheezing
• you get tightness in the chest or throat
• you have trouble breathing or talking
• your mouth, face, lips, tongue or throat start swelling

You could be having a serious allergic reaction and may need immediate treatment in hospital.

These are not all the side effects of hyoscine hydrobromide.

For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

You can report any suspected side effect to the UK safety scheme .

6. How to cope with side effects

What to do about:

• feeling sleepy or dizzy – do not drive 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.
• 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, try taking your medicine at a time when you can sit or lie down while your symptoms are worst. It may also help to cut down on alcohol, smoking, caffeine and big meals, as these can make the problem worse. If you're still having symptoms after a week, speak to a doctor. You may need to change to a different type of medicine.
• 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.

7. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Hyoscine hydrobromide is not usually recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

Tiny amounts of hyoscine hydrobromide may get into breast milk, but it's not known if this harms the baby.

There's a small risk that hyoscine hydrobromide may reduce the amount of milk you produce.

Non-urgent advice: Tell a doctor or a pharmacist if you're:

• trying to get pregnant
• breastfeeding

8. Cautions with other medicines

Some medicines and hyoscine hydrobromide can interfere with each other or increase your risk of side effects.

Do not take hyoscine hydrobromide if you're taking medicines used to increase the movement of your gut.

This includes domperidone and metoclopramide.

They can cancel each other out, which means your medicines do not work.

Some medicines increase your risk of side effects if you take them at the same time as hyoscine hydrobromide.

Only take them together if your doctor tells you to.

This includes:

• amantadine, a medicine for Parkinson's disease
• quinidine and disopyramide, heart medicines
• allergy medicines, such as antihistamines
• some medicines for depression, such as amitriptyline
• some inhaled asthma medicines, including salbutamol , ipratropium, tiotropium
• medicines for mental health problems, such as chlorpromazine or clozapine (unless your doctor prescribes hyoscine hydrobromide for excess saliva caused by clozapine)

Mixing hyoscine hydrobromide with herbal remedies and supplements

There might be a problem taking some herbal remedies and supplements alongside hyoscine hydrobromide, especially ones that cause side effects such as sleepiness, a dry mouth or making it difficult to pee.

Ask a pharmacist for advice.

Tell a doctor or pharmacist if you're taking any other medicines, including herbal remedies, vitamins or supplements.

9. Common questions

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.

We do not fully understand 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.

The tablets start working in 20 to 30 minutes.

The patches take up to 6 hours to work fully.

The length of time you take hyoscine hydrobromide for depends on why you're taking it.

For travel sickness, you only need to take the tablets or use the patches before and during your journey.

For reducing saliva, you may need to take the tablets or use the patches for a long time (more than 3 months).

It's only recommended for longer than 3 months if you're taking the recommended dose and not having any side effects.

Hyoscine hydrobromide is unlikely to do you any harm when taking it for a long time, as long as you take the recommended dose and the side effects do not bother you.

If you take hyoscine hydrobromide for travel sickness, nothing will happen when you stop taking it at the end of your journey.

If you're taking it to reduce saliva, stopping your medicine may cause your symptoms to return.

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.

GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving .

Talk to a doctor or pharmacist if you're not sure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.

There's no firm evidence to suggest that taking hyoscine hydrobromide will reduce fertility in either men or women.

But speak to a pharmacist or doctor before taking it if you're trying to get pregnant.

Hyoscine hydrobromide does not affect any type of contraception, including the combined pill and emergency contraception .

It's best not to drink alcohol while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.

Hyoscine hydrobromide combined with alcohol can make you feel very sleepy.

Apart from avoiding alcohol, you can eat and drink normally while taking hyoscine hydrobromide.

Page last reviewed: 28 August 2019 Next review due: 28 August 2022