N-Butylscopolammonium Bromide

Major Uses

N-butylscopolammonium bromide is an injectable anticholinergic that is commonly used in horses to treat colic associated with spasmodic colic, flatulent colic, and simple impactions. When used together with oxytocin, it can be effective in treating esophageal obstruction and as an aid in performing rectal exams such as colonoscopies.

Common Precautions

N-butylscopolammonium bromide is contraindicated in animals with impaction colics affiliated with ileus, and those with glaucoma. This product should not be used in animals that are intended for food purposes.

Some adverse effects of N-butylscopolammonium bromide are transient tachycardia, decreased borborygmal sounds, transient pupil dilation, decreased secretions, and dry mucous membranes. N-butylscopolammonium bromide may also increase heart rate, making it so heart rate cannot be used as a pain indicator for up to 30 minutes after injection. A lack of response to the drug may mean a more serious issue is present in the patient.

N-butylscopolammonium bromide should not be used in animals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to the drug. A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if an overdose is suspected, the symptoms of which can be dilated pupils, tachycardia, and dry mucous membranes. Other symptoms of an overdose are inhibited gut motility and mild colic.

Storage

N-butylscopolammonium bromide is administered in injection form and should be stored at room temperature. It should be kept in a location where animals and children will not be able to reach it.

Administration

A typical dose of N-butylscopolammonium bromide is .3 mg/kg one time through a slow IV. When being used to treat esophageal obstruction, a typical dose is .3 mg/kg intravenously with .11-.22 Units/kg of oxytocin. N-butylscopolammonium bromide is typically administered only once. The patient should not receive two doses of N-butylscopolammonium bromide at one time.

Doses may vary in different species, when the drug is given by a different route or concurrently with other medications, and with regards to a patient's age, breed, and health status. A veterinarian's dosing instructions and/or those printed on the medication label should be followed closely.