Dhacopan 10mg Tablet

Dhacopan 10mg Tablet is a non-prescription antispasmodic medicine manufactured by Actavis, containing hyoscine butylbromide 10mg as its active ingredient. Hyoscine butylbromide belongs to the antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) class of medicines and is used for the symptomatic relief of painful spasms, or cramps, affecting the smooth muscle of the stomach, intestines and other abdominal organs. This includes cramping linked to irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), acute spasm associated with renal or biliary colic, and period pain (dysmenorrhoea).

Unlike medicines used to control nausea or vomiting, Dhacopan works specifically by relaxing over-active smooth muscle rather than acting on the vomiting centre of the brain, which is why it is used for cramping and spasm-type pain rather than for nausea itself. It is sold in Malaysia in a 10-tablet strip and can be purchased without a doctor’s prescription, although it may not be suitable for everyone — speak with a pharmacist if you are unsure whether it is appropriate for your symptoms, or if your cramping pain is severe, persistent, or unusual for you.

Hyoscine butylbromide is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) agent that blocks muscarinic receptors on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal and genitourinary tract. Because it is a quaternary ammonium compound, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier easily and acts mainly on smooth muscle outside the brain, with limited effect on the central nervous system. By blocking these receptors, it relaxes over-contracted smooth muscle, relieving the cramping and pain caused by spasm, typically within 15 to 30 minutes of an oral dose.

Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water; it can generally be taken with or without food. Do not crush or chew the tablet. Avoid taking Dhacopan together with other over-the-counter products that also contain hyoscine butylbromide or another antispasmodic or anticholinergic ingredient, as combining them increases the risk of side effects without adding extra benefit — always check the active ingredients of any other cramping, IBS, or period-pain product before combining it with Dhacopan.

The usual dose for adults and adolescents above 12 years is 1 to 2 tablets (10mg to 20mg) taken three to four times a day, or as advised by a pharmacist or doctor. Do not exceed the maximum daily dose stated on the product packaging. Dhacopan may be taken as needed for individual episodes of cramping, or on a regular schedule if advised by a pharmacist or doctor. If cramping pain does not improve within a few days of regular use, or keeps recurring, stop self-treating and see a doctor to check for an underlying cause. If you are taking Dhacopan on a scheduled basis and miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for your next dose, in which case skip the missed dose rather than doubling up. This product is not intended for children 12 years and under without medical advice.

Use this product before the expiry date printed on the packaging. Do not use the tablets if the expiry date has passed.

Store below 30°C in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture, and out of reach of children.

• Common: dry mouth.
• Common: constipation.
• Common: mild dizziness.
• Common: blurred vision.
• Serious: difficulty urinating or complete inability to pass urine — stop use and seek medical attention.
• Serious: a noticeably fast or irregular heartbeat — stop use and seek medical attention.
• Serious: signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial or throat swelling, severe rash, or difficulty breathing — seek emergency medical care.

• Known hypersensitivity to hyoscine butylbromide or any of the tablet’s ingredients.
• Myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder causing muscle weakness.
• Narrow-angle glaucoma or a history of raised eye pressure.
• Megacolon (abnormal widening of the colon).
• Paralytic ileus or mechanical bowel obstruction.
• Pyloric stenosis (narrowing of the stomach outlet).
• Significant urinary retention, such as from an enlarged prostate.

• Other antihistamines (e.g. chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine): may add to anticholinergic effects such as dry mouth and urinary retention.
• Tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics: combined use may increase anticholinergic side effects.
• Metoclopramide and domperidone: hyoscine butylbromide may reduce the effectiveness of these gut-motility medicines when taken together.
• Beta-blockers: concurrent use may increase the risk of a fast heartbeat.
• Alcohol: may worsen dizziness and drowsiness.
• Always tell your pharmacist or doctor about all other medicines and supplements you are taking, including other OTC antispasmodic or anticholinergic products, before starting Dhacopan.

• Swallow the tablet whole with a full glass of water — do not crush, break, or chew it.
• Take Dhacopan at the first sign of cramping pain for the best effect.
• Do not exceed the maximum daily dose printed on the packaging.
• Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medicine affects you, as it may cause blurred vision or dizziness.
• Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine to reduce the risk of dizziness.
• See a doctor if your abdominal pain is severe, persistent, or accompanied by fever, vomiting, or blood in your stool.

Precautions: use with caution if you are pregnant or breastfeeding (speak with a doctor or pharmacist first), elderly, have an enlarged prostate, glaucoma, or a heart condition. This medicine should only be given to a child under the guidance of a pharmacist or doctor. Dhacopan may cause blurred vision or dizziness, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you, and avoid alcohol while taking it.

When to See a Doctor or Pharmacist: your abdominal cramping is severe, does not improve after a few days of use, or keeps recurring; if it is accompanied by fever, vomiting, blood in your stool or vomit, unexplained weight loss, or a persistent change in bowel habit; or if you develop difficulty passing urine, a fast or irregular heartbeat, or any signs of a severe allergic reaction such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.