SCOPEX CO TABLETS is a medication prescribed to treat various conditions that cause smooth muscle spasms. This medicine contains a combination of Hyoscine-N-butylbromide and Metamizole sodium, which work together to relieve pain and discomfort associated with smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal, biliary, and urogenital tracts.
What is it
SCOPEX CO TABLETS is a pharmaceutical product that combines two active ingredients:
- Hyoscine-N-butylbromide (10 mg per tablet)
- Metamizole sodium (250 mg per tablet)
These two active substances work synergistically to relieve spasm in the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, and urogenital tract, where both antispasmodic and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects are needed.
This medication is primarily used to treat conditions that involve spastic pain, such as abdominal pain caused by gallstones or urinary stones, severe menstrual pain (dysmenorrhoea), and painful uterine spasms.
Indications for Use
SCOPEX CO TABLETS is indicated for a variety of conditions, primarily involving spasmodic pain in smooth muscles. The specific uses of the medication include:
- Gallstones and Urinary Stones
Patients suffering from gallstones or urinary stones often experience intense abdominal pain, which can be alleviated by the antispasmodic and analgesic effects of SCOPEX CO TABLETS. - Sudden Severe Abdominal Pain (Colic)
The medication is also effective in managing sudden, sharp pain in the abdomen, typically associated with conditions such as colic. - Dysmenorrhoea (Menstrual Pain)
Women experiencing severe cramping and lower abdominal pain during menstruation can benefit from the pain-relieving effects of SCOPEX CO TABLETS. - Painful Spasms of the Uterus
Women may also use this medication to relieve painful uterine contractions, particularly those caused by spasm of the uterine muscles.
How SCOPEX CO TABLETS Works
Hyoscine-N-butylbromide, the first active ingredient in SCOPEX CO TABLETS, is an anticholinergic drug. It works by blocking certain neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system, which helps to relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal, biliary, and urogenital tracts, reducing pain caused by muscle spasms.
The second active ingredient, Metamizole sodium, is a non-opioid analgesic. It works by reducing inflammation and providing pain relief, making it effective in treating various types of spastic pain, including those caused by gastrointestinal or urogenital conditions.
Together, these two active ingredients help to reduce the intensity and duration of painful spasms, providing patients with relief from acute discomfort.
Dosage and Administration
The prescribed dosage for SCOPEX CO TABLETS may vary based on the individual’s condition, severity of symptoms, and overall health. However, the typical dosage guidelines are as follows:
- Recommended Dose: The typical dose for adults is 1 to 2 tablets three times a day.
- Administration: The tablets should be taken orally with water, and it is recommended to take them with or without food, as there are no special instructions regarding food intake.
- Maximum Dose: Do not exceed 6 tablets per day unless instructed by your doctor.
It is crucial not to exceed the recommended dose to avoid potential toxicity or overdose. Always follow your doctor’s instructions regarding the dosage and frequency of administration.
Precautions and Contraindications
Before taking SCOPEX CO TABLETS, certain precautions must be considered. It is important to consult your healthcare provider to ensure the medication is safe for your specific health conditions.
Contraindications
Do not take SCOPEX CO TABLETS if you have the following conditions:
- Allergies to active ingredients: If you are allergic to Hyoscine-N-butylbromide, Metamizole sodium, or any other ingredient in the tablet, avoid using this medication.
- Eye conditions: Patients with glaucoma (increased intraocular pressure) should not take this medication.
- Prostate issues: Enlarged prostate or difficulty urinating is a contraindication.
- Intestinal blockages: Do not take this medicine if you have a narrowing of the gastrointestinal tract, or if you suffer from paralytic ileus (intestinal paralysis).
- Severe heart conditions: If you have a history of heart disease, low or high blood pressure, or tachycardia (increased heart rate), SCOPEX CO TABLETS may not be suitable for you.
- Blood disorders: People with a history of granulocytopenia (low white blood cell count) should avoid this medication.
- Pregnancy: Do not take this medication during the last three months of pregnancy.
- Asthma or severe allergies: If you have a history of asthma or serious allergic reactions to other medications, avoid using this medicine.
Warnings
- Liver and Kidney Function: If you have liver or kidney problems, or if you are elderly, your doctor may need to monitor your health closely while taking this medication.
- Prolonged Use: If you use SCOPEX CO TABLETS for extended periods, you may be at risk of developing lowered white blood cell count (agranulocytosis), which can be serious.
- Symptom Monitoring: If you experience any of the following symptoms, consult your doctor immediately:
- High fever
- Sore throat
- Mouth sores
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding
- Sensitivity to alcohol: Patients who have a history of alcohol intolerance should refrain from drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as it could increase the risk of severe allergic reactions.
Potential Side Effects
Like any medication, SCOPEX CO TABLETS may cause side effects. It is essential to monitor your health and inform your doctor if any of the following occur:
Serious Side Effects
If you experience any of the following, stop taking the medicine immediately and seek urgent medical attention:
- Breathing difficulties or shortness of breath.
- Swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue (anaphylaxis).
- Severe skin rash, itching, or hives.
- Chest pain or fainting.
Less Common Side Effects
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Dry mouth and nausea.
- Low blood pressure and fatigue.
- Vision disturbances, such as the inability to focus.
Long-Term Use Side Effects
If used over a prolonged period, you may experience:
- Liver damage: Symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes, and upper stomach pain.
- Blood disorders: Decrease in the number of white blood cells, which can lead to infections, fever, or skin lesions.
- Eye problems: Redness, pain, or vision loss may indicate narrow-angle glaucoma.
Storage Instructions
Proper storage of SCOPEX CO TABLETS is important to maintain its effectiveness:
- Store the tablets at or below 30°C.
- Keep the bottle tightly closed to protect from moisture and light.
- Keep out of reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
- Do not use after the expiry date printed on the packaging.
If you have any unused medication, return it to your pharmacist for safe disposal. Do not dispose of it by flushing down the toilet or pouring it into drains.
Drug Interactions
It is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs, supplements, or herbal remedies.
Some medications that may interact with SCOPEX CO TABLETS include:
- Methotrexate: Used to treat cancer. Concomitant use may increase the toxicity of methotrexate.
- Chlorpromazine: A medicine for mental health disorders; it can cause a drop in body temperature when used with SCOPEX CO TABLETS.
- Aspirin: If you are taking low-dose aspirin for cardiac protection, SCOPEX CO TABLETS may reduce aspirin’s antiplatelet effects.
- Amantadine, antihistamines, and antidepressants: These may interact with SCOPEX CO TABLETS and affect its efficacy or cause enhanced side effects.
Conclusion
SCOPEX CO TABLETS is a powerful combination medication used for treating spastic pain in the gastrointestinal, biliary, and urogenital tracts. By combining Hyoscine-N-butylbromide and Metamizole sodium, the medication provides both antispasmodic and analgesic benefits, making it effective for conditions such as gallstones, abdominal colic, dysmenorrhoea, and uterine spasms.
However, as with all medications, it is crucial to follow the prescribed dosage, consider any contraindications, and be mindful of potential side effects. If used properly and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, SCOPEX CO TABLETS can provide effective relief from painful spasms while ensuring safety and minimizing risk.
Always consult your doctor before starting any new medication, and if you experience any side effects or unusual symptoms, reach out to your healthcare provider promptly.
Sources:
- South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA)
https://www.sahpra.org.za
Official body overseeing drug registration, safety alerts, and pharmacovigilance in South Africa. - National Library of Medicine – DailyMed Drug Label Database
https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov
Provides FDA-approved drug labels for medications including antispasmodics and analgesics. - U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) – MedlinePlus
https://medlineplus.gov
Offers patient-friendly summaries of drug uses, side effects, and safety precautions. - Drugs.com – Hyoscine Butylbromide and Metamizole Information
https://www.drugs.com
Comprehensive database of drug interactions, side effects, and patient usage guides. - World Health Organization (WHO) – Essential Medicines List
https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/WHO-MHP-HPS-EML-2023.01
Details on medicines recommended for global health needs, including analgesics and spasmolytics. - PubChem – National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI)
- Hyoscine Butylbromide: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Hyoscine-butylbromide
- Metamizole Sodium: https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/Metamizole-sodium
Molecular profiles, pharmacokinetics, and chemical safety information.
- Electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC)
https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc
UK-based resource offering product characteristics and patient information leaflets. - European Medicines Agency (EMA)
https://www.ema.europa.eu
European regulatory authority providing scientific evaluations and safety guidelines for medications.
Education:
Sochi Medical College 2014 – 2017
Work experience:
2017 – to date Sochi Pharmacy – Pharmacist
