What Is Butylscopolamine?
Butylscopolamine, also known as hyoscine-N-butylbromide, is a derivative of the alkaloid scopolamine. It has both parasympathomimetic and antispasmodic effects and is commonly used as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic agent. By relaxing smooth muscle tone, it relieves spasms in the digestive system, alleviating symptoms such as indigestion and stomach pain. Classified as an atropine substitute and anticholinergic drug, it suppresses the parasympathetic nervous system and is synthesized to emulate atropine’s effects. Its use requires caution due to varied side effects and contraindications.
Uses of Butylscopolamine
Butylscopolamine is primarily used to control abdominal pain and stomach cramps, particularly caused by spasms in the digestive tract or uterus. Common side effects include impaired eye lens regulation, dry mouth, constipation, and headache. It is contraindicated in patients with glaucoma, bacterial diarrhea, and heart disease.
Properties of Butylscopolamine
Butylscopolamine appears as a white to almost white crystalline powder with a faint characteristic odor. It has a molecular weight of 440.4 and is slightly soluble in water, but more soluble in alcohol and chloroform. As an anticholinergic agent, it competitively inhibits acetylcholine receptors, mainly muscarinic receptors, leading to reduced spasms and tension in the digestive system. It has limited passage into the central nervous system, acting predominantly on the peripheral nervous system. The drug is rapidly absorbed, metabolized primarily in the liver, and excreted through the kidneys.
Structure of Butylscopolamine
Butylscopolamine is a tropane alkaloid derivative with a cyclic tropane skeleton and an ester functional group. It has a butyl group attached to scopolamine’s structure, restricting its passage to the central nervous system and reducing central nervous system side effects. Typically, it exists as a quaternary ammonium salt.
Other Information on Butylscopolamine
How Butylscopolamine Is Produced
Butylscopolamine is synthesized from scopolamine, which is extracted from plants like butterfly morning glory, jimsonweed, and mandrake. Although chemical synthesis of scopolamine is possible, plant extraction remains more common on an industrial scale. The N-alkylation process introduces a butyl group to scopolamine’s nitrogen atom, creating butylscopolamine.