N-butylscopolammonium bromide (Tradename Buscopan and also called hyoscine is older literature) is classified as a anti-spasmotic or spasmolytic drug that works on the smooth muscles of the body. It is primarily used for the treatment of spasmodic colic in horses and many preparations are used in combination with dipyrone. This article contains information about it's use, efficacy, and toxicity in horses.

Buscopan (also known as hyoscine and N-butylscopolammonium bromide) is marketed for the control of abdominal pain (colic) associated with spasmodic colic, flatulent colic, and simple impactions. Though the medication has been available in most of the world for years it has just recently come to the USA. There have been questions about its efficacy and in one study no significant effect could be found in a ballon model colic even when used in combination with dipyrone (Vet Rec. 1991 Oct 26;129(17):378-80. Analgesic and spasmolytic effects of dipyrone, hyoscine-N-butylbromide and a combination of the two in ponies.).

However in a field study sponsered by Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc, a manufacter of the drug, significant pain relief was found. 88% of the veterinarians thought the medication was a sucess and 12% thought it to be a failure. Interestingly 48% though the placebo a sucess and 52% a failure.

It is apparent that N-butylscopolammonium bromide has an inhibitory effect on some areas of the large bowel and when colic is due to excessive pressure on these areas, if might help. It is also clear that it will not relieve many colics. Some have suggested that it can be used as a way to differentiate medical from surgical colics but objective proof of this remains to be seen.

Veterinarians Impressions of the Effectiveness of Buscopan vs a Placebo:

	Buscopan(B)	Placebo(P)	BcomparedtoP
% That Report Success	88	42	p <0.0001
% That Report Failure	12	58
Total	100.0	100.0

Results of the Individual Case Results:

Drug	Excellent	Good	Moderate	Poor	Not Effective	Total
Buscopan	46	25	17	5	7	100
Placebo	20	14	8	21	37	100