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What is Buscopan®?
As your bowel is constantly moving in a motion known as peristalsis, this can make the CT or MRI pictures blurry.
Buscopan belongs to a group of medicines called antispasmodics, which means that it helps to slow down this movement and improve the quality of your pictures. Our specialist doctor, a radiologist, will decide if you need to have this medicine and will discuss this with you before s/he gives you an injection of Buscopan.
Is there any special preparation required?
No special preparation is required before having this injection.
You may have a cannula (”drip”) inserted for the medication to be administered. This should be comfortable and will only be in place until your scan is finished.
What happens during the injection?
Buscopan can be injected directly into a muscle or given through a cannula (”drip”) during your scan. One dose is usually given before or during the scan.
If the injection is given into the muscle, you may feel a pin prick and a small amount of pressure at the injection site.
Are there any after effects from the injection?
The side effects of Buscopan are normally mild. The drug usually wears off after 1-2 hours and any effects should wear off on their own. The following are some common side effects:
- Dry mouth
- Faster heart rate
- Difficulty passing urine
- Short term constipation
- Feeling dizzy
- Temporary blurring of vision
Our staff will monitor you closely after the scan to ensure that it is safe for you to leave our imaging centre. You should not drive until any blurring of your vision has returned to normal.
What happens after the injection?
The CT or MRI scan will proceed as normal until all images have been taken.
What are the benefits?
As your bowel is constantly moving in a motion known as peristalsis, this can make the MRI or CT pictures blurry. The injection of Buscopan will make the pictures clearer.
Are there any risks?
In referring you for this CT or MRI, your doctor is of the opinion that the benefits of this scan for you are greater than the risks. Our radiologist (specialist doctor) will review your Patient Information Questionnaire to ensure that the benefits of you having the injection of Buscopan are greater than the risks.
Please inform the clinical staff before the injection of Buscopan if you:
- Are, or suspect that you may be, pregnant;
- have glaucoma;
- have any heart problems;
- have Myasthenia Gravis;
- have any bowel problems, including nausea or vomiting;
- suffer from any problems passing urine;
- have low blood pressure;
- are allergic to Buscopan or Hyoscine; or
- take any of these medications: Buscopan, anti-arrhythmia medication, anti-histamines, antipsychotics or anti-depressants.
There are some risks and complications associated with an injection of Buscopan.
Buscopan is considered to be a very safe drug, however, complications or adverse symptoms could be experienced. Please seek urgent medical attention if:
- Either one of your eyes becomes painful and red, you develop headache, vomiting, or visual problems. You may have undiagnosed Glaucoma which is affected by Buscopan.
- You experience hives or rash, or you develop swelling of the face, mouth, tongue or throat and have difficulty breathing. You may have had an allergic hypersensitivity reaction.
Before the injection, the radiologist will discuss the use of the Buscopan injection with you in detail, including any risks specific to you. You will be provided with the opportunity to ask questions. It may be necessary to do a formal consultation to ensure that the procedure is the most appropriate for you.
I still have questions; who can I ask?
Medical information can be complex, and you may receive information that you do not fully understand. It is important for you to consider the risks and outcomes of the procedure as well as your personal needs before making a decision to undergo the procedure.
If you have read this online information and are still unsure if this is the correct procedure for you; before making a booking, you should discuss your questions or concerns with your referring doctor in the first instance. Your regular GP and/ or your family may also be a useful resource. Your referring doctor can answer questions about the risks and benefits of not having the procedure and other options for treatment.
If you have questions before your appointment about what is involved on the day, our staff would be happy to assist. Please contact the imaging centre where you have made your appointment.
