Can I give Buscopan to my dog?

What is Buscopan?

Buscopan is a drug whose use in humans to relieve gastrointestinal discomfort is widespread. It is also occasionally used in dogs, and its applicability has been increasingly discussed in recent years.

This paper presents a comprehensive review of buscopan in dogs, including dosage, possible side effects, and areas of use.

Tolerability of Buscopan in dogs

In general, buscopan is considered to be tolerated by dogs. However, when administering it, the dosage should be taken into account. In addition, dangerous side effects may occur with combination preparations (such as Buscopan Plus).

Dosage of Buscopan for dogs: dragées, injection & tablets.

Important Note: Administration and dosage must be discussed with a veterinarian, as these are general indications that should not be followed without veterinary advice.

Method of administration

Buscopan for humans can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies. It comes in two main forms: classic Buscopan lozenges and stronger-acting Buscopan Plus film-coated tablets. The dosage between these two dosage forms differs. Since these are human medicines, caution is advised.

For animals, the officially approved combination preparation is Buscopan compositum, which is an injection solution administered by veterinarians that also contains an analgesic, metamizole.

Indication of quantity and active ingredient

The main active ingredient in Buscopan is butylscopolaminium bromide. It has an antispasmodic effect.

For Buscopan compositum, 0.5 - 0.8 mg of this active ingredient per kilogram of body weight can be administered to a dog. As a rule, a single injection is made into the vein, muscle or under the skin, which is repeated after 24h if necessary.

If one wishes to use a human drug, the dosage of this active ingredient must be calculated for the weight of the animal.

Buscopan Plus also contains paracetamol, and dangerous side effects may occur in dogs due to this additional active ingredient in case of overdose .

Effect of Buscopan

All types of Buscopan are used to relieve spasms of themuscles of the gastrointestinal or urinarytract. It works by inhibiting the transmission of certain stimuli.

Fields of application of Buscopan in dogs

Mainly Buscopan is used for abdominal pain. This is the case, for example, in gastrointestinal inflammation and vomiting or spasms in the urinary tract accompanied by pain.

The use of this drug in diarrhea is controversial in some cases due to its mode of action. Therefore, it is important to note that the cause of the abdominal pain should be investigated.

Possible side effects of Buscopan in dogs

Generally, the drug is considered to be well tolerated, as the acute toxicity of the active ingredient is considered to be very low. When injected, pain reactions have been reported in some cases, but they subside quickly.

When should Buscopan not be used?

Buscopan should not be used for the following occurrences:

• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• chronic gastrointestinal disorders
• renal insufficiency
• Coagulopathies
• mechanical stenoses in the gastrointestinal tract
• tachyarrhythmia
• Glaucoma
• Prostate adenoma

Can a bitch be given Buscopan when pregnant?

The use of Buscopan compositum in pregnant animals is recommended only under strict indications, which means that it is essential to discuss it with a specialist. In principle, however, no dangerous side effects have been observed.