What does hyoscine mean?
Hyoscine is an anticholinergic alkaloid also known as scopolamine. It belongs to a group of tropane alkaloids associated with plants such as henbane and belladonna, and it is used primarily in medicine. Hyoscine hydrobromide is taken to prevent or relieve motion sickness, including symptoms associated with travel by boat, car, train, or aircraft. It may also be used before surgery or other procedures to reduce secretions and produce a calming effect. Although the drug has legitimate and important therapeutic uses, it can cause side effects such as drowsiness, blurred vision, dry mouth, and confusion, particularly in older adults. In ordinary English, the name is especially associated with British and pharmaceutical usage, while scopolamine is the more familiar international name. Hyoscine should not be confused with hyoscyamine, a related but chemically distinct alkaloid with different pharmacological properties.
nounHyoscine is an anticholinergic alkaloid also known as scopolamine, used mainly in medicine to help prevent or relieve motion sickness and as a premedication before procedures. It is commonly used in the form of hyoscine hydrobromide.
- The medicinal alkaloid scopolamine, especially its hydrobromide salt, used to treat motion sickness and as a premedication.
"The doctor prescribed hyoscine to help prevent motion sickness during the long journey."
"She took hyoscine before the boat journey because she was prone to seasickness."
"Hyoscine was administered before the procedure to reduce secretions and help relax the patient."
Hyoscine takes its name from henbane, the poisonous plant whose name literally refers to a pig's rest.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does hyoscine come from?
The name hyoscine was formed in the 19th century from the botanical genus name Hyoscyamus, which comes from Greek words meaning approximately 'pig's bean' and refers to henbane. The name describes the plant's traditional association with swine, which were thought to become intoxicated or drowsy after eating it. Hyoscine was later identified with the alkaloid also known as scopolamine, named after the Italian botanist Giovanni Antonio Scopoli.
How hyoscine is actually used
The name hyoscine is especially common in British and pharmaceutical usage. It is a prescription medicine with potentially significant anticholinergic effects, so dosage and precautions should follow medical guidance.
Easily confused with hyoscine
Hyoscine and hyoscyamine are related tropane alkaloids, but they are distinct compounds with different potencies and effects.