On this page
- Download the leaflet
- Introduction
- Why is it important for my child to take this medication
- What forms of Hyoscine Hydrobromide exist?
- How much should I give?
- When should I give it?
- How should I give it?
- When should the medicine start working?
- What if my child is sick (vomits)?
- What if I give too much?
- Are there any possibilities of side effects?
- Can other medicines be given at the same time as hyoscine hydrobromie?
- Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?
Download the leaflet
Hyoscine Hydrobromide Patch for Drooling (219kB pdf)
Introduction
This leaflet tells you what you need to know about your child’s medication, however if you have any other questions or concerns please consult the pharmacist, nurse or doctor prescribing the medication straight away.
Why is it important for my child to take this medication
Hyoscine Hydrobromide helps to reduce saliva being created which is useful when children drool, or collect saliva at the back of their mouth and throat. Drooling or a collection of saliva can be distressing to your child. Drooling can cause skin irritation which, if left untreated, can cause sores. If saliva collects at the back of your child’s mouth and they struggle to swallow, then this can cause the saliva to be breathed into the lungs, which increases the risk of chest infections.
What forms of Hyoscine Hydrobromide exist?
Hyoscine Hydrobromide comes in various forms, however, the most common form used at Alder Hey Children’s Foundation Trust is a patch which sticks to your child’s skin.
How much should I give?
Your doctor or nurse-prescriber will decide on how much your child should be given dependant on their age, weight and clinical condition. Always follow their instructions exactly.
When should I give it?
The patch delivers Hyoscine Hydrobromide over a period of 72 hours (3 days). The patch can be applied at any time in the day. Replace the patch every 3 days or sooner if advised by your clinician. Some people find that changing the patch at a certain time of day is helpful for their child.
How should I give it?
If you are applying a partial patch then use a pen to mark out halves or quarters as appropriate and cut the patch with scissors. The patch should be applied to the hairless area behind the ear. Ensure the area you will be applying to is clean. Remove the backing from the self- adhesive patch and apply it directly to the skin, ensuring that it is securely stuck down.
Always discard used patches safely in the bin and ensure they are not left anywhere on your child’s body. Wash your hands prior to application and immediately afterwards and do not touch your face or eyes.
When should the medicine start working?
The effects of the patch will be obvious within 24 hours. Following that, your child should receive a continuous supply of Hyoscine Hydrobromide absorbing through their skin until the next patch is applied.
What if my child is sick (vomits)?
Vomiting should not impact the effectiveness of medications given through the skin.
What if I give too much?
If you accidently give too much hyoscine hydrobromide (for example applying the whole patch instead of half) you should seek medical advice.
Are there any possibilities of side effects?
The most common side effects of drugs like hyoscine hydrobromide are: Confusion; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth (thicker secretions); indigestion; redness in the face; headache; nausea; palpitations; skin reactions, increased heart rate; problems with passing urine, problems with the eyes or eyelids or vomiting.
For a full list of possible side effects. Refer to the manufacturers leaflet.
Please report these side effects to your prescriber or pharmacist should they cause any problems for your child. You can also report suspected side effects to the medicines regulator using the yellow card scheme www.yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
Can other medicines be given at the same time as hyoscine hydrobromie?
You should always tell the your nurse, doctor or pharmacist if your child is on any other medication, including herbal medications as they may affect how Hyoscine Hydrobromide works. Your nurse, doctor or pharmacist will then review any other medications your child may be on to make sure Hyoscine Hydrobromide can be used safely and effectively.
Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?
Handle these patches using gloves during pregnancy. Any adverse side effects other than those mentioned above should be reported to your GP.
This leaflet only gives general information. You must always discuss the individual treatment of your child with the appropriate member of staff. Do not rely on this leaflet alone for information about your child’s treatment.
This information can be made available in other languages and formats if requested.
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