Stomach cramps and any other symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome can be very uncomfortable and painful, so medication that can ease the pain, like Buscopan tablets, may be required.
Read on to discover what Buscopan is and the answers to commonly asked questions about the medication.
What is Buscopan?
Buscopan is an Antispasmodic medication. It contains the active ingredient Hyoscine Butylbromide, which provides relief for stomach cramps and symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).
There are two types of Buscopan tablets you can buy:
Key facts about Buscopan
How do the tablets work?
They relieve stomach cramps and IBS symptoms by relaxing the muscles around your stomach, intestines, and urinary systems, preventing them from contracting and causing spasm-like pain.
How to take the tablets
Both types of tablets contain 10mg of Hyoscine Butylbromide and should be swallowed with water (not chewed).
For Buscopan Cramps, adults and children over the age of 12 should take two tablets four times a day when they experience stomach cramps or IBS symptoms. Any children aged between 6 and 12 years should take one tablet three times a day.
For Buscopan IBS Relief, adults and children over the age of 12 should take one tablet three times a day when they experience IBS symptoms and cramps. If needed, they can increase the dose to a maximum of two tablets taken four times a day.
Who can take the tablets?
These tablets are for anyone looking for IBS relief or something to ease their stomach cramps. However, Buscopan Cramps shouldn’t be taken by children under 6 years old and Buscopan IBS Relief shouldn’t be taken by children under 12 years old.
You also shouldn’t take these tablets if you:
- Have a megacolon (an enlarged bowel)
- Are allergic to any of the ingredients
- Have glaucoma
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
You should also seek advice from a medical professional before you take these tablets if you:
- Have acute constipation
- Are over 40
- You’re being sick or suffering from nausea
- Have heart problems or a fast heart rate
Please see the patient information leaflet for a full list of cautions:
Do other medications affect how they work?
Some medications can affect how the tablets work, and they can also affect how some other medications work. You should avoid taking Buscopan tablets if you take:
- Antipsychotic medications
- Antihistamines
- Medications that control your heart rate, including Quinidine or Disopyramide
- Inhalers for Asthma, including Salbutamol
Please see a full list of medications in the patient information leaflets:
Side effects
As with all medications, there is the possibility you could suffer from some side effects.
Uncommon side effects (affecting 1 in 100 people) include:
- Sweating more or less than usual
- Increased heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Skin feeling itchy
Rare side effects (affecting 1 in 1,000 people) include difficulties draining your bladder.
If you experience an anaphylactic reaction, such as swelling and difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
For a full list of side effects, see the patient information leaflets.
Frequently asked questions
Discover the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about the medication.
Can it help with period pain relief?
As Buscopan tablets relax the muscles and digestive system, it stops any spasm and cramping pain which can help with period pain relief.
Can I take it with other IBS medications?
You should only take one IBS treatment at a time, as the medications can cancel each other out and stop working.
Will Buscopan affect my fertility?
There is no evidence to suggest that any Buscopan tablets can affect your fertility.
Can I take Buscopan with other painkillers?
Yes, it is safe to take at the same time as painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Although, it is recommended to avoid taking Codeine at the same time as Buscopan tablets as it can increase your likelihood of suffering from side effects[1].
Buy Buscopan from PostMyMeds
Order your tablets with PostMyMeds and get free, fast and secure first class delivery with Royal Mail.
