How does Buscopan work?
Buscopan is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. It relieves stomach cramps and period pains by relaxing muscles in areas such as the digestive system and bladder.
It does this by reducing the wave-like contractions of the muscle in the walls of the stomach, bowel and bladder.
Buscopan helps to treat stomach cramps and period pains, but does not cure them.
When will I feel better?
Buscopan tablets start to work within 15 minutes. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if your symptoms do not improve within 2 weeks.
Can I take Buscopan for a long time?
Do not take Buscopan for longer than 2 weeks unless your doctor tells you to.
Talk to your doctor if your symptoms change, get worse or have not improved after 2 weeks. Your doctor will want to rule out an illness that may be causing your symptoms.
Buscopan is safe to take for a long time (more than 3 months) as long as you get advice from your doctor, you take the recommended dose and you're not having any side effects. If you need to take it for a long time, your doctor may prescribe it for you.
Are there other IBS remedies?
There are other IBS remedies, including peppermint oil (Colpermin) and mebeverine (Colofac).
Peppermint oil and mebeverine are also antispasmodic remedies. They work in a similar way to Buscopan to relax stomach muscles and ease painful cramps.
Both peppermint oil and mebeverine are available to buy from pharmacies. Mebeverine is also available on prescription.
Can I take Buscopan with other IBS remedies?
Do not take Buscopan at the same time as other irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) remedies.
Can I take Buscopan with painkillers?
Yes, you can take Buscopan at the same time as painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
What's the difference between Buscopan products?
Buscopan Cramps and Buscopan IBS Relief are essentially identical.
The tablets in each contain the same active ingredient (hyoscine butylbromide) and in the same strength (10mg).
But the 2 products are marketed differently.
Buscopan Cramps is targeted at stomach cramps. It can also be used to relieve period pain and the cramping pains some people get with IBS. It can be taken by adults and children aged 6 years or over. It's only available from behind the pharmacy counter.
Buscopan IBS Relief is targeted at IBS that's been confirmed by a doctor. It's for adults and children aged 12 years or over. The dose can be varied according to how severe your symptoms are. It's available from supermarkets as well as pharmacies.
Will it affect my contraception?
Buscopan does not stop any type of contraception from working, including the combined pill or emergency contraception.
Can I drive or ride a bike?
Buscopan can give you blurred vision or make you dizzy. If this happens to you, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until you feel better.
It's an offence to drive a car if your ability to drive safely is affected. It's your responsibility to decide if it's safe to drive. If you're in any doubt, do not drive.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you're unsure whether it's safe for you to drive while taking Buscopan.
GOV.UK has more information on the law on drugs and driving.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Buscopan?
Yes, you can drink alcohol while taking Buscopan as long as you stick to the national guidelines of no more than 14 units a week for men and women.
Can lifestyle changes help?
There are a number of lifestyle changes you can make to prevent or ease painful stomach cramps and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
It can help to understand which, if any, foods trigger your cramps and then reduce or remove them from your diet.
Common triggers include caffeine, fizzy drinks and fried food.
It can also help if you control your stress levels. For example, you could do breathing exercises or try a relaxation therapy such as yoga, pilates or meditation.
Aim to exercise several times a week. Regular activity is good for your digestive system.