Always follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist or the instructions that come with Buscopan.
Dosage and how to take Buscopan
Dosage and strength
Each Buscopan tablet contains 10mg of hyoscine butylbromide. Buscopan tablets are all the same strength whether you get them on prescription or whether you buy them as Buscopan Cramps or Buscopan IBS Relief.
The usual dose for stomach cramps (or cramping pain) in adults and children aged 12 years or over is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day increased to 2 tablets, taken 4 times a day if needed.
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose for stomach cramps (or cramping pain) is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day.
The usual dose for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed by a doctor in adults and children aged 12 years or over is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day. You can increase this to 2 tablets, taken 4 times a day if needed.
How to take it
Take Buscopan tablets when you have stomach cramps or period pain.
Buscopan does not usually upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.
How long to take it for
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.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for the next dose. In this case, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten one.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask your pharmacist for advice on other ways to help you remember to take your medicines.
If you take too much
If you take 1 extra dose of Buscopan, it's unlikely to harm you.
Speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you're worried.
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you take 2 or more extra doses of Buscopan
Call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the Buscopan packet or the leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.