Buscopan or in the medical world known as hyoscine butylbromide and is taken by people to relieve stomach cramps and to lessen period pains by helping the digestive system relax.
It reduces the contractions of the muscles of the walls of the stomach You can buy buscopan over the counter and do not need a prescription from a doctor to get some.
However, the pharmacist may need to ask you a series of questions to make sure that buscopan is suitable for you before selling them to you.
Buscopan is available over the counter in two formats, as Buscopan cramps and also Buscopan IBS Relief, both are essentially the same thing and contain the same active ingredient and the same dosage.
This article will guide you through all that you need to know about buscopan, where you can buy it from, and what to look out for when taking the medication.
Main Topics
Where can you get a buscopan from?
Buscopan is available without a prescription at all traditional pharmacies and also some supermarket pharmacies, however, it is only available over the counter so you’ll need to ask the pharmacist for it in your chosen store.
The pharmacist should ask you a handful of questions to ensure that buscopan is suitable and safe for you to use.
These questions may cover any medication you are currently taking, any health conditions you have, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, so don’t be alarmed if the pharmacist asks you any of these before providing you with buscopan.
How often should you take buscopan?
Regardless of if you’re taking Buscopan IBS Relief or Buscopan Cramps, both formats contain 10mg in each tablet. So guidelines will be very similar across both types of products.
The recommended dosage for someone children and adults over the age of 12 who is struggling with stomach pains is 2 tablets taken 4 times a day.
For children aged 6-11 years old, they should only take 1 tablet 3 times a day. If you’re an adult or a child over the age of 12 and you have been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor, then the usual recommendation is to take 1 buscopan tablet 3 times a day.
However, children under 12 are not recommended to take buscopan to treat IBS.
These recommendations are based on the average user and your pharmacist or doctor will be able to guide you on what suits your needs best, so being open and honest about your health when buying them at the counter is the best route to go.
How long does buscopan take to work?
Buscopan usually takes around 15-20 minutes before it begins to work. However, you should not take buscopan continuously for extended periods of time without consulting with a doctor first.
If buscopan does not work as effectively as you’d hoped or your symptoms are getting worse, then get in touch with a doctor as it could be something more severe that is causing your abdominal pain.
What are the side effects of taking buscopan?
Most people suffer no side effects or only minor side effects when taking buscopan.
Some of these side effects may only occur during the first time you take buscopan, but if they persist or the side effects are affecting your day-to-day life then consult with your doctor.
Common side effects:
- Fast heart rate
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Blurred vision
- Small blisters on hands or feet
Whilst these are the more common side effects of taking buscopan, they only happen out of 1 of every 100 people.
Rare side effects:
- Difficulty passing urine
- Loss of vision
- Allergic reactions (swelling of face, throat, tongue, or difficulty breathing)
If you experience any of these side effects when taking buscopan then you should ring your doctor immediately and do not take any more tablets.
Can you take buscopan with other medications?
Certain medications and buscopan can alter the way one another works and can also increase the risk of unpleasant side effects.
Before taking buscopan, you should discuss any other medications you are currently taking with a doctor or pharmacist so they can advise you on what dosage is recommended for your health problems.
You will need to be careful or avoid taking buscopan if you are already taking these medications:
- Codeine
- Some antihistamines for allergies
- Some asthma medications
- Some medications for mental health problems including clozapine or chlorpromazine
- Medication for heart conditions
- Medication for depression
- Medicine taken for Parkinson’s disease.
If you’re already taking tablets or medication for IBS relief, then you should not take buscopan as well.
Can you take painkillers with Buscopan?
Yes, you can take painkillers like paracetamol or ibuprofen as well as taking buscopan.
Who should not take buscopan?
Buscopan is generally not recommended for any pregnant or breastfeeding mothers as there is a risk of a percentage of buscopan getting into breast milk.
Buscopan Cramps should not be given to a child under 6 years old and Buscopan IBS Relief should not be given to children under the age of 12.
Anyone who suffers from glaucoma is advised not to take buscopan as it can increase the pressure in the eye and make the condition worse.
If you have an enlarged bowel, suffer from digestive problems like reflux disease or severe constipation then you are also advised to avoid buscopan.
As buscopan can increase heart rate, those who struggle with high blood pressure or other heart conditions are also advised not to take buscopan.
What natural lifestyle changes can help with stomach cramps or IBS?
If you struggle with IBS or even just regular stomach cramps, knowing what food or drinks trigger the pains or spasms is helpful as you can then reduce or remove them from your diet.
The common triggers are normally fizzy drinks, alcohol, rich or spicy foods, caffeine, or fried food. Reducing your stress levels can also help control IBS or stomach pain.
Try spending a few minutes a day focussing on your breathing, doing some yoga stretching, or even just going for a walk outside to keep your stress levels under control.
Leave a Reply