Buscopan Tablets - IBS Relief

Buscopan IBS Relief is a tablet containing hyoscine butylbromide. This medicine is to relieve the abdominal cramps which cause pain and discomfort associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. It belongs to a group of medicines called antispasmodics. It works by relaxing the cramping muscles of your bowel. Irritable Bowel Syndrome is often just called ‘IBS’. Although the precise cause is unknown, the muscles of the bowel appear to be very sensitive to things like stress, eating and drinking habits; food allergies or intolerances, stimulants such as coffee, and hormonal factors. Such things can trigger painful abdominal cramps or spasms if you have a sensitive bowel. You may also feel bloated, with excess wind and abdominal discomfort. Sometimes IBS can include diarrhoea or constipation.

What are Buscopan Tablets used for?

Buscopan Tablets are used to relieve stomach cramps, including those associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). They work by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestines to reduce cramps and discomfort.

How should I take Buscopan Tablets?

Swallow Buscopan Tablets whole with water. Do not crush or chew them. For adults and children over 12 years, the usual dose is one tablet three times a day, which can be increased to two tablets four times a day if needed.

Can I take Buscopan while pregnant or breastfeeding?

Buscopan is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to limited safety information. Consult your doctor to discuss potential risks and alternative treatments.

Are there any side effects of Buscopan?

Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and a fast heart rate. Serious side effects are rare but can include allergic reactions such as swelling of the lips, mouth, or throat. If you experience any severe side effects, seek medical attention immediately.

What precautions should I take while using Buscopan?

Do not use Buscopan if you have certain medical conditions, such as glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or a blockage in your gut. Always consult your doctor if you have unexplained abdominal pain accompanied by fever, nausea, vomiting, or blood in your stools.

Do not take BUSCOPAN IBS RELIEF if:

• - You are allergic to hyoscine butylbromide or any of the other ingredients of BUSCOPAN IBS RELIEF
• - You are intolerant to or cannot digest some sugars (as the tablet coating contains a small amount of sucrose)
• - You have glaucoma (an eye problem)
• - You have something called ‘myasthenia gravis’ (a very rare muscle weakness problem)
• - You have a suspected or confirmed blockage of the bowel
• - You have a condition where the bowel is blocked and does not work properly (paralytic or obstructive ileus). Symptoms include severe abdominal pain with lack of stools and/or nausea/vomiting
• - You have a very enlarged bowel (megacolon)
• - You are pregnant, likely to get pregnant or are breast-feeding

Do not take this medicine if any of the above applies to you. If you are not sure, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine. Check with your pharmacist or doctor before taking your medicine if any of the following apply to you, even if you know you have IBS, in case your abdominal pain maybe something else:

• - You are 40 years or over and it is some time since your last attack of IBS or the symptoms are different this time
• - You have recently passed blood from the bowel
• - You have severe constipation
• - You are feeling sick or vomiting
• - You have lost your appetite or lost weight
• - You have difficulty or pain passing water (urine)
• - You have a fever
• - You have recently travelled abroad (in case you have picked up a stomach bug)
• - You have a very fast heart rate or other heart problems
• - You have been treated by a doctor for a severe sweating problem

If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine. Check with your pharmacist or doctor straight away if you have unexplained abdominal pain which persists or worsens or occurs with:

• - fever
• - feeling sick
• - being sick
• - changes in your bowel movements
• - abdominal tenderness
• - low blood pressure
• - feeling faint or,
• - blood in your bowel movements

In particular, tell your pharmacist or doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

• - Antihistamines - used to treat hayfever and other allergies
• - Tetracyclic or tricyclic medicines - used to treat depression and some types of pain
• - Antipsychotic medicines such as butyrophenones or phenothiazines - used to treat severe mental illness such as schizophrenia
• - Dopamine antagonists such as metoclopramide for feeling sick
• - Beta 2 adrenergic medicines such as salbutamol inhalers for asthma
• - Quinidine or disopyramide – used to control your heartbeat
• - Amantadine – used for Parkinson’s disease and flu
• - Anticholinergic medicines such as tiotropium, ipratropium or atropine-like medicines - usually inhaled to treat breathing problems

If you are not sure if any of the above applies to you, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before taking this medicine.

How to take BUSCOPAN IBS RELIEF Always take this medicine exactly as your pharmacist or doctor has told you. You should check with them if you are not sure. BUSCOPAN IBS RELIEF should not be taken continuously for more than two weeks. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor if you develop new symptoms or if your symptoms get worse or have not improved over two weeks.

Each tablet contains 10 mg of the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide. The other ingredients are: calcium hydrogen phosphate, maize starch, soluble starch, colloidal silica, tartaric acid, stearic acid, sucrose, talc, acacia, titanium dioxide, macrogol 6000, carnauba wax, white beeswax and povidone.

Side Effects Like all medicines, BUSCOPAN IBS RELIEF can cause side effects in some people. The following side effects may happen with this medicine:

• - Dry mouth
• - Abnormal sweating or reduced sweating.

If you get any of the side effects described below stop taking this medicine and tell your healthcare professional straight away. You may need urgent medical treatment:

• - Skin reactions such as urticaria and pruritis (itching)
• - Tachycardia (increased heart rate)

Rare – affects fewer than 1 in 1,000 people

• - Problems emptying the bladder

Isolated events - some side effects are so rare that it is not known how many people may be affected. If these occur please seek urgent medical advice. 

• - Anaphylactic reaction and shock – this is a severe type of allergic reaction. An itchy rash may spread all over the body, as well as swelling. You may have difficulty in breathing and may lose consciousness
• - Dyspnoea (difficult or laboured breathing)
• - Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) such as skin rash and erythema (patchy red skin)
• - If you experience a painful red eye with loss of vision after taking this medicine, stop taking it and tell your doctor straight away. You may have an eye problem called glaucoma and need urgent medical attention.