Buscopan Cramps - 20 Tablets

What is Buscopan Cramps? 

Buscopan Cramps is a treatment containing 10mg of hyoscine butylbromide, a medicine that can provide effective targeted relief against stomach cramps or abdominal pain. These tablets are part of a range of antispasmodic medicines offered by Buscopan, often used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) amongst other digestive concerns. Buscopan Cramps can get to work within just 15 minutes. 

What is the recommended dosage? 

The dosage for Buscopan Cramps depends on whether you’re taking it for general stomach cramps, or for IBS in particular. 

For relief of painful spasm of the stomach, bowel or bladder and urinary tract: 

• Adults and children 12 years or over should take 2 tablets four times a day, as required.

• Children 6 to 12 years should take 1 tablet three times a day, as required.

For relief of abdominal pain in IBS:

• Adults and children 12 years or over should start by taking 1 tablet 3 times a day. You can increase your dose to 2 tablets 4 times a day, if needed. 

• Children under 12 should not take Buscopan Cramps specifically for IBS.

Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water. Do not try to chew or crush the tablet, as this may reduce the effectiveness of the medicine. 

How does hyoscine butylbromide treat stomach cramps? 

Buscopan Cramps contains 10mg of the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide. This ingredient works directly on the muscles of your bowel, stomach, intestines and urinary tract to treat uncomfortable cramps by relieving the muscle spasm that causes the pain. After being swallowed, Buscopan tablets move down the digestive tract and interrupt the signal that tells your gastro-intestinal muscles to cramp, meaning the muscles can relax and you can start to feel better.

What causes stomach cramps? 

Stomach cramps can be really uncomfortable and can happen to anyone. There’s a wide range of possible causes, some more common than others. These can include: 

• Trapped wind

• Constipation 

• Period pain

• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

• Food intolerances

• Urinary tract infection (a common bladder infection that can cause cramps in your urinary tract)

Can Buscopan Cramps help to relieve period pain? 

Period pain is a common and natural part of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Most women will experience it at some point in their lives, and the pain can unfortunately be extremely painful for some. Buscopan Cramps can help to relieve period pain and they can be taken with some everyday painkillers such as ibuprofen or paracetamol if your period pain is particularly intense and really bothering you. 

Is Buscopan Cramps suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women? 

You should not take Buscopan Cramps if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are trying to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. Contact a Chemist4U pharmacist for possible alternative treatments, or seek immediate medical attention if you are pregnant and suffering with severe stomach cramps. 

Is Buscopan Cramps suitable for children? 

Children under 6 should not take Buscopan Cramps. If your child is suffering with stomach cramps, contact a doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist for advice or possible alternative treatments. 

Who shouldn’t take this medicine?

Most adults and children over 6 should be safe to take Buscopan Cramps, however, do not take this medicine if: 

• You are allergic to hyoscine butylbromide or any of the other ingredients 

• 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

You should speak to your doctor or a Chemist4U pharmacist before taking Buscopan Cramps if: 

• You are taking any other medicines

• You are 40 years or over

• 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 are looking pale and feeling tired

• You have difficulty or pain passing water (urine)

• You have a fever

• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge

• 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

Are there any side effects? 

As with all medicines, there is the possibility of side effects when you take Buscopan Cramps, but these don’t affect everyone. Mild side effects include: 

• Dry mouth 

• Abnormal or reduced sweating

Some side effects are more severe and you must seek medical attention if you experience them. These include: 

• Skin reactions 

• Increased heart rate

• Problems emptying your bladder 

For more information about possible side effects, refer to the patient information leaflet. If you do experience any side effects after taking Buscopan Cramps, you can report them using the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme. 

Why do I need to answer questions to buy this product?

You do not need a prescription for Buscopan Cramps, however, you will be asked to complete a short medical questionnaire by your Chemist4U pharmacist before we can take your order. This includes some simple questions that all pharmacies legally are required to ask before supplying this kind of product. This helps our pharmacy team to be sure that Buscopan Cramps is the best choice for you.

Storage information

Store in a cool, dry area below 25°C. Keep this medicine in its original box and do not use after the expiry date, referring to the last day of the month stated. Keep out of reach and sight of children.

Important information

This product is a medicine; make sure to speak to your doctor or Chemist4U pharmacist before taking this product if you have an underlying medical problem or are taking any other medicine or complementary therapy. If your symptoms get worse or continue after taking this product, contact us or your doctor. For medical services in your area, please refer to https://www.nhs.uk

If you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your doctor or our pharmacist before taking this product. If you suffer from any allergies, ask your doctor or our pharmacist if this medicine is right for you.

Store all medicines out of sight and reach of children.

Please read the included leaflet carefully before using this product.

Please contact your GP if appropriate regarding this product.

Helpful Advice on Medication Restrictions & Addiction

For further information on our medication restrictions policy, please click here.

If you are concerned about addiction to 'over the counter' medication, we urge you to visit the below links for professional help and advice:

NHS Help & Advice on Drug Addiction

Talk To Frank - Drug Addiction Help & Support