Buscopan or hyoscine butylbromide is an antispasmodic medicine. It acts directly in the abdomen, targeting and relieving the cause of abdominal pain. Buscopan has a fast onset of action, working in just 15 minutes. You can take this medicine for abdominal discomfort. However, it is unsafe for daily consumption or over long periods.
The recommended dose for both adults and children older than 6 years is 2 tablets, 4 times daily, every 4–6 hours.
Buscopan tablets are mainly used to provide quick relief for abdominal, intestinal, bladder, and ureter cramps. It also treats symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome—abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, and constipation or diarrhea.
Buscopan works by reducing the wave-like muscle contractions in the stomach, intestine, and bladder walls, but it doesn’t prevent them.
Take Buscopan according to your doctor’s directions until they instruct you to stop the dosage. Otherwise, your condition may start deteriorating.
Like any medication, Buscopan tablets can cause side effects, although not everyone would experience them. Some common side effects are:
Severe side effects due to Buscopan are rare. However, these include:
Before consumption, consult your doctor or our experts to get a medical overview of your condition and the dosage most suited for you.
What is Buscopan
Uses of Buscopan
Side effects of Buscopan
1. Can I take Buscopan and Kremil-S together?
Buscopan is an antispasmodic, whereas Kremil-S tablet is an antacid for milder stomach pain. The latter works in 5 minutes and stops acid production for up to 10 hours. Your doctor may advise you to take antacids or adsorbent antidiarrheals for at least 1 hour before taking Buscopan.
2. How long before Buscopan starts to work?
Both Buscopan IBS Relief and Buscopan Cramps start working within 15 minutes of the first dose. However, two doses should not be taken together to make up for a missed dose.
No evidence has proved that taking Buscopan frequently for longer periods can make it less beneficial or effective.
3. Can you take mebeverine and Buscopan at the same time?
Mebeverine (mebeverine hydrochloride) is also an antispasmodic that relieves some IBS symptoms. Generally, Buscopan should not be used simultaneously with other IBS treatments. Taking both simultaneously will not guarantee additional relief. However, chances of more side effects can increase. Mebeverine takes 1–3 hours to show its effects, while Buscopan works quickly under 15 minutes.
4. Can I drink with Buscopan?
Yes, you can consume alcohol with Buscopan. However, as a rule, we don’t recommend drinking alcohol while on a dedicated course of medication, as it hampers its effectiveness. If drinking, try to stick to the recommended consumption guidelines of a maximum of 14 units of alcohol weekly. Be aware of the quantity you consume.
5. Can you take Buscopan for period pain?
Women often feel excruciating pain and cramps just before or during their periods. Buscopan’s rapid onset action gives effective relief from menstrual pain in under 15 minutes by helping your digestive system and bladder to relax. However, if this pain persists for more than two weeks or intensifies, speak to your doctor.
6. Does Buscopan cause constipation?
Constipation is a symptom of IBS where you often strain or have difficulty in passing stool. Buscopan helps treat IBS symptoms by relaxing your gut muscles. However, it is not a reason for the same. Do not use Buscopan if there is a bowel blockage or reduced bowel activity.
7. Is Buscopan good for kidney stones?
Alternative drug therapy of antimuscarinic drugs like Buscopan helps reduce ureteric activity. Thus, Buscopan can be used for the treatment of renal colic or pain caused by kidney stones. However, the use of Buscopan here is generally limited because of the major side effects it poses in this regard.
8. Is it safe to take Buscopan during pregnancy?
No studies have reported the side effects of consuming Buscopan during pregnancy. However, its use should be limited in the first trimester. If consumed after pregnancy, the breast milk may absorb Buscopan, possibly reducing its production. However, it is not known whether it adversely impacts your baby. Speak to your doctor regarding precautions, appropriate dosage, or possible alternatives.
9. When should Buscopan be taken?
Take Buscopan only if you have severe abdominal cramps, and a doctor has confirmed that you have Irritable Bowel Syndrome. To relieve the symptoms of IBS, the recommended first dose is one tablet thrice a day. This can be increased up to 2 tablets 4 times a day if needed.
10. Who should not take Buscopan?
You should not take Buscopan if you:
Are allergic or sensitive to hyoscine butylbromide
Are pregnant
Have a condition where the bowel is blocked
Have glaucoma
If the above conditions apply to you, inform your doctor regarding your medical history. They may be able to suggest alternative antispasmodic drugs based on your symptoms.
Get in touch with our team at Yashoda Hospitals for speedy and expert medical advice and services. Contact us with your queries regarding uses, dosage, precautions, and side effects before taking Buscopan.
Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.