About Buscopan

Buscopan is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. It relieves painful stomach cramps, including those linked with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

It can also help bladder cramps and period pain.

It works by relaxing muscles in areas such as your digestive system and bladder.

Buscopan contains the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide.

It's not the same as hyoscine hydrobromide (also known as Kwells), which is a different medicine taken to prevent motion sickness.

Buscopan comes as tablets and is available on prescription. It also comes as 2 different products that you can buy from a pharmacy or shop:

• Buscopan Cramps
• Buscopan IBS Relief

It can also be given by injection, but this is usually only done in hospital.

Key facts

• Buscopan works very quickly. Painful cramps should ease within 15 minutes.
• It's unusual to have any side effects, but some people get a dry mouth, constipation or blurred vision.
• If Buscopan gives you blurred vision, do not drive, cycle or use machinery or tools until the effect has worn off.
• If you buy Buscopan from a pharmacy or shop, do not take it for longer than 2 weeks without checking with a doctor.

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