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How does Buscopan work?

Buscopan is an antimuscarinic, anticholinergic medication which has an antispasmodic effect. It relaxes muscle in the bowel wall, and is effective at treating colicky abdominal pain and cramps, excessive wind (flatulence), and can also help with loose stools/diarrhoea.

Is Buscopan suitable for anyone?

Buscopan should not be used if you have:

• Myasthenia gravis (rare problem of muscle weakness).
• Narrowing, stoppage, or blockage of the gut.
• Glaucoma.
• Allergy or previous bad reaction to hyoscine or other antispasmodics.

Buscopan is licensed to treat adults and children from 6 years of age, however Dr Fox can supply treatment to adults only.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Do not use Buscopan if you are pregnant, likely to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

In general, all medication should be avoided whilst trying for pregnancy, and when pregnant or breastfeeding.

Checks before using Buscopan for IBS symptoms

It is important to be sure that your symptoms are caused by IBS and not something more serious.

Check with your GP before using Buscopan if any of the following apply:

• Over 40 years old with first time IBS symptoms, changed symptoms including a new change in bowel habit lasting over 2 weeks.
• New symptoms especially bloating in women.
• New symptoms of blood in your stool or motions.
• Feeling nauseous or vomiting or loss of appetite.
• Losing weight without dieting.
• Pale and tired.
• Running a high temperature (fever).
• Travelled abroad recently.

Cautions about using Buscopan

Discuss with your regular doctor before taking Buscopan if:

• You suffer from any serious gastrointestinal, kidney disease, palpitations, or heart disease.
• You have thyroid problems.
• You suffer from epilepsy.
• You have a history of bladder or bowel obstruction (including prostate and unstable bladder problems).
• You are constipated.
• Have had treatment for severe sweating (hyperhidrosis).
• You are over 60 years of age.

Buscopan and other medication

Do not take Buscopan at the same time as other antispasmodics. Buscopan should not be taken alongside other antimuscarinic, anticholinergic medication such as:

• Tricyclic or tetracyclic antidepressants (older type antidepressants).
• Antihistamines.
• Antipsychotics (for severe mental illness) medication, e.g. haloperidol, fluphenazine.
• Some medications/inhalers for asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), e.g. salbutamol (Ventolin), tiotropium, ipratropium, trospium.
• Amantadine (Parkinson's disease, flu).
• Metoclopramide and domperidone (for nausea and vomiting).
• Disopyramide (to control the heart rhythm).

If unsure, check with your doctor before taking Buscopan.

Side effects of Buscopan

It is uncommon to develop side effects from Buscopan and they are mostly related to its anticholinergic effects.

Further information on possible side effects can be found in the manufacturer's patient information leaflet.

How to take Buscopan

Start with one 10mg tablet 3 times a day. If this isn't enough to control your symptoms then gradually increase, with a few days between each dose change, up to a maximum of 2 tablets 4 times a day.

Other measures to help symptoms of IBS

Diarrhoea and bloating - reduce insoluble fibre like bran, wholegrain bread, and brown rice. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and gas-producing foods like beans and cabbage.

Constipation - try adding more soluble fibre like oats and linseed, or soluble fibre supplements like Fybogel (ispaghula). Increase the soluble fibre gradually or bloating and wind may get worse. It may take several weeks for optimal benefits.

Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.

Regular physical activity is also helpful for the bowels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days per week.

For further information see NHS - IBS - Diet, lifestyle and medicines and also NHS - Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide).