What is Buscopan?
Buscopan is used to relieve stomach pains, IBS, and period cramps. It is available in tablet form and comes in three different products, all of which have the same active ingredient and dosage.
The three products are Buscopan tablets, Buscopan Cramps, and Buscopan IBS Relief. Buscopan Tablets require a prescription, but you can get Buscopan Cramps from a pharmacist, and Buscopan IBS Relief is available over the counter. In hospitals, Buscopan is sometimes given as an injection.
How does Buscopan work?
Buscopan contains hyoscine butylbromide, which helps relax your bladder and digestive system. It's part of a group of medicines known as antispasmodics. These medicines prevent the muscles in your digestive system from tightening or 'spasming', which can lead to stomach pain and cramps associated with IBS.
Buscopan helps ease pain and discomfort, but it doesn't provide a long-term cure for conditions like IBS. Once you stop taking it, your symptoms may return. Therefore, it's often advised to identify your triggers, so you can reduce your symptoms without depending on medication.
What doses of Buscopan are there?
Buscopan Tablets for IBS Relief and Cramps are only available in a 10mg dose. There's also an injection form, which is 20mg/ml, but that's typically given in a hospital setting. Since the tablets only come in one strength, it's important to inform your clinician if they're not effectively managing your symptoms, so you can explore other treatment options.

- Buscopan is used to relieve stomach cramps linked to IBS.
- It's an antispasmodic that eases muscles in the digestive system to help relieve pain.
- It may begin to take effect in just 15 minutes.

Buscopan isn't right for everyone, and there are a few things you should know before taking it.
Here's all the official information on it. If you find anything unclear, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Buscopan Tablets | Buscopan IBS Relief | Buscopan Cramps
Useful Links:
- Buscopan Tablets: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1775/pil#gref
- Buscopan IBS Relief: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/3884/pil#gref
- Buscopan Cramps: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/891/pil#gref

Q: How is Buscopan different from other treatments for IBS?
There isn't a cure for IBS, but you can manage it by steering clear of foods and situations that set off your symptoms. Therefore, any medication you take will only help ease your symptoms.
Other treatments that could ease IBS symptoms include laxatives, which help with constipation. Alternatively, there are medications available to prevent or manage diarrhoea. You may also consider using general pain relief medicines.
People respond differently to various IBS treatments, so what works for you will depend on your health and symptoms.
Q: Is Buscopan similar to any other treatments?
There isn't a generic version of Buscopan available. This means it's the only medicine that contains the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide. While it works similarly to other antispasmodic treatments, it isn't exactly the same. You may find it more or less suitable for you compared to other antispasmodics.
Q: Which version of Buscopan should I use?
All three types of Buscopan have the same amount of the active ingredient and come in tablet form. So, there's not much difference between them. However, Buscopan IBS Relief is not suitable for anyone under twelve, while Buscopan Tablets and Cramps can be used by children over six.
After discussing your health with us, our clinician can recommend which version of Buscopan might be most suitable for you.
Q: Do I need a prescription for Buscopan?
It varies. Buscopan Tablets need a prescription, but you can buy Buscopan Cramps at a pharmacy. Buscopan IBS Relief tablets are available over the counter at some shops and pharmacies.
Q: How effective is Buscopan?
Hyoscine butylbromide is an effective treatment for IBS, with 71% of people experiencing symptom relief compared to 54% who took a placebo.

How to take Buscopan
Buscopan IBS Relief tablets aren’t suitable for children under twelve. Children between six and twelve years old can take Buscopan Tablets and Buscopan Cramps at a maximum dose of one tablet, three times a day.
How long does it take Buscopan to work?
Buscopan begins to take effect within fifteen minutes. If your symptoms haven't improved after using the maximum daily dose for two weeks, please inform our clinician. Buscopan isn't usually recommended for long-term use, so you may need to consider an alternative treatment.
What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Buscopan?
If you accidentally take too much Buscopan, it's important to get medical help and advice immediately. If you forget to take a dose, you can take it as soon as you remember, unless it's nearly time for your next dose. In that case, just skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Don't take two doses at once to make up for a missed one.