Buscopan Cramps

  • Relieves pain and discomfort caused by abdominal cramps
  • Begins to work in just 15 minutes
  • Relax the gut and eases symptoms caused by IBS
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prescription included

Fast next day delivery

order before 2pm

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and team of dispensers

About Buscopan Cramps
  1. What is Buscopan Cramps?

    Buscopan Cramps contains the active ingredient hyoscine butylbromide, which helps to relieve the pain and discomfort caused by cramps.

    It is suitable for adults and children who are aged 6 years old and over.

    This medicine comes in packs of 20, 40 or 60 tablets. You can buy Buscopan Cramps without a prescription. 

    What is Buscopan Cramps used to treat?

    Buscopan Cramps is primarily used to treat the pain and discomfort caused by abdominal cramps.

    The active ingredient, hyoscine butylbromide, gets to work very quickly and the cramps should ease after around 15 minutes of taking Buscopan. It eases abdominal cramps by helping your gut to relax.

    It can be taken to treat problems like period pain and irritable bowel syndrome, which can cause severe stomach cramps.

    Why is Buscopan Cramps recommended for IBS treatment?

    Buscopan has been a renowned medicine since it was first approved for medical use in 1951. Worldwide, it is one of the most well-known antispasmodics as is on the World Health Organisations List of Essential Medicines.

    Buscopan gets to work quickly and will usually relieve painful cramps within 15 minutes of being taken.

    How does Buscopan Cramps work to relieve IBS symptoms?

    Stomach cramps can affect people of all ages and can occur for many different reasons, such as constipation, nausea, irritable bowel syndrome, period pain, and anxiety.

    Hyoscine butylbromide works by relaxing the muscles in the walls of the stomach, intestines, urinary tract, bowel and bile duct, which helps to relieve stomach cramps and the discomfort that comes with them.

    Who can take Buscopan Cramps?

    Children under 6 years old should not take these tablets. Buscopan is also not suitable for certain adults and adolescents.

    You should not take Buscopan Cramps if:

    • You have a very enlarged bowel
    • You suffer from myasthenia gravis
    • You have a rare form of glaucoma called angle-closure glaucoma
    • You have had an allergic reaction to Buscopan or any other medicines in the past

    Speak to your doctor before you take Buscopan Cramps if:

    • You have a temperature of 38C or higher
    • You have an overactive thyroid
    • You cannot digest certain sugars
    • You have a bowel blockage
    • You have any heart problems
    • You have a very fast heart rate
    • You find it difficult to urinate
    • You have any kind of digestive problems

    This list may not be exhaustive. Read the patient information leaflet for full details on why Buscopan Cramps may not be suitable for you to take.

    Can you buy Buscopan Cramps over the counter?

    You can buy Buscopan Cramps over the counter from a local pharmacy or shop. You do not need a prescription for this medication.

    Can you buy Buscopan Cramps online in the UK?

    You can buy Buscopan Cramps online from Medicine Direct without needing a prescription. However, you will need to fill out a short online consultation form to make sure it is safe for you to take. One of our doctors or pharmacists will review your answers. After this, you can place your order with our online pharmacy; next day delivery is available if you order before 2pm.

    Never buy any type of medication online unless you are ordering it from a pharmacy that is regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council, like Medicine Direct. All legitimate pharmacies will have their pharmacy registration number clearly displayed on their website.

    Buscopan Cramps alternatives

    If you have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and are looking for a medicine to provide effective relief from the symptoms of IBS, Buscopan IBS Relief can be ordered from our online pharmacy. This medicine contains the same active ingredient as Buscopan Cramps, but should only be used by people who have been formally diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome by a doctor.

    Fybogel Mebeverine is available to order, as are Mebeverine tablets. These medicines work in the same way, although Fybogel Mebeverine comes as powder in a sachet, which you mix with water to create an orange-flavoured drink. Mebeverine relaxes the muscles in the gut to relieve discomfort.

    Apercap and Colpermin peppermint oil capsules can also be bought from Medicine Direct. Peppermint oil is clinically proven to treat the symptoms of IBS by gently soothing the muscles in the gut.

    Elimination diets can help to tackle the root cause of your IBS symptoms by removing trigger foods from your diet. Identifying your problem foods can be difficult and will likely require you to keep an extensive food diary, however an at home food intolerance test kit can help to pinpoint your problem foods so you can remove them from your diet.

  2. Buscopan Cramps Indications and Dose

    Always take Buscopan Cramps exactly as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. Check with them if you are unsure of anything before you start to take the medicine.

    Our pharmacists and prescribers follow NICE prescribing guidelines when prescribing Buscopan Cramps.

    How to take Buscopan Cramps

    Swallow the tablets whole with a drink of water. Do not crush or chew them.

    Adults and children over 12 should take two tablets, four times a day.

    Children aged 6 to 12 should take one tablet, three times a day.

    Always read the patient information leaflet for a full list of instructions. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure.

  3. Buscopan Cramps Side Effects

    In some cases, you may experience serious side effects while taking Buscopan.

    The below adverse effects happen in more than 1 in every 1000 people. You should speak to your doctor if any of these persist or do not go away:

    • Blurred vision
    • Increased heart rate
    • Constipation
    • Dry mouth

    Stop taking the medicine and call your doctor immediately if you:

    • Find it difficult to urinate
    • Get a painful red eye that makes it difficult to see, or your vision goes altogether

    Always read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of possible side effects.

  4. Buscopan Cramps warnings and drug interactions

    Buscopan Cramps may interact with other drugs. You should always inform your doctor of any other medicines you are using, including prescription and non-prescription medication.

    The below medicines can increase your risk of side effects when taken alongside Buscopan:

    • Codeine
    • Amantadine
    • Quinidine or disopyramide
    • Any medicines to treat allergies
    • Certain inhaled asthma medicines
    • Medicines to treat mental health problems
    • Travel sickness medicines like metoclopramide and domperidone

    See NICE's website for more information on medicines that interact with Buscopan Cramps.

    Never take Buscopan more than 4 times a day and speak to a doctor if the person taking it is under 12 years old.

    Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    You should make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware if you are currently pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant. Buscopan is not normally recommended for women who are pregnant.

    Buscopan may also reduce your milk production, so you should make sure your doctor or pharmacist is aware if you are currently breastfeeding.

    Alternative medicines may be more appropriate for you to take. Read more about taking Buscopan Cramps when pregnant or breastfeeding.

  5. Buscopan Cramps Ingredients

    The active ingredient within this medicine is hyoscine butylbromide.

    For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

  6. How much does it cost to buy Buscopan Cramps online in the UK?

    Buscopan Cramps Quantity Buy online UK price
      20 tablets £3.99
      40 tablets £7.99
      60 tablets £11.99
  7. What is the difference between Buscopan Cramps and Buscopan IBS Relief?


    There is no difference between the two products. They both contain the same active ingredient (hyoscine butylbromide) and are also the exact same strength (10mg). The only difference is that the products and marketed differently.

    What does Buscopan cramps treat?


    It can be used to treat painful cramps caused by IBS. It can also help cramps caused by period pain.

    How long does Buscopan cramps take to work?


    Your symptoms will begin to ease within 15 minutes of taking this medicine.

    How long do I need to take Buscopan cramps for?


    You should take Buscopan cramps when your symptoms start to flare up. If your symptoms have not improved within 2 weeks of using this medicine you should discontinue and speak to your doctor.

    Is Buscopan safe to take for a long time?


    When taken correctly, Buscopan is safe to use for a long time. However if you are needing to use this medicine long term to hep with your symptoms, this may be a sign of an underlying condition that will likely need to be assessed by your doctor.

    Where can I buy Busocan products from?


    Most Buscopan product are available to buy from many UK pharmacies.

    Can i take Buscopan Cramps and Buscopan IBS relief at the same time?


    Both medicines are exactly the same, it is not recommended doubling up on a dose as this can cause side effects which may worsen your symptoms.

    Can Buscopan be used for Period Pains?


    Yes, Buscopan can help with cramps caused by period pain.

    When is the best time to take Buscopan cramps?


    Buscopan can be taken at any time, it is best to take when you feel symptoms starting to flare up.

    Can I drink alcohol whilst using Buscopan cramps?


    Yes, there are no harmful interactions between buscopan cramps and alcohol. However, Alcohol can cause certain IBS symptoms such as bloating and diarrhoea.
Medically reviewed by Hussain Abdeh MPharm: 2211840

Published on: 12/10/2020

Updated on: 18/08/2021

This content has been written by our Superintendent Pharmacist Hussain Abdeh and has been medically reviewed by our Pharmacist Sonia Khan

Hussain Abdeh Superintendent Pharmacist at Medicine Direct

Hussain Abdeh
MPharm: 2211840

Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

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  • 1 Choose your treatment Select the treatment or medication you need and answer a few questions online regarding your condition.
  • 2 Online consultation Our Independent Prescribers will review your questions and assess your suitability for the medication.
  • 3 Receive your delivery Your medication is dispensed and delivered directly to you from our UK based Pharmacy.

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