Buscopan
Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) relaxes smooth muscle spasm in the gut and is used short term for crampy abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel or period pain in some situations. It does not treat infection or inflammation alone.
This medicine is part of the Stomach acid & reflux category.
Generic name: hyoscine butylbromide
Quick answers
Short replies to searches people often run before speaking to a clinician. For the overview of what the medicine is used for, see the short summary under the page title above.
What is it for?
Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) relaxes smooth muscle spasm in the gut and is used short term for crampy abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel or period pain in some situations.
How long does it take to work?
Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review.
What are common side effects?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or fast heartbeat can occur.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with it?
Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Buscopan with paracetamol or ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
More about what Buscopan is used for
Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) relaxes smooth muscle spasm in the gut and is used short term for crampy abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel or period pain in some situations.
It does not treat infection or inflammation alone.
How does Buscopan work, and how long does it take to work?
It blocks muscarinic receptors in the gut wall, reducing painful contractions.
It does not usually cross into the brain well compared with some other hyoscine products.
How and when should you take Buscopan?
Tablets or liquids as the pack directs, often up to several times daily short term.
Swallow with water.
What are the common side effects of Buscopan?
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or fast heartbeat can occur.
Serious side effects of Buscopan — when to get urgent help
Seek urgent help for painful red eye with halos (possible closed-angle glaucoma), difficulty urinating, or severe allergic reaction.
What if you miss a dose of Buscopan?
Take when needed for pain within maximum daily limits; no complex catch-up.
Who should not take Buscopan?
Untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, some prostate enlargement with urinary retention risk, and paralytic ileus are cautions.
Pregnancy needs pharmacist or GP advice.
Can you take paracetamol or ibuprofen with Buscopan? — other interactions
Other anticholinergic drugs add dry mouth and confusion risk, especially in older adults.
Buscopan in pregnancy and breastfeeding
Discuss before use — generally avoid unless clearly needed.
Blood tests and monitoring on Buscopan
If gut pain is severe, persistent, or with red-flag symptoms, see a clinician rather than repeat antispasmodics endlessly.
What might your GP prescribe instead of Buscopan?
Mebeverine, peppermint oil capsules, or pain assessment for other causes may be appropriate.
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Reviewed by UK registered pharmacists for accuracy and clarity. Content is informational only.
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Frequently asked questions about Buscopan
People also ask — common Google searches
- What is Buscopan used for?
- Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) relaxes smooth muscle spasm in the gut and is used short term for crampy abdominal pain associated with irritable bowel or period pain in some situations. It does not treat infection or inflammation alone.
- How long does Buscopan take to work?
- Onset varies by condition and dose. Your GP or pharmacist can explain what to expect and when to review. Always follow your prescriber’s follow-up plan.
- Can you take Buscopan with paracetamol or ibuprofen?
- Ask your GP or pharmacist before taking Buscopan with Paracetamol or Ibuprofen. Many adults use paracetamol for short periods when appropriate; NSAIDs such as ibuprofen need extra checks with your other medicines and health conditions.
- What are the side effects of Buscopan?
- Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, or fast heartbeat can occur. See the sections below for more detail, including serious side effects and when to seek urgent help.
- Is Buscopan the same as travel sickness tablets?
- Different hyoscine products exist; Buscopan is mainly for gut spasm. Travel sickness preparations may use different forms and doses — read each label.
- Can Buscopan cause blurred vision?
- Anticholinergic effects can blur vision temporarily. Do not drive if vision is affected; seek advice if it persists.
Need personalised advice?
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Often used with
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