Buscopan is a commonly used medication for IBS stomach pain and works by stopping muscles in the gut from going into spasm.
The gut muscles, like any muscles, need to be able to contract to function normally. To do this, a chemical called acetylcholine binds to receptors on the muscle, causing it to contract.
The problem in IBS is that this system is hyperactive which can lead to muscle spasms. Buscopan works by blocking some of the acetylcholine receptors and stopping these overactive contractions also known as IBS spasms.
Can Buscopan manage IBS symptoms?
Whilst Buscopan can help with stomach pains related to IBS, it is unlikely to manage all symptoms of IBS. This is because IBS is a multifactorial condition with a range of symptoms.
You should still expect to have to make dietary and lifestyle changes to get longer-term IBS symptom relief.
Why does it affect me?
Did you know your brain is connected to your gut? They pass signals to one another so when one of them isn’t OK, the other isn’t either.
- Stress can become so intense that it creates a vicious emotional and physical cycle, which can cause intense stomach ache. To feel better, you need to break the cycle between stress and stomach pain.
Try these positive lifestyle changes to help manage your stress and stomach pain or discomfort. If you can, build them into your daily routine to feel better overall as well as helping relieve your symptoms.
- Exercise – Going for a run or riding a bike will help distract you and make you feel good.
- Improve your gut flora – Having the right intestinal flora will help you manage stress. Include fruit, vegetables and fibre in your diet.
- Meditate for better sleep – Meditating before going to bed will help you relax and avoid sleepless nights.
- Live in the moment – Laugh out loud, watch a film with your partner, or take your pet for a walk. Enjoy every moment.
- Connect with loved ones – Getting together or talking with your family and friends will help feel supported.
When should you take Buscopan?
Unlike other medications you needn’t take Buscopan regularly, instead you can take it as and when you need it for symptom relief. This is ideal for a condition like IBS which often comes in flare ups.
Is it safe?
As with any medication, there are always potential side effects or you may have another medical condition which means you should not take Buscopan for your IBS. Equally, you may be on other medications that could have a drug interaction with Buscopan.
To prevent any harm to your health, it is always best to seek to advice of either your doctor or registered pharmacist prior to taking any medication.
Buscopan range and where to buy
Buscopan® IBS Relief – has an antispasmodic action that, unlike analgesics, specifically targets the source of IBS cramps. Gentle on your stomach, but tough on abdominal pain, Buscopan® IBS Relief gets to work in just 15 minutes.
Buscopan® Cramps – antispasmodic action of Buscopan® Cramps targets pain at its source – acting fast to relax and start to relieve your cramps within 15 minutes.
https://www.pprx.co.uk/?s=buscopan
Find out more about IBS from the NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
