Spaverin

Indications

Alverine Citrate is used to relieve cramping pain and spasm of the gut, such as in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), diverticular disease and other bowel spasm. It is also used for painful periods (dysmenorrhoea) caused by spasm of the womb muscle.

How It Works

Alverine is an antispasmodic. It acts directly on the smooth muscle in the walls of the intestine and the womb, helping it relax. This eases cramps, bloating and pain caused by the muscle squeezing too strongly.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 60 mg to 120 mg taken one to three times a day, swallowed whole with water. Use the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. It is not recommended for children under 12 years unless a doctor advises.

Interactions

No important interactions are well known. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including herbal products.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Alverine Citrate.
• Paralytic ileus (bowel that has stopped moving) or bowel obstruction.

Side Effects

Side effects are uncommon. They may include nausea, headache, dizziness, itching and rash. Rarely, liver problems (yellowing of the skin or eyes) have been reported.

Get urgent medical help if you develop swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or severe abdominal pain.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Alverine is not usually recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because there is little safety information. Use only if your doctor advises.

Precautions and Warnings

See a doctor before starting if you are over 40 and your bowel symptoms are new or have changed, or if you have blood in your stool, unexplained weight loss, fever, anaemia, severe constipation, or pain on passing urine. If symptoms get worse or do not improve within 2 weeks, seek medical advice.

Overdose

Overdose may cause low blood pressure and, in severe cases, drowsiness or seizures. Seek medical help at once; treatment is supportive.

Therapeutic Class

Antispasmodic (smooth muscle relaxant).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.