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Alverine citrate

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Alverine citrate is used to treat cramps in the abdomen, such as irritable bowel syndrome, diverticular disease or cramps associated with period pain.
Possible side-effects include feeling sick, headache, dizziness and skin itching, but these are rarely troublesome.

About alverine citrate

Type of medicine	Antispasmodic
Used for	Cramps of the digestive system Period pain cramps
Also called	Spasmonal® Spasmonal® Forte
Available as	Capsules

Alverine citrate is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach and intestines. It is particularly useful in treating irritable bowel syndrome and similar conditions. It can also be used to help relieve period pain and cramps.

Alverine citrate works by relaxing the muscles that are causing the problem.

Before taking alverine citrate

Before taking alverine citrate make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
If you have paralytic ileus (a blockage of the bowel).
If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

Note: alverine citrate is not suitable for children under 12 years.

How to take alverine citrate

Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
Take alverine citrate exactly as directed by your doctor.
If you forget to take a dose of alverine citrate, do not worry, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

If you are taking alverine citrate for cramps of the stomach or intestine, make sure you follow any dietary advice you have been given, like eating a balanced diet containing high fibre foods and avoiding eating foods that make your problem worse.
If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking alverine citrate.
If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.

Can alverine citrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine	What can I do if I experience this
Feeling sick	Stick to simple foods and eat little and often
Headache	Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable painkiller
Dizziness	Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs that would be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Itching and skin rash	Use a moisturiser to help soothe the skin. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if this continues

Important: if you develop any jaundice (yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes), contact your doctor straight away.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store alverine citrate

Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines

Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
Never keep out-of-date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Manufacturer's PIL, Spasmonal® 60 mg, Norgine Limited, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated April 2008, accessed October 2009.
British National Formulary; 58th Edition (September 2009) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF).

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk

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Last Reviewed: 5 Nov 2009

Version: 22

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