Before taking alverine citrate

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

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

How to take alverine citrate

• Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. The leaflet will give you more information about the specific brand and strength of capsule you have been given, and any possible side-effects from taking it.
• Take alverine citrate exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The usual dose is one capsule which can be taken one to three times a day.
• You can take the capsules before or after meals.
• If you forget to take a dose, do not worry, just take the next dose as normal. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Alverine citrate can be purchased from pharmacies by people who have previously been diagnosed by a doctor. If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, you should consult your doctor before using any treatment.
• If you develop any new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, or if your symptoms have not improved within two weeks of taking these capsules, you should see your doctor for advice.
• If you buy any other medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with this medicine.

Can alverine citrate cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.

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

References

• Manufacturer's PIL, Spasmonal® 60 mg, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2011.
• Manufacturer's PIL, Spasmonal® Forte 120 mg hard capsules, Meda Pharmaceuticals, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2011.
• British National Formulary; 62nd Edition (Sep 2011) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London (link to current BNF)