Spasmonal capsules contain the active ingredient alverine citrate, which is a type of medicine called a smooth muscle relaxant.

What is it used for?

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Painful diverticular disease of the colon.
  • Painful periods.

How does it work?

  • Spasmonal capsules contain the active ingredient alverine citrate, which is a type of medicine called a smooth muscle relaxant.
  • Smooth muscle is a type of muscle that is not under voluntary control. It is the type of muscle that is found in places such as the walls of the gut and the walls of the womb (uterus). Alverine citrate acts directly on this muscle, causing it to relax.
  • Alverine citrate relaxes the muscle spasms that occur in the gut in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and diverticular disease.
This relieves the pain sometimes associated with these conditions.
  • Alverine citrate also relieves the muscle spasms in the womb that cause painful periods.
  • How do I take it?

    • One or two Spasmonal capsules can be taken up to three times a day to relieve pain.
    • The capsules can be taken either with or without food.

    Warning!

    • You should not take this medicine without first discussing it with your doctor if it is the first time you have had your symptoms, or if any of the following apply to you: you are 40 years of age or over; you have recently passed blood from the bowel; you are suffering from severe constipation; you are feeling sick or vomiting; you have lost your appetite or lost weight; you are looking pale and feeling tired; you have difficulty or pain passing urine; you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge; you are or could be pregnant; you have a fever (high temperature); or you have recently travelled abroad.
    • Consult your doctor if you have developed new symptoms, if your symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve after two weeks of taking this medicine.

    Not to be used in

    • People with a complete or partial blockage in the bowel that prevents the contents of the intestine from passing through (intestinal obstruction). This may be caused either by the bowel not working properly (paralytic ileus), or because something is in the way.
    • This medicine is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
    • This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

    Pregnancy and breastfeeding

    Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

    • The safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor for further advice.

    Side effects

    Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

    • Headache.
    • Dizziness.
    • Feeling sick.
    • Rash.
    • Itching.

    Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes (jaundice) due to to liver inflammation (hepatitis). Stop taking this medicine and consult your doctor if you notice these symptoms.
    The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

    How can this medicine affect other medicines?

    • This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, if you are already taking any other medicines you should ask your pharmacist for advice before taking this one as well.

    References:

    https://patient.info/medicine/alverine-capsules-audmonal-spasmonal

    http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/diet-and-nutrition/a7558/spasmonal-alverine-citrate/

    http://www.medicines.ie/medicine/15002/SPC/Spasmonal+60mg+hard+capsules/

    https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/24570

    http://www.hpra.ie/img/uploaded/swedocuments/2130297.PPA0465_264_001.5976d440-7255-4cb4-94e1-94d9099b003c.000001Product%20Leaflet%20Approved.130530.pdf

    https://www.drugs.com/uk/spasmonal-capsules-leaflet.html