Taking Buscopan as and when. How does this work?

Digestive health
1

I was prescribed Buscopan a few months ago and, as they are working, have been taking them once or twice a day on a regular basis.  However, I'm not sure if they're contributing to a dry eye flare-up and have decided to cut down.

I've read that some people just use them as and when, but don't really understand how this works.  My IBS shows itself in severe cramps after eating, followed by a rush to the toilet.  Buscopan takes 15 minutes to work, so, if I take a tablet when I get the pain I presume it will be too late at that point to do any good.

I'd be interested to hear other's comments on what is the best way to do this.

2

Take Buscopan before your meal and Imodium as well before you start to get symptoms.  Buscopan will help with controlling pain and Imodium will stop an immediate rush to the loo.Taking an antispssmodic is more effective if you take it before a flare up begins than if you take it once you are already in flare up.

I took Buscopan three times a day to start with because my pain was constant regardless of whether ate or not.  Now my pain is in remission so I only take Buscopan when I need it. Two tablets are usually enough to help me.

3

Thanks Pippa.  That's really helpful.

4

If you take Buscopan once the pain has started, it will still work, it may just take longer to take effect if the pain is severe.  Most of the time my pain is mild when I take Buscopan, so the pain goes away quickly.  I don't wait to see if the pain goes on its own anymore. I have done this mistakenly in the past and often the pain gets worse and worse and then it gets harder to manage.

5

Thanks.

6

Hi have you tried enteric coated peppermint capsules? they are taken for stomach cramps they are an antispasmodic.

7

Thanks again, Pippa.  That sounds as though it will work really well.  I'm going to be seeing an ophthalmologist about the dry eyes, so will be able to discuss whether Buscopan causes the problem.  In the meantime, I'm going to take your advice and just take it when I need to.  Best wishes.

8

No, I didn't know about these, Martin.  Thank you, I'll look into that.

9

Best of luck.