Alverine Citrate 60mg Capsules

What is Alverine and what is it used for?

Alverine is a smooth muscle relaxant that can be used for intestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). As an antispasmodic treatment, Alverine is effective at relaxing the muscles surrounding your intestines and uterus — reducing stomach cramping (a common symptom of irritable bowel syndrome).

Alverine is available from The Independent Pharmacy for adults and children over the age of 12 years to be taken 1 - 3 times a day. Each box contains 100 tablets and is manufactured in the UK by Dr Reddy's Laboratories.

What is IBS?

IBS is a common intestinal condition that causes your abdominal muscles to spasm when food passes through. With IBS, the usual functioning of the gut muscle is lost and can lead to painful intestinal symptoms such as intense bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. IBS can be a very distressing disease to have that disrupts your quality of life and makes everyday things like eating and going to the toilet painful.

Common IBS Symptoms are:

• Intestinal pain
• Stomach pain
• Consistent diarrhoea, needing to go to the loo suddenly
• Periods of constipation
• Increased wind and flatulence.

Alverine can also be used to treat the diverticular disease of the colon, relieving the symptoms of the painful intestinal condition. This condition causes small pouches to form within the colon wall due to a weakness of muscle layers surrounding the colon. These pouches can become inflamed and painful if particles of food become trapped within the gastrointestinal tract.

Treating IBS & colon diseases with Alverine citrate

Smooth muscles are muscles in our body that we cannot voluntarily control like the ones in our gut and intestines. Alverine citrate (the active ingredient) is a smooth muscle relaxant that relaxes the gut muscles that are spasming out of control, relieving painful symptoms and helping you regain control of your gut.

Non-medicinal alternatives to Alverine

As well as IBS treatments, try some of the following measures to help relieve symptoms:

1. Try to manage stress levels
2. Don’t rush meals
3. Eat a balanced diet with plenty of high fibre foods and leafy greens
4. Try to keep a food journal tracking your symptoms, and avoid the ones that make your IBS worse.

For more treatment information please take a look at our Advice for IBS page.

Sources

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/...
• https://bnf.nice.org.uk/drug/a...

Alverine Warnings

Before using Alverine capsules for the first time it is important to read the following warnings carefully to make sure you are making a fully informed decision.

Alverine capsules should not be used if you are allergic to any of the ingredients. They should also be avoided if you have been told by a medical professional that you have an obstruction within the gut or a malfunctioning small bowel.

Alverine might not be the right treatment for you if any of the following apply:

• You are aged 40 years or over
• You have passed blood in your stools
• You are feeling sick or vomiting
• You have lost your appetite or lost weight
• You are suffering from severe constipation
• You are looking pale and feeling tired
• You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• You have a fever
• You have difficulty or pain passing urine
• You have recently travelled abroad

Always read all available packaging and Patient Information Leaflet contained within the product packaging before using any new medication and if you have any concerns, consult your doctor.

Alverine Dosage

For adults and children over the age of 12 years: Take 1 - 2 Alverine capsules up to three times a day for a maximum of 2 weeks. Swallow with a glass of water.

If your symptoms have not improved after 2 weeks you should speak to a doctor for advice.

Alverine ingredients

The active ingredient contained in Alverine capsules is: Alverine citrate 60mg

The inactive ingredients contained in Alverine capsules are: Pregelatinised starch, Magnesium stearate, Gelatin, Titanium dioxide (E171).

Alverine side effects

Side effects are uncommon when using Alverine, however, there is a small chance that you may encounter any of the following:

• Feelings of sickness
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Allergic reactions (itching or rashes)

If you have any further concerns or experience any side effects not listed above, cease usage and consult with your doctor immediately.