Alverine Citrate

• Alverine Citrate is a smooth muscle relaxant or anti-spasmodic that relaxes the muscles surrounding the intestine and uterus
• Alverine Citrate is effective in reducing stomach cramps
• The medication is taken several times a day to relieve painful symptoms
• Alverine citrate is usually well tolerated with only mild side effects
• It is important to read the patient leaflet for a full list of side effects and cautions.

Alverine Citrate is an antispasmodic medication that has a direct action on smooth muscle. This means that when muscles are cramping or in spasm, Alverine Citrate works directly to relax them and therefore reduce the associated pain. 

Alverine Citrate has a direct action on the smooth muscle of the bowel and uterus, but does not affect smooth muscle in the heart, blood vessels or trachea (windpipe). 

It may take an hour to an hour and a half to feel the effects of Alverine Citrate.

The capsules are taken by mouth and should be swallowed with some water. Alverine citrate can be taken with or without food.

Two different doses of Alverine Citrate capsules are available, 60mg capsules and 120mg capsules. 

The usual dose of Alverine Citrate 120mg is one to three capsules per day. If taking three capsules, these should be spread out evenly throughout the day, for example with one capsule taken at 8am, 2pm and 8pm. 

Like all medications, Alverine Citrate can have some side effects. The most common side effects include:

• Nausea (feeling sick)
• Headache
• Feeling dizzy
• Itchy skin
• A skin rash
• Feeling short of breath.

These side effects are likely to settle down, but if they persist or become troublesome you should speak to your doctor for further advice.

If you have a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) including breathlessness, lip or tongue swelling, call 999 immediately.

Some medications can interact with Alverine Citrate. Tell your prescriber if you take any other medications, so that they can check that Alverine Citrate won’t interact with them.

Alverine Citrate may not be suitable for everyone. You should tell your doctor if you:

• Are aged 40 or older
• Have passed blood in your stool or from the rectum
• Have nausea or vomiting (are feeling sick or being sick)
• Have a reduced appetite or have lost weight
• Look pale
• Feel tired
• Have constipation
• Have a fever
• Have recently travelled abroad
• Have difficulty or pain when passing urine
• Have abnormal or irregular vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding.

Telling your prescriber about these symptoms will help them to consider whether you are likely to have IBS, or if further investigation of your symptoms is required before prescribing Alverine Citrate.

Because Alverine Citrate may not suit everyone, we will complete a Consultation with you including a health questionnaire. This will ensure that the medication will be suitable for you.

A qualified prescriber will review your current medications, including any herbal remedies or supplements, to ensure that Alverine Citrate will not interact with them. 

Once prescribed, Alverine Citrate will be ordered on your behalf via electronic prescription, allowing you to pick the medication up at your convenience.