Mebeverine vs Buscopan: Which IBS Treatment Works Best in the UK?

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a functional disorder of the digestive tract. It affects up to 10-15% of the population, with women (under 45) more likely to be impacted than men.

Living with IBS is not easy, as sometimes symptoms may be unpredictable, affecting your daily routines and social life. 

There are lots of IBS spasm treatments on the UK market, like laxatives, antispasmodics, anticholinergics, low-dose antidepressants, and medicines that slow down the gut. Picking the right one isn’t always easy.

In this guide, we compare Mebeverine and Buscopan—two popular and effective gut cramp medicines available in the UK—covering how they work, their side effects, and which one might be right for you.

Helping you make an informed choice. Let’s understand their mode of action, use cases, and side effects, and choose the appropriate medication for your needs.

Best IBS Tablets in the UK: Mebeverine vs. Buscopan for IBS Relief

Looking for effective IBS relief in the UK? Mebeverine (e.g., Colofac) and Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) are two of the most commonly prescribed IBS tablets.

Mebeverine works by relaxing the muscles in the intestinal wall, helping to reduce cramps and discomfort.

Buscopan targets smooth muscle spasms to relieve pain and bloating. Both are trusted, over-the-counter options widely used to manage symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

While both Mebeverine and Buscopan are effective, choosing the best option can be difficult. Let’s take a quick look at each drug and the key differences between them!

Mebeverine or Buscopan: Which Provides Faster IBS Relief?

Mebeverine and Buscopan are fast-acting and effective drugs for IBS relief. Mebeverine starts working within one hour of taking it, and you start feeling better within 1-3 hours.

However, you have to take it regularly for quite noticeable results. On the other hand, Buscopan provides relief within 15-30 minutes of taking the medicine and is taken when needed, not continuously.

So, the selection between them depends on whether you need on-the-spot pain relief or long-term pain management.

Mebeverine vs Buscopan — Side effects of each treatment

As all medicines carry risks of adverse effects, Mebeverine and Buscopan also cause some side effects, such as:

The common side effects of Mebeverine are:

• Mild allergic reactions such as skin irritation, redness, rashes, or itching. 
• A dry mouth
• Bloating
• Heartburn
• Dizziness or light-headedness
• Nausea
• Indigestion

These side effects are typically temporary and may subside with time. The most common side effect is an allergic reaction, which can often be relieved with an antihistamine.

However, if the symptoms persist or worsen, it is essential to consult your doctor for further advice.

Buscopan side effects

The side effects of Buscopan are mild and minor, including:

• Constipation
• A dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Outbreaks of sweat
• Fast heart rate
• Dryness of the skin
• Dizziness and drowsiness

These Buscopan side effects occur in 1 in 100 users. You should consult your doctor before taking Buscopan to avoid any serious complications.

Mebeverine vs. Buscopan: Dosage for IBS Relief

As you can see in the comparison table above, the dosages for Mebeverine and Buscopan are pretty different.

The dosage amounts of Mebeverine and Buscopan are:

Mebeverine dose for IBS

Mebeverine is available as 135 mg tablets and 200 mg modified-release capsules. The standard dose of Mebeverine is one 135 mg tablet 3 times a day or one 200 mg tablet 2 times a day (morning and evening).

Timing: You must take Mebeverine 20 minutes before having a meal and swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water.

Buscopan dose for IBS

Each Buscopan tablet contains 10 mg of hyoscine butylbromide (the active ingredient in Buscopan), and you must take one 10 mg tablet 3 times a day.

If your symptoms do not improve, your doctor will increase it to two 10 mg tablets 4 times a day. 

Timing: You must take Buscopan before each meal and swallow the whole tablet with a glass of water. 

Whether you choose Mebeverine or Buscopan, take it as prescribed by your doctor to avoid complications.

Is Mebeverine the same as Buscopan?

Although both medications are antispasmodic and treat IBS symptoms, Mebeverine and Buscopan are not the same.

Mebeverine contains mebeverine hydrochloride, while Buscopan has hyoscine butylbromide as an active ingredient.

Moreover, Mebeverine relaxes the smooth muscles in the gut to relieve bloating and cramps, while Buscopan blocks specific nerve signals in the digestive tract, alleviating pain and cramps. 

So, Mebeverine and Buscopan differ in many ways, and their effectiveness also varies from person to person.

Buscopan vs. Mebeverine: Which Treatment is Right for You?

The selection between Buscopan and Mebeverine depends on your needs and current health.

If you need a long-term solution to manage steady IBS symptoms, Mebeverine is an excellent choice.

However, if you're looking for quick relief from cramps or sudden spasms during flare-ups, Buscopan is a better option with its fast-acting effects.

However, you should not take any medicine on your own. You must consult your doctor for personalized advice and to determine the best treatment for your condition.

Is Mebeverine a good alternative to Buscopan?

Although Mebeverine and Buscopan differ in their active ingredients and modes of action, Mebeverine is a good alternative to Buscopan. If Buscopan does not suit you, your doctor may prescribe Mebeverine as a simple like-for-like substitute.

Can I take Mebeverine and Buscopan together?

As shown in the comparison table above, the dosages for Mebeverine and Buscopan differ.

You should not take Mebeverine and Buscopan together, as both are antispasmodics that help manage IBS symptoms by relieving cramps and abdominal pain.

If you take Mebeverine and Buscopan together, it may increase the risk of side effects and complications. Therefore, choose either Mebeverine or Buscopan and stick to one treatment at a time.

Buy Mebeverine or Buscopan online in UK pharmacy

If you'd like to buy Mebeverine tablets from Ashcroft Pharmacy, simply visit the treatment page.

Fill out the free online consultation form, and we'll quickly process your order for delivery, often as soon as the next working day (available).

Summary

Mebeverine and Buscopan are effective for IBS symptom management. Each offers unique strength; the selection depends on your needs.

Mebeverine is a long-term or continuous treatment for IBS, while Buscopan offers rapid relief from acute flare-ups. So, consult your doctor for personalised advice and to determine the best treatment for you.

Sources

• Mebeverine Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2315.pdf
• Buscopan Tablets Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.1775.pdf
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
• https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/buscopan-hyoscine-butylbromide/

Written and reviewed by our qualified team

Authored by:

Mr Suhail Jamil | Superintendent Pharmacist
GPhC Number: 2069518