An antispasmodic for IBS
Alverine
An antispasmodic that relaxes gut muscle to ease the cramping pain, spasm and discomfort of irritable bowel syndrome.
What is Alverine?
Alverine is an antispasmodic used for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It relaxes the muscle in the wall of the bowel to ease cramping pain, spasm and discomfort. It does not contain a painkiller and is available both on prescription and from pharmacies.
Education and reference only. This is a plain-language guide to Alverine — it deliberately contains no doses. Doses depend on the person, the brand and the reason for treatment, and belong with your prescriber. Always check the BNF, the product labelling (SmPC) and follow medical advice.
What it is
Alverine is an antispasmodic medicine used to relieve the cramping pain and spasm of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and sometimes period-related cramps. It works directly on the muscle of the gut rather than containing a painkiller. It is one of the established antispasmodic options in the UK and can be bought from a pharmacy as well as prescribed.
How it works
The muscle in the bowel wall can go into painful spasm in IBS, causing cramping and discomfort. Alverine relaxes this smooth muscle directly, helping the gut to settle. Because it acts mainly on the muscle itself, it does not usually cause the dry mouth or blurred vision seen with antimuscarinic antispasmodics.
Company & origin
Originated / developed by: A long-established antispasmodic.
An antispasmodic used in the UK to relieve the cramping pain and spasm of irritable bowel syndrome.
What it treats
Conditions Alverine is used for
Practical use
How to take Alverine
General, dose-free guidance — always follow your prescriber's and the leaflet's specific instructions.
- It is usually taken before meals, when IBS cramping often comes on.
- Swallow the capsules whole with water.
- Take it regularly for a fair trial rather than only on bad days.
- Combine it with diet, fibre, fluid and stress measures for IBS.
- If you miss a dose, take it before your next meal as usual and do not double up.
Weighing it up
Advantages & disadvantages of Alverine
Advantages
- Relaxes gut muscle without containing a sedating painkiller.
- Does not usually cause dry mouth or blurred vision.
- Available from pharmacies as well as on prescription.
Disadvantages
- Eases the spasm and pain but does not cure IBS.
- Needs regular dosing, often before meals, for the best effect.
- May not help every symptom, such as bloating or altered bowel habit.
Practical use
Good to know
Alverine is often taken before meals, when IBS cramping tends to be triggered. It is generally well tolerated and tends not to cause the drying side effects of some other antispasmodics. It works best alongside the usual UK health service advice for IBS on diet, fibre, fluids and stress. As with other antispasmodics, it eases the spasm rather than curing IBS, so see your GP if symptoms persist or you develop alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss or a change in bowel habit.
Who should not take it / use with caution
- People who have had an allergic reaction to alverine in the past.
- People with a bowel obstruction or paralytic ileus should not take it.
- Used with caution in pregnancy and breastfeeding; check with your pharmacist or GP.
Monitoring
- Whether cramping and pain improve over a few weeks of regular use.
- Any new or alarm symptoms such as bleeding, weight loss or a change in bowel habit.
- Whether you still need it, as IBS symptoms tend to come and go.
Side effects
- Most people have no side effects, and it is generally well tolerated.
- Occasionally it can cause nausea, headache, dizziness or itching.
- Rarely, an allergic reaction or, very rarely, liver upset — seek help if you feel unwell or your skin or eyes look yellow.
Key interactions
- Alverine has very few known interactions with other medicines.
- Still tell your pharmacist about everything you take, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
- It can usually be combined with other IBS measures, but check with a pharmacist if unsure.
Available as: Capsules; also combined with a bulking agent in some products.
Answers
Alverine: frequently asked questions
Is alverine a painkiller?
No. It relaxes the muscle in the bowel wall to ease the cramping spasm of IBS, which reduces the pain, rather than acting as a painkiller.
When should I take it?
It is usually taken before meals, as eating can trigger IBS cramping. Follow the directions on your pack or from your pharmacist.
Can I buy it without a prescription?
Yes. Alverine can be bought from pharmacies for diagnosed IBS, as well as being prescribed by your GP.
How is it different from mebeverine?
Both are antispasmodics that relax gut muscle for IBS. They are similar options, and the choice often comes down to which one suits you best.
Does it cure IBS?
No. It eases cramping spasm but does not cure IBS, and works best alongside diet and lifestyle measures.
The wider class
About Antispasmodics
Alverine belongs to the antispasmodics class. For how the class as a whole works, its shared safety principles and monitoring, see the full guide.
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Authoritative sources
- BNF
- NICE CKS
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