1. What causes my stomach cramps in the first place?

2. What are the usual symptoms?

3. How should stomach cramps be treated?

4. What causes the bowels to go into spasm?

5. Can other health problems make stomach cramps worse?

6. Does Buscopan Cramps® contain gluten?

7. What are the differences between Buscopan Cramps® and painkillers?

8. When should I see my doctor about my abdominal cramps?

9. Does Buscopan® Cramps also relieve cramps outside the gastrointestinal tract?

1. What causes my stomach cramps in the first place? What usually happens is that a particular trigger causes the bowel muscles to squeeze more vigorously than usual. Examples of such prompts are certain foods and drinks, or stress and anxiety, and this then starts the typical symptoms of intermittent sharp, stabbing abdominal pain top

2. What are the usual symptoms? These are usually described as severe, sharp or ‘stabbing’ pains in the stomach or abdomen. These symptoms can last seconds or hours depending on their severity. They can come and go, but with a background of dull constant pain. There may also be associated bloating, increased wind, nausea, and sometimes diarrhoea or constipation. top

3. How should stomach cramps be treated? There a range of lifestyle measures you can take to relieve your symptoms. Regular exercise, stress reduction and avoiding foods or drinks that seem to make it worse are always recommended. Many people find that they can also easily manage their symptoms using an antispasmodic treatment such as Buscopan Cramps®. These treatments are available from behind the counter at your pharmacy and your pharmacist will be able to advice if they are suitable for you. top

4. What causes the bowels to go into spasm? Our bowels constantly move, pushing the bowel contents slowly forward. This occurs even when we are asleep. However, if this bowel movement is excessive (as can occur with stress, anxiety or when stimulated by certain foods) the result is severe squeezing, which triggers abdominal cramps. top

5. Can other health problems make stomach cramps worse? Yes. Many women find their stomach cramps are worse around the time of their period. Other gut problems, like diverticular disease or gastroenteritis, also often cause cramps to worsen. A generally unhealthy lifestyle with little exercise, stress, and excessive caffeine, alcohol or nicotine can also make stomach cramps more frequent and severe. top

6. Does Buscopan Cramps® contain gluten? No, there is no gluten in Buscopan Cramps®. This makes it suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerance to take. If you experience any of these effects or any other effects not mentioned above, consult your doctor. top

7. What are the differences between Buscopan Cramps® and painkillers? Buscopan® Cramps has been specially developed to treat abdominal cramps at the source of the pain. Unlike painkillers which mask the pain, Buscopan® Cramps works directly on the cause of pain, the spasm in the gut, to provide effective relief. top

8. When should I see my doctor about my abdominal cramps? You should visit your doctor if your abdominal cramps last longer than several continuous days or if the pain becomes more severe, if you have a fever, if you notice blood on your stools, or if you notice weight loss. top

9. Does Buscopan® Cramps also relieve cramps outside the gastrointestinal tract? No. Buscopan® Cramps is specially developed to relax the muscles of the digestive tract. Therefore, it acts only where abdominal cramps and pains occur. As it is barely absorbed, it does not enter the blood stream and thus has no effects on organs outside the gastrointestinal tract. top

 

 

Organs	Digestion & abdominal cramps	Buscopan® Cramps	FAQ