What are Alverine Citrate Capsules?

Alverine citrate is an antispasmodic medicine used to relieve painful muscle spasms in the gut and womb. It is commonly prescribed for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), painful diverticular disease, and period pain (dysmenorrhoea). Alverine is available in 60 mg and 120 mg capsule strengths, often under the brand name Spasmonal.

How Do Alverine Citrate Capsules Work?

Alverine works by relaxing the smooth muscles in the intestine and uterus. This helps reduce painful spasms that cause cramps, bloating, and discomfort, while still allowing the bowel to function normally.

Symptoms of IBS

IBS can cause a range of digestive issues, including:

Abdominal cramps or stomach pain
Bloating and excess wind
Diarrhoea, constipation, or alternating between both
A sense of urgency or incomplete emptying after bowel movements
Symptoms can flare up unpredictably, often triggered by diet, stress, or hormonal changes.

Alternative Treatment Options

Other approaches to managing IBS and abdominal cramps include:

Other antispasmodics such as mebeverine (Colofac IBS) or hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan).
Peppermint oil capsules (Mintec, Colpermin).
Lifestyle and dietary adjustments, such as following a low FODMAP diet, reducing caffeine, or managing stress.
Over-the-counter medicines for diarrhoea (e.g. loperamide) or constipation (e.g. laxatives).

Do not take alverine if you:

Are allergic to alverine citrate or any ingredients in the capsule
Have rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption (as the capsules may contain lactose)

Can Alverine Citrate Capsules Be Purchased Over the Counter?

Yes. In the UK, alverine 60 mg capsules are available from pharmacies without a prescription, but a pharmacist will check your symptoms first. Higher strength 120 mg capsules (Spasmonal Forte) are usually supplied on prescription.

• Adults (60 mg capsules): Take one or two capsules up to three times daily.
• Adults (120 mg capsules): Take one capsule up to three times daily.
• Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew.
• Not recommended for children under 12 years.
  
  
• If symptoms do not improve after 2 weeks, consult a doctor.
  
  

Speak to your doctor or prescriber before taking alverine if you:

Are under 12 years old (not recommended for children)
Experience unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, severe constipation, or persistent vomiting
Have liver or kidney problems
Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by your doctor
 

Speak to your doctor or prescriber before taking alverine if you:

• Are under 12 years old (not recommended for children)
• Experience unexplained weight loss, blood in stools, severe constipation, or persistent vomiting
• Have liver or kidney problems
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding, unless advised by your doctor
   

Active Ingredient

Alverine citrate (60 mg or 120 mg per capsule, depending on strength)

Inactive Ingredients (Excipients)

These may vary slightly by manufacturer, but commonly include:

Lactose monohydrate
Maize starch
Magnesium stearate
Gelatin (capsule shell)
Titanium dioxide (E171)
Iron oxides (colouring agents, in some brands)

Always check the patient information leaflet (PIL) in your pack for the full ingredient list — especially if you have allergies or sensitivities.

Common side effects (uncommon in many patients)

Nausea
Headache
Dizziness

Less common side effects

Mild skin reactions such as rash or itching
Rare but serious side effects

Allergic reactions including swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and difficulty breathing

If you develop signs of an allergic reaction, stop taking Alverine and seek medical help immediately.