This NHS content is written for people in England. Medicine names, availability, prescribing and services may differ in other countries.
Dosage and how to take Buscopan
Dosage and strength
Each Buscopan tablet contains 10mg of hyoscine butylbromide. Buscopan tablets are all the same strength whether you get them on prescription or whether you buy them as Buscopan Cramps or Buscopan IBS Relief.
The usual dose for stomach cramps (or cramping pain) in adults and children aged 12 years or over is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day increased to 2 tablets, taken 4 times a day if needed.
For children aged 6 to 11 years, the usual dose for stomach cramps (or cramping pain) is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day.
The usual dose for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) diagnosed by a doctor in adults and children aged 12 years or over is 1 tablet, taken 3 times a day. You can increase this to 2 tablets, taken 4 times a day if needed.
How to take it
Take Buscopan tablets when you have stomach cramps or period pain.
Buscopan does not usually upset your stomach, so you can take it with or without food.
Swallow the tablet whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush or chew it.
View the original NHS website page ↗. Refreshed 19 August 2026.
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