Spasmonal

Generic Spasmonal
‘Spasmonal’ and ‘Spasmonal Forte’ are brand names – both are also available as a generic medicine: alverine 60mg and alverine 120mg, with one generic manufacturer branding their version as ‘Audmonal’ and ‘Audmonal Forte’.

Generic medicines contain the same active ingredient as branded originals and are usually available at lower cost.

Is Spasmonal suitable for anyone?
Most people with IBS can take Spasmonal.

It is important to be sure that your symptoms are caused by IBS and not something more serious.

If any of the following apply, check with your GP before using Spasmonal:

• Changed or new symptoms especially in women.
• Over 40 years old with first symptoms.
• New symptoms of blood in your stool or motions.
• Feeling nauseous or loss of appetite
• Losing weight without dieting.
• Pale and tired.
• Severely constipated.
• Running a high temperature (fever).
• Travelled abroad recently.
• Are or may be pregnant.
• Associated urinary symptoms.

A few people may be allergic to antispasmodics like Spasmonal (alverine) and Colofac (mebeverine). Reactions vary from skin rashes and facial swelling to very rarely anaphylaxis. If you have reacted to any antispasmodic in the past, do not try a different one as the reaction is likely to be the same.

Spasmonal and generic alverine hard capsules both contain gelatin.

Spasmonal is licensed to treat adults and children from 12 years of age, however, Dr Fox can supply treatment to adults only.

Taking Spasmonal with other medicines
Spasmonal is suitable to take with most other medications but do not take at the same time as other antispasmodics, e.g. Colofac (mebeverine), and Buscopan (hyoscine).

Can Spasmonal be taken safely during pregnancy and whilst breastfeeding?
In general, all medication should be avoided whilst trying for pregnancy, and when pregnant or breastfeeding.

The manufacturer advises not to take Spasmonal (alverine) during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding.

Side effects of Spasmonal (alverine)

Most people experience no side effects at all from taking Spasmonal or Spasmonal Forte.

If you are having a liver blood test it may affect the results, so tell your doctor that you are taking Spasmonal.

Very rarely liver inflammation may develop, leading to yellowed whites of the eyes and jaundice. If this happens, stop taking Spasmonal, and consult your doctor. The liver inflammation will settle quickly on stopping the Spasmonal.

Spasmonal may occasionally cause dizziness. Do not drive or use machinery if affected.

Further information on possible side effects can be found in the manufacturer’s patient information leaflet.

How to take Spasmonal

Adult dosage:

• Spasmonal (alverine 60mg): 1 or 2 capsules taken up to 3 times a day.
• Spasmonal Forte (alverine 120mg): 1 capsule is taken up to 3 times a day.

Other measures to help symptoms of IBS

Diarrhoea and bloating – reduce insoluble fibre like bran, wholegrain bread, and brown rice. Reduce caffeine, alcohol, fizzy drinks, and gas-producing foods like beans and cabbage.

Constipation – try adding more soluble fibre like oats and linseed, or soluble fibre supplements like Fybogel (ispaghula). Increase the soluble fibre gradually or bloating and wind may get worse. It may take several weeks for optimal benefits.

Make sure that you drink plenty of fluids.

Regular physical activity is also helpful for the bowels. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity at least 5 days per week.

For further information see NHS – IBS – Diet, lifestyle, and medicines.