alverine citrate at a glance
Medicine class
Direct-acting antispasmodic
Usual role
Relieves painful smooth-muscle spasm in the gut or uterus
Administration
Oral hard capsules; swallow whole
Children
Selected products are not recommended below 12 years
Driving
Avoid driving or machinery if dizziness occurs
What is alverine citrate used for?
The selected products are licensed to relieve smooth-muscle spasm associated with:
Irritable bowel syndrome
Painful diverticular disease of the colon
Primary dysmenorrhoea (period pain)
How does alverine citrate work?
Alverine acts directly on smooth muscle in the digestive tract and uterus, reducing painful spasmodic contractions. Experimental evidence suggests it alters calcium-dependent contraction and may shorten sustained spasms, although its complete mechanism is not fully established.
alverine citrate preparations and strengths
Capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 60 mg, 120 mg
How to take alverine citrate
Take by mouth according to the product label or prescriber's instructions. Swallow the capsule whole. The selected product information does not specify a food-related restriction.
Do not use capsules that are damaged or have been removed from unsuitable packaging.
Check the specific leaflet because capsule appearance and ingredients vary between manufacturers.
alverine citrate side effects
Common or expected effects
- Nausea (reported; frequency not known)
- Dizziness (reported; frequency not known)
- Headache (reported; frequency not known)
- Rash or itching (reported; frequency not known)
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or another severe allergic reaction
- Breathlessness or wheezing
- Jaundice or other signs of hepatitis
alverine citrate in pregnancy
The selected product information does not recommend alverine citrate during pregnancy because safety evidence is limited. Anyone pregnant, planning pregnancy or who may be pregnant should discuss alternatives with a prescriber or pharmacist.
alverine citrate while breastfeeding
The selected product information does not recommend use during breastfeeding because evidence is limited. Specialist guidance says alverine may be used cautiously for a full-term, healthy infant when clinically appropriate, although better-supported alternatives are preferred; infant monitoring and individual assessment are advised.
alverine citrate interactions
No specific medicine interactions are stated in the selected product information. Tell a pharmacist or prescriber about prescribed, over-the-counter and herbal products.
Common questions about alverine citrate
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What does alverine citrate do for irritable bowel syndrome?
It reduces painful gut-muscle spasm and cramping. It provides symptom relief but does not cure IBS.
Is alverine citrate a laxative or an antidiarrhoeal?
No. It is an antispasmodic and does not directly treat constipation or diarrhoea, although it may ease associated cramping.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.