Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil)
Relax intestinal smooth muscle to relieve cramping and spasm — especially useful in IBS. Take 30 minutes before meals for best effect.
This article is educational and does not replace your doctor's advice. Seek urgent care for any red-flag symptoms.
Drug class
Antispasmodics — direct smooth muscle relaxants and anticholinergics
Examples
Mebeverine (Colofac, Duspatalin), hyoscine butylbromide (Buscopan), dicyclomine (Bentyl), peppermint oil enteric-coated capsules (Colpermin, IBgard).
How it works
Mebeverine directly relaxes intestinal smooth muscle without affecting normal motility. Hyoscine blocks acetylcholine, reducing both spasm and gut motility (anticholinergic). Peppermint oil relaxes smooth muscle through L-type calcium channel blockade — enteric coating ensures release in the small intestine.
What it treats
- IBS — abdominal cramping and spasm
- Functional dyspepsia
- Acute biliary or renal colic (hyoscine)
- Premenstrual abdominal cramping
How to take it
Mebeverine 135 mg three times daily, 20 minutes before meals.
Hyoscine butylbromide 10-20 mg up to 4 times daily, as needed for cramping. Available OTC in Saudi pharmacies.
Peppermint oil (enteric-coated) 1-2 capsules three times daily, 30-60 minutes before meals. Don't crush or chew (causes heartburn).
Dicyclomine 10-20 mg before meals (anticholinergic side effects more common than mebeverine).
Common side effects
- Mebeverine: well tolerated; rare allergic skin reactions
- Hyoscine: dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary retention, rapid heart rate (anticholinergic)
- Peppermint oil: heartburn (less if enteric-coated), occasional anal burning
- Dicyclomine: more pronounced anticholinergic side effects
Serious side effects — call your doctor
Severe constipation or urinary retention with hyoscine/dicyclomine
Stop the medication; see your doctor.
Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)
Emergency.
Interactions
Hyoscine and dicyclomine: avoid combining with other anticholinergic medications (some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, bladder medications). Mebeverine and peppermint oil: few interactions.
Monitoring
No routine monitoring needed.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Mebeverine: limited data, generally avoided in first trimester. Hyoscine: short-term use considered acceptable. Peppermint oil: avoid in pregnancy due to limited data. Consult your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
Save this list or print it before your appointment — doctors appreciate prepared patients.
- Which antispasmodic is best for me?
- Should I take it daily or only during flares?
- Are there non-medication options for IBS spasms?
Medically reviewed by: SGA Patient Education Panel · Last reviewed 24/04/2026