Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Pharmacy Guide
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules
⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Alverine citrate may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
What it is and what it is used for
for The name of your medicine is Alverine Citrate Capsules. The capsules contain a medicine called alverine citrate. Alverine Citrate Capsules belong to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodics. It relaxes the muscles in the intestine (gut) and uterus (womb). This helps stop the pain you feel when the muscles become tense. It is used to help people aged 12 and above who have Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). Some of the symptoms of IBS are:
- Abdominal pains like cramp, which come and go
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Feeling full and bloated
- Wanting to go to the toilet urgently. Sometimes these symptoms are worse if you are worried or under stress. Alverine Citrate Capsules can also be used for a condition of the large intestine called painful diverticular disease of the colon, and to relieve period pains.
What you need to know before you take it
e Do not take Alverine Citrate Capsules if:
- you are allergic (hypersensitive) to alverine citrate or any other ingredient in this medicine (see section 6)
• •
your doctor has told you that you have obstruction of the gut or that your small bowel is not working properly you are pregnant and/or breast- feeding.
You should not take Alverine Citrate Capsules if any of the above applies to you. If you are unsure speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Warnings and precautions If this is the first time you have had these symptoms talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Alverine Citrate Capsules. If any of the following apply do not take Alverine Citrate Capsules until you have spoken to your doctor; it may not be the right treatment for you. See your doctor as soon as possible if you: • • • • • • • • • •
are aged 40 years or over have passed blood from the bowel are feeling sick or vomiting have lost your appetite or lost weight are looking pale and feeling tired are suffering from severe constipation have a fever have recently travelled abroad have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge have difficulty or pain passing urine.
If any of the above applies to you speak to your doctor before taking Alverine Citrate Capsules. Consult your doctor if you have developed new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve after two weeks treatment. Children and adolescents Alverine Citrate Capsules should not be used in children under the age of 12. Other medicines and Alverine Citrate Capsules Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines, including medicines obtained without a prescription. Pregnancy, Breast-feeding and Fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, do not take this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Alverine Citrate Capsules should not be taken by pregnant women, unless your doctor decides otherwise. Breast-feeding is not recommended whilst taking Alverine Citrate Capsules. Driving and using machines
If you experience dizziness while taking Alverine Citrate Capsules, avoid driving or operating machinery. Alverine Citrate Capsules contain E122 and E102 The capsule shell contains; E122 carmoisine and E102 tartrazine which may cause allergic reactions.
How to take it
Alverine Citrate Capsules Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Adults (including the elderly): The usual dose is 60 mg or 120 mg taken up to three times a day. Children (under the age of 12) Alverine Citrate Capsules is not suitable for children under the age of 12. If you take more Alverine Citrate Capsules than you should If you or someone else takes too many Alverine Citrate Capsules, contact your doctor or nearest hospital emergency department immediately. Take the box and any capsules that are left over with you if you can. The symptoms of an overdose may include low blood pressure (hypotension) and atropine-like toxic effects (such as fast heart rate, dizziness, dry mouth, nausea, blurred vision, dilated pupils, confusion and hallucinations). The doctor will assess your condition and decide how to treat an overdose. If you forget to take Alverine Citrate Capsules Take it when you remember. If you forget for more than 4 hours, just take the next dose when you remember it is due. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Alverine Citrate Capsules can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking Alverine Citrate Capsules and tell your doctor straight away if you notice any of the following serious side effects: • •
rash or allergic reaction such as itching, swollen lips/tongue or wheezing/shortness of breath. yellowing of the whites of the eyes and the skin, as inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) has been known to occur.
If you have any of the above side effects, you should tell your doctor immediately.
Other side effects of Alverine Citrate Capsules may include:
- feeling sick (nausea)
- dizziness
- headache. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed on the leaflet. You can report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
How to store it
Alverine Citrate Capsules Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. • •
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store below 25oC, in the original container.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.
Contents of the pack and other information
What Alverine Citrate Capsules contain The active ingredient is alverine citrate. Alverine 60 mg Hard Capsules: Each capsule contains Alverine Citrate equivalent to 60 mg Alverine Citrate. Alverine 120 mg Hard Capsules: Each capsule contains Alverine Citrate equivalent to 120 mg Alverine Citrate. The other ingredients are: maize starch and magnesium stearate. The capsule shell contains; gelatin; the capsule cap and body contain brilliant blue (E133), carmoisine (E122), tartrazine (E102) and titanium dioxide (E171). The printing ink on the capsule contains; shellac, propylene glycol and black iron oxide (E172). What Alverine Citrate capsules look like and the contents of the pack Alverine Citrate capsules are available in aluminum foil, PVC/PVDC blister strips. Each carton contains 20, 30, 60,100 or 120 hard capsules. Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules consist of gelatin capsule shell size #3, with blue cap (marked as (ALV) and blue body (marked as 60), filled with white to off-white granular powder.
Alverine Citrate 120 mg hard capsules consist of gelatin capsule shell size #1, with blue cap (marked as ALV) and white body (marked as 120), filled with white to off-white granular powder. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder and manufacturer Blackrock Pharmaceuticals Ltd The Old Barrel Store Brewery Courtyard Draymans Lane Marlow SL7 2FF United Kingdom MA Number (60 mg): PL 33271/0002 MA Number (120 mg): PL 33271/0003 Leaflet Prepared: May 2022
Frequently asked questions about Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules
How do I take Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules?
Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules comes as capsule containing 120mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
What is the active substance in Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules?
The active substance in Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules is alverine citrate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Alverine Citrate 120 mg hard capsules. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.
Where does this information come from?
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Can I get Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules without a prescription?
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
About this leaflet
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
- Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc), Datapharm
- Active substance: alverine citrate
- Official document: view the original leaflet on emc →
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
4.1. Therapeutic indications
Alverine citrate is indicated for the relief of smooth muscle spasm, in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, painful diverticular disease of the colon and primary dysmenorrhoea.
4.2. Posology and method of administration
Method of administration
For oral administration.
Capsules should be swallowed whole.
Posology
Recommended dose and dosage schedules:
Adults (including the elderly): 1 capsule one to three times daily.
Children below the age of 12 years: not recommended.
4.3. Contraindications
• Paralytic ileus, intestinal obstruction, hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use
Additional warnings to be included in the Patient Information Leaflet:
If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, consult your doctor before using any treatment.
If any of the following apply do not use Alverine Citrate 120 mg; it may not be the right treatment for you. See your doctor as soon as possible if you:
- are aged 40 years or over
- have passed blood from the bowel
- are feeling sick or vomiting
- have lost your appetite or lost weight
- are looking pale and feeling tired
- are suffering from severe constipation
- have a fever
- have recently travelled abroad
- are or may be pregnant
- have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- have difficulty or pain passing urine.
Consult your doctor if you have developed new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve after 2 weeks treatment.
4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction
None stated
4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation
Pregnancy and lactation
Although no teratogenic effects have been reported, use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended as evidence of safety in preclinical studies is limited.
Due to insufficient data use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended.
Fertility
There are no data on the effects of alverine citrate on human fertility.
4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines
May cause dizziness. Do not drive or use machinery if affected.
4.8. Undesirable effects
Within the system organ classes, adverse reactions are listed under headings of frequency (number of patients expected to experience the reaction), using the following categories:
Very common (≥1/10); Common (≥1/100 to <1/10); Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100); Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000); Very rare (<1/10,000); Not known (cannot be estimated from the available data)
The following undesirable effects were observed:
Immune system disorders
Not known
anaphylaxis, allergic reaction
Nervous system disorders
Not known
dizziness, headache
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Not known
dyspnoea and/or wheezing
Gastrointestinal disorders
Not known
nausea
Hepatobiliary disorders
Not known
jaundice due to hepatitis (typically resolves on cessation of alverine), liver function test abnormal
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Not known
rash, itching
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting of adverse reactions after authorization of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
4.9. Overdose
Symptoms:
Can produce hypotension and atropine-like toxic effects. Management is as for atropine poisoning with supportive therapy for hypotension.
Fatality has occurred following overdose with very high doses.
💬 Ask about this leaflet
Ask anything about Alverine Citrate 120 mg Hard Capsules. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.