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 60 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 Alverine Citrate Capsules are an "anti-spasmodic" medicine. 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 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.
Alverine Citrate Capsules with food and drink Alverine Citrate Capsules may be taken with or without food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding Do not take Alverine Citrate Capsules during pregnancy or whilst breast-feeding. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines You should be aware of how you react to Alverine Citrate Capsules before you drive or operate machinery. If you feel dizzy or drowsy after taking Alverine Citrate Capsules, do not drive or operate machinery until these effects wear off.
What you need to know before you take it
e Alverine Citrate Capsules Do not take Alverine Citrate Capsules if:
- you are allergic to alverine citrate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). ¢ your doctor has told you that you have obstruction of the gut or that your small bowel is not working properly. Warnings and precautions If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, consult your doctor before using any treatment. Do not take Alverine Citrate Capsules if any of the following apply to you, 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, are breast-feeding,
have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge, have difficultly or pain in 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. Children Alverine Citrate Capsules are not suitable for children under 12 years old. 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. Some medicines can affect the way other medicines work.
it when you remember.
If you forget for more than 4
Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 4. Possible side effects
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Stop taking Alverine Citrate Capsules and seek urgent medical advice immediately if you notice:
- Difficulties in breathing, shortness of breath, wheezing, swelling of your face or other parts of your body, as serious allergic reactions have been known to occur.
- Yellowing of the whites of the eyes or skin, as inflammation of the liver has been known to occur. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following
How to take it
Alverine Citrate Capsules Always take this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. « The recommended dose is 1 or 2 capsules of 60mg or 1 capsule of 120mg taken up to 3 times a day. Use in children: Alverine Citrate Capsules are not suitable for children under 12 years old. If you take more Alverine Citrate Capsules than you should If you take more Alverine Citrate Capsules than you should, contact a doctor immediately. Symptoms of an overdose may be low blood pressure, dizziness, increased heartbeat, dilated pupils, blurred vision, dry mouth and throat, difficulty breathing, or difficulty passing urine.
Sometime these symptoms are worse if you are worried or under stress.
If you forget to take Alverine Citrate Capsules If you forget to take Alverine Citrate Capsules, take
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.
hours, just take the next dose when you remember it is due.
Possible side effects
occur or worsen.
The following other side effects may also occur: Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data): ¢ a feeling of sickness or dizziness, ¢ headache, ¢ allergic reactions, which may include itching or skin rash,
- increased levels of some liver enzymes (which would be detected by your doctor during a blood test). Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also 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.
Version: V004/31/12/19/PL20117/0289-0290 Supersedes: V003/13/12/19/PL201 17/0289-0290
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 blister and carton after 'EXP'. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30°C.
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away 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 substance is alverine citrate. Each hard capsule contains either 60mg or 120mg of alverine citrate. ¢ The other ingredients are maize starch; starch, pregelatinised and magnesium stearate. ¢ The capsule shell contains gelatin, titanium dioxide (E 171), indigo carmine (E 132) and iron oxide black (E 172). Printing ink components are shellac (E 904), propylene glycol (E 1520), black iron oxide (E 172) and potassium hydroxide (E 525). What Alverine Citrate Capsules look like and contents of the pack Alverine Citrate 60mg Hard Capsules are hard gelatin capsules, size 3 with opaque blue colour body and opaque grey colour cap marked '| 64' containing white to off-white powder. Alverine Citrate 120mg Hard Capsules are hard gelatin capsules, size 1 with opaque blue colour body and Opaque grey colour cap marked 'I 65' containing white to off-white powder. Pack size of 7, 10, 14, 28, 30, 56, 60, 84, 90, 100 and 112 capsules are available. Not all pack sizes may be marketed. Marketing Authorisation Holder Morningside Healthcare Ltd. Unit C, Harcourt Way Leicester, LE19 1WP, UK
Manufacturer Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd. 5 Pavilion Way Loughborough, LE11 5GW, UK Health tips for you Try to make your everyday life a bit healthier: ¢ Allow plenty of time to do things, and avoid stress. ¢ Do not rush meals. « Try to eat a balanced diet with high fibre foods. ¢ Do not eat foods which seem to make your IBS worse. This leaflet was last revised in February 2019.
M0289LAMUKNA-P2-001
Frequently asked questions about Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules
How do I take Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules?
Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules comes as capsule containing 60mg. 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 60 mg hard capsules?
The active substance in Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules is alverine citrate.
Are there equivalent medicines to Alverine Citrate 60 mg hard capsules?
Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Alverine Citrate 60 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 60 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 60 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
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
Posology
Adults and the elderly
1 or 2 capsules of 60mg or 1 capsule of 120mg, one to three times daily.
Children below the age of 12 years
Not recommended.
Method of administration
For oral use.
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 Hard Capsules, it may not be the right treatment for you. See your doctor as soon as possible if:
• you are aged 40 years or over
• you have passed blood from the bowel
• you are feeling sick or vomiting
• you have lost your appetite or lost weight
• you are looking pale and feeling tired
• you are suffering from severe constipation
• you have a fever
• you have recently travelled abroad
• you are or may be pregnant
• you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• you 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
Although no teratogenic effects have been reported, use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended as evidence of safety in preclinical studies is limited.
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 suspected adverse reactions after authorisation 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.
Treatment:
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 60 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.