Patient Education1 min read

Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil)

Overview

Relax intestinal smooth muscle to relieve cramping and spasm — especially useful in IBS. Take 30 minutes before meals for best effect.

What it is used for

IBS — abdominal cramping and spasm

Functional dyspepsia

Acute biliary or renal colic (hyoscine)

Premenstrual abdominal cramping

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

When to See a Doctor

Do not stop a prescribed medicine on your own. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist about side effects, interactions or any doubt, and seek urgent care for the serious warning signs above.

Drug class and examples

Antispasmodics — direct smooth muscle relaxants and anticholinergics

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.

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).

Serious side effects — act on these

• 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 and 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

• Which antispasmodic is best for me?

• Should I take it daily or only during flares?

• Are there non-medication options for IBS spasms?

Source and review

This guide comes from the Saudi Gastroenterology Association (SGA) patient library, prepared by the SGA Patient Education Panel. Last reviewed: 2026-04-24. It is for education and does not replace your doctor's advice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil) used for?

IBS — abdominal cramping and spasm; Functional dyspepsia; Acute biliary or renal colic (hyoscine); Premenstrual abdominal cramping.

How does Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil) work?

What are the side effects of Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil)?

Common: 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.

When should I call my doctor about Antispasmodics (Mebeverine, Hyoscine, Peppermint Oil)?

Contact your doctor promptly if you notice: Severe constipation or urinary retention with hyoscine/dicyclomine; Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty).