Stomach pain: When to use Buscapina and when to use Motilium?

When your stomach hurts, decide based on the dominant symptom. If it's crampy or colicky pain, Buscapina (butylscopolamine) helps. If nausea or vomiting predominates, the option supported by the official product information is Motilium (domperidone).

In the EU, domperidone is not indicated for "indigestion" without nausea. If abdominal pain is severe, does not subside, or occurs with fever or blood in the stool, seek urgent medical attention.

What type of pain is Buscapina used for: cramps and spasms?

It is used for spasms of the smooth muscle of the digestive tract and biliary tract. It is not indicated for treating nausea or vomiting. Buscapina is an antispasmodic with antimuscarinic activity. In adults, the dosage is 10 to 20 mg per dose, 3 to 5 times a day, with a maximum of 100 mg per day. Avoid prolonged use if the cause of the pain is unknown.

Possible side effects include dry mouth and rapid heartbeat, and less frequently, urinary retention. Avoid use in untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, megacolon, ileus or obstruction, rapid heartbeat, or urinary retention.

Seek immediate medical attention if severe abdominal pain persists or worsens, or occurs with fever or blood in the stool.

What ailment is Motilium used for: nausea and vomiting?

It is indicated for the relief of nausea and vomiting in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and over and weighing at least 35 kg; not for “heavy digestion” without nausea. Motilium acts as an antiemetic dopamine antagonist with peripheral prokinesis.

Dosage: 10 mg before meals, up to 3 times a day (maximum 30 mg/day), for a maximum of 7 days. Do not use in patients with moderate-to-severe liver disease, prolonged QT interval/heart disease, electrolyte imbalances, or bradycardia.

Avoid combining Motilium with drugs that prolong the QT interval. Also avoid potent CYP3A4 inhibitors such as ketoconazole or itraconazole, and macrolides such as clarithromycin.

Can I take them together?

If you plan to use both, consult a healthcare professional first. They can interfere with each other because they affect digestive motility differently. Prioritize the main symptom: if colic or spasms predominate, choose Buscapina; if nausea or vomiting predominates, choose Motilium within its limits (up to 7 days and 30 mg per day).

For indigestion without nausea, try general measures such as hydration and light meals, and consult a doctor if it doesn't improve. Avoid self-medicating and seek medical advice if the pain wakes you up at night, if you are pregnant, if you have a fever, bleeding, or if it lasts more than 24 hours.