Boehringer Ingelheim is launching a P licensed treatment for the relief of abdominal cramps.Buscopan Cramps contains hyoscine butylbromide 10mg, which has an antispasmodic effect. The product is indicated for the relief of spasm of the genito-urinary tract or gastro-intestinal tract and for the symptomatic relief of irritable bowel syndrome. “Unlike painkillers which mask the pain, Buscopan Cramps works directly on the spasms in the digestive tract to ease the pain and discomfort of abdominal cramps,” says Boehringer Ingelheim.

Adults and children (12 years and over) can take two tablets up to four times a day. The launch will be supported by a £500,000 marketing campaign that includes print advertising from June. Customer information leaflets are available for pharmacies.Price and Pip code: £4.39/20, 353-1738DendronTel: 01923 205704www.stomach-cramps.co.uk

Market focus

• The £4.9 million IBS market has grown by 3.5 per cent in volume over the last year (IRI, February 20, 2010).
• Forty per cent of people in the UK suffer from abdominal cramps, but more than a quarter never treat their symptoms (TNS survey, June 2009).
• Forty six per cent of sufferers of abdominal cramps and spasms would prefer the management of their condition to be pharmcy-led (TNS survey, June 2009).