Drug treatment of chronic-intermittent abdominal cramping and pain: a multi-national survey on usage and attitudes

Data on drug treatment of abdominal cramping and pain are sparse.

To compare treatment of abdominal cramping and pain across countries worldwide.

A multi-national survey was conducted in the USA, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Germany, Belgium, Italy and the UK. In each country, approximately 210 people were interviewed on various aspects of drug treatment of their complaints.

In total, 1717 participants were interviewed. Respondents from the Americas used more medication (approximately 90%) than those from Europe (approximately 70%). Over-the-counter remedies were much more used than prescription drugs (except for Mexico). Medication was mainly taken on demand to relieve a pain episode. In the Latin American countries, antispasmodics were most popular (up to 73%), in Germany antacids, and in the UK antacids and analgesics. Regarding expectations of treatment, 'fast onset of action' ranked the highest, followed by 'highly effective' and 'well tolerated'.

A majority of people afflicted by abdominal cramping and pain use medication and take them on demand. Consequently, rapid onset of action is mentioned as most important. Antispasmodics are the class most frequently used with considerable variation from country to country.