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Colofac IBS (Mebeverine)

How does it work?

Colofac IBS tablets contain the active ingredient mebeverine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. (NB. Mebeverine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)

Mebeverine works by acting directly on the smooth muscle in the gut, causing it to relax. This relieves painful muscle spasms of the gut, without affecting it's normal motility.

Mebeverine is used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome that are the result of spasms in the intestinal muscles. These include colicky abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhoea alternating with constipation and flatulence (wind).

The medicine is taken three times a day, preferably 20 minutes before meals, as this will help relieve symptoms that are worse after eating.

What is it used for?

  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Warning!

  • If you have not suffered from IBS before, or you have developed new symptoms, or your symptoms have got worse, you should consult your doctor before using this or any IBS treatment.
  • Even if you have been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor you should seek medical advice before using this medicine if any of the following apply to you: you are 40 years of age or over and your symptoms have changed or it has been some time since you last had IBS; you have blood in your stools; you are feeling sick or are sick (vomiting); you are looking pale and feeling tired; you have constipation; you have a fever; you have recently travelled abroad; you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant; you are a woman and you have unusual bleeding or discharge from your vagina; you have difficulty or pain when passing water (urinating).

Use with caution in

  • Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.

Not to be used in

  • Children under 10 years of age.

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.

If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

  • This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are pregnant.
  • This medicine passes into breast milk, but the amount is considered too small to be harmful to a nursing infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor before using this medicine if you are breastfeeding.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

  • Rarely, allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema).

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine's manufacturer.For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, so they can check that the combination is safe.

Other medicines containing the same active ingredient

Colofac Colofac MR

Mebeverine tablets and suspension are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.