Mebeverine Hydrochloride
Indications
Mebeverine is used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), such as tummy cramps and pain, bloating, and bowel spasm, and to relieve other spasm of the gut. Some products combine it with Ispaghula husk, a fibre that helps regulate bowel movements.
How It Works
Mebeverine is an antispasmodic. It acts directly on the smooth muscle of the gut wall, relaxing it and easing painful spasms without stopping normal bowel movement.
Dosage and Administration
- Tablets, adults: usually 135 mg three times a day, about 20 minutes before meals.
- Sustained-release (SR) capsules, adults: usually 200 mg twice a day, morning and evening. Swallow whole with water; do not chew.
- Sachets with Ispaghula: follow the label and mix with a full glass of water.
- Children: only as prescribed.
If symptoms do not improve within about 2 weeks, see a doctor.
Interactions
No important interactions are known. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take. If your product contains Ispaghula, take other medicines at least 1 hour before or after it.
Contraindications
- Allergy to mebeverine or any ingredient of the product.
- A bowel that has stopped working (paralytic ileus).
- Products with Ispaghula: bowel blockage or difficulty swallowing.
Side Effects
Side effects are uncommon. They may include rash, itching, hives, indigestion and dizziness.
Get urgent medical help if you have:
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- A severe rash.
- Severe or worsening tummy pain, black stools or blood in the stool.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is limited information on use in pregnancy, so avoid it unless a doctor advises it. It is not recommended during breastfeeding unless a doctor advises it.
Precautions and Warnings
Before treating yourself for IBS, see a doctor if you are over 40 and the symptoms are new, or if you have blood in the stool, unexplained weight loss, fever, anaemia, vomiting, pain on passing urine, or symptoms that wake you at night. These can point to other conditions that need checking. Tell your doctor if you have porphyria.
Overdose
Too much may cause excitability of the nervous system. Seek medical help.
Therapeutic Class
Antispasmodic (smooth muscle relaxant for the gut).
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.
All brands of Mebeverine Hydrochloride