Description
How it works
Mebeverine is a muscle relaxant (antispasmodic) that acts directly on the smooth muscle of your gut.
In IBS and related conditions, the muscles in the bowel can go into spasm, squeezing too tightly and causing:
- Cramping or colicky tummy pain
- Bloating and wind
- Alternating diarrhoea and constipation
Mebeverine works by:
- Relaxing the muscle in the gut wall
- Reducing spasms and cramps
- Helping to relieve pain, bloating and changes in bowel habit
It acts mainly in the gut and does not affect normal bowel movements, so it helps reduce painful spasms without causing typical “anticholinergic” side effects such as very dry mouth or blurred vision.
Who it may be suitable for
Mebeverine 135 mg tablets are used in adults (including older adults) for:
- Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Other similar conditions such as:
-
- Chronic irritable colon
- Spastic constipation
- Mucous colitis
- Spastic colitis
It may be suitable if you have symptoms such as:
- Stomach pain or cramps that come and go
- Diarrhoea, or diarrhoea alternating with constipation
- Wind and bloating
- Small, hard or ribbon-like stools
Who should not take it
Do not take Mebeverine if:
- You are allergic to mebeverine or any of the tablet ingredients
It is not recommended for children and adolescents under 18 years, as there is not enough safety and efficacy information.
Speak to a doctor or pharmacist first if:
You should get medical advice before using mebeverine if:
- This is the first time you have had IBS-like symptoms
- You are over 40 and your symptoms have recently started or changed
- You notice blood in your stools
- You feel sick or are being sick
- You have lost your appetite or lost weight without trying
- You look pale and feel unusually tired
- You are very constipated
- You have a fever
- You have recently travelled abroad
- You are pregnant, might be pregnant or are planning pregnancy
- You have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
- You have pain or difficulty passing urine
You should also speak to a doctor if:
- You have liver or kidney problems
- You have been told you have sugar intolerances, such as:
- Galactose intolerance
- Total lactase deficiency
- Glucose-galactose malabsorption
(Each tablet contains lactose)
See a doctor if your symptoms get worse, change, or do not improve after about 2 weeks of treatment.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding:
- Pregnancy: there is only limited information; mebeverine is not recommended during pregnancy. Your doctor may advise stopping it if you are planning a pregnancy or once you know you are pregnant.
- Breastfeeding: mebeverine should not be used while breastfeeding.
Side Effects
Most people take mebeverine without problems. Side effects are uncommon, but as with all medicines some people may experience them.
From post-marketing reports, the main side effects are allergic reactions, mostly affecting the skin. A precise frequency cannot be estimated.
Possible side effects include:
Allergic reactions (immune system):
- Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – this is rare but serious and can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, neck or throat
- Feeling faint or unwell
Skin and tissue reactions:
- Rash or hives (urticaria)
- Swelling of the face or deeper tissues (angioedema, face oedema)
- Widespread skin eruptions or redness (exanthema)
- Itching or inflamed skin
If you notice:
- Breathing difficulty, or
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or
- A severe widespread rash
Stop taking the tablets and seek urgent medical help.
If you get any other unusual or troublesome symptoms, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Patient Information Leaflet
Please see HERE for the Patient Information Leaflet
Additional Info
- Active ingredient: mebeverine hydrochloride 135 mg per tablet
- Type of medicine: antispasmodic (musculotropic) for IBS and similar bowel conditions
- What it does: relaxes gut muscle, relieves cramps and pain without affecting normal gut movement
- Who can take it: adults (including older adults) with IBS-type symptoms, as advised by a clinician
- Who should not take it: children under 18, anyone allergic to the ingredients, or those with certain sugar intolerances (due to lactose content)
Contains:
- About 100 mg lactose monohydrate per tablet – if you have been told you are intolerant to some sugars, talk to a doctor before taking it
- Essentially sodium-free (less than 23 mg sodium per tablet)
Alcohol:
-
No interaction with alcohol has been demonstrated – you can drink alcohol while taking mebeverine, but consider that alcohol itself can sometimes worsen IBS symptoms.
Driving and using machines:
-
Mebeverine is not expected to affect your ability to drive or use machines.
Storage:
- Store in a dry place below 30°C
- Protect from light
- Keep out of sight and reach of children
- Do not use after the expiry date on the pack
Directions
Always take Mebeverine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.
Adults (including the elderly):
- Usual dose: one 135 mg tablet three times a day
- Take each tablet about 20 minutes before a meal (for example, breakfast, lunch and evening meal) – some people find their symptoms are worst after eating
Maximum dose: do not take more than three 135 mg tablets in 24 hours unless specifically told otherwise by a doctor.
Once your symptoms have improved, your doctor may advise you to reduce the number of tablets or stop for a while. Some people use mebeverine during flare-ups of IBS rather than all the time.
How to take it
- Swallow the tablet whole with at least half a glass of water (about 100 ml)
- Do not chew, crush or suck the tablet – it has an unpleasant taste and this can affect how it works
- Try to take your doses at roughly the same times each day
There is no specific dose adjustment for older people or for patients with kidney or liver problems, but you should still follow medical advice.
Missed a dose?
If you forget a dose:
- Take it as soon as you remember, unless it is nearly time for your next dose
- If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed tablet
- Do not take two tablets at once to make up for a missed dose
If you often forget doses or stop and restart frequently, speak to your doctor or pharmacist about the best way to take it and whether it is still suitable for you.
If you take too many tablets at once (overdose), contact a doctor or emergency department for advice. Take the pack with you. Symptoms are usually mild, but medical advice is recommended.
FAQs
What is Mebeverine 135 mg used for?
It is used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and related conditions such as chronic irritable colon, spastic constipation, mucous colitis and spastic colitis – especially tummy cramps, pain, bloating, wind and changes in bowel habit.
How quickly does mebeverine work?
Some people notice an improvement in cramping and pain within a short time of starting treatment, while for others it may take a few days of regular use to feel the full benefit. If your symptoms haven’t improved after about 2 weeks, speak to a doctor.
Can I take mebeverine long-term?
There is no fixed time limit on how long you can use mebeverine. Many people take it during flare-ups of IBS or for longer periods if symptoms keep returning. Your treatment should be reviewed regularly, and you should always follow your doctor’s advice.
Can I take it with other medicines?
Mebeverine is not known to interact with other medicines, but you should still tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you are taking, including over-the-counter and herbal products.
Can I change my diet while taking mebeverine?
Diet and lifestyle changes often help IBS. Some people find certain foods trigger symptoms – it can help to identify and limit these. A balanced, possibly higher-fibre diet may help some patients (but not everyone – individual advice is best). Stress management and regular relaxation can also help reduce symptoms. Ask a pharmacist, nurse or doctor for tailored advice.
Is it safe in pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Pregnancy: not routinely recommended; a doctor may advise stopping before pregnancy or as soon as you know you are pregnant. Breastfeeding: should not be used while breastfeeding. Always seek medical advice before using this medicine if you are pregnant, might be pregnant or breastfeeding.
Can I take it if I’m lactose intolerant?
Each tablet contains lactose. If you have been told you have intolerance to some sugars such as lactose, galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption, speak to your doctor before taking these tablets.
What should I do if my symptoms change or get worse?
Get medical advice promptly if, your symptoms change suddenly, you develop new symptoms (e.g. bleeding from the back passage, fever, unexplained weight loss, persistent vomiting) or if your IBS symptoms do not improve despite taking mebeverine as directed.
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