Mebeverine is used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as abdominal (tummy) pain and cramps, diarrhoea (runny poos), constipation and flatulence (farting).
Mebeverine relaxes the tummy muscles and in this way helps to ease bloating and the spasm-type pain that can occur with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Read more about irritable bowel syndrome.
In New Zealand, mebeverine is available as tablets and is only available on prescription from your doctor.
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Mebeverine
Key points about mebeverine
- Mebeverine is used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Mebeverine is also called Colofac®.
- Find out how to take it safely and possible side effects.
- The usual dose of mebeverine is 1 tablet 3 times a day.
- It is generally recommended that you take mebeverine only when necessary. Start taking it when your symptoms flare up and continue to take it until you feel better. Stop taking it when your symptoms settle down again (this is usually within a week or two).
- Always take mebeverine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions.
- Mebeverine is best taken 20 minutes before a meal.
- Swallow the tablets with a glass of water.
- If you forget your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But, if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take the next dose at the right time. Do not take double the dose
Here are some things to know when you're taking mebeverine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.
- Other medicines: Mebeverine interacts with some medicines, herbal supplements and rongoā Māori, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting mebeverine and before starting any new products.
- Driving: Mebeverine can make you feel dizzy or tired. Be careful when driving or using tools until you know how this medicine affects you.
- Pregnancy: If you're planning a pregnancy talk to your doctor. If you become pregnant while taking this medicine, tell your doctor immediately.
Like all medicines, mebeverine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.
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Read more about medicines and side effects and reporting a reaction you think might be a side effect.
The following links have more information on mebeverine.
Colofac(external link) Medsafe Patient Information
Resources
5 questions to ask about your medications(external link) Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English(external link), te reo Māori(external link)
References
- Mebeverine hydrochloride(external link) New Zealand Formulary
- Irritable bowel syndrome in adults: not just a gut feeling(external link) BPAC, 2014
Brochures
Medicines and side effects
Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ, 2024
5 questions to ask about your medications
Health Quality and Safety Commission, NZ, 2019 English, te reo Māori
Free helplines
Credits: Sandra Ponen, Pharmacist, Healthify He Puna Waiora. Healthify is brought to you by Health Navigator Charitable Trust.
Reviewed by: Angela Lambie, Pharmacist, Auckland
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