Mebeverine

What is Mebeverine?

Mebeverine is an anti-spasmodic medication used to treat the conditions below:

• IBS
• Chronic irritable colon
• Spastic constipation
• Mucous colitis
• Spastic colitis

How does the drug work?

Mebeverine, similar to other anti-spasmodic medicines, helps to relax muscles in the wall of your gut.

In people with IBS (as well as some of the other conditions listed above) the intestine, which is a long and muscular tube, can go into spasm and cause pain in the abdomen. Mebeverine relaxes this muscle, relieving the cramping and pain that patients so often experience.

In addition to reducing pain, Mebeverine may also reduce diarrhoea and flatulence.

Uses of Mebeverine:

Mebeverine may also be used to treat the following conditions:

• Chronic irritable colon
• Spastic constipation
• Mucous colitis
• Spastic colitis

If you believe Mebeverine is the right drug for you, please fill out a patient questionnaire and one of our medical staff will review it at as soon as we can.

How is Mebeverine taken?

Mebeverine is normally taken before a meal preferably with a glass of water. This is to offset any symptoms that may be caused by eating. The dosage will depend on the severity of your symptoms and tolerance to the medicine. The general advice is to not take any more than three capsules or tablets within a 24-hour period.

Mebeverine is available as an oral solution, for people who find it difficult to swallow tablets. The oral solution should also be taken before a meal, but obviously doesn’t need to be taken with water.

Doctors advise that Mebeverine should be taken only as needed, often due to a flare-up until symptoms subside. Most patients find that this process relieves their symptoms and they then don’t feel a need to take the medication continuously.

Can I still drink alcohol while taking Mebeverine?

Yes, but in moderation. Alcohol isn’t known to cause any adverse effects when taken alongside Mebeverine but if you know that alcohol triggers your symptoms, then it’s best to avoid it. However, if alcohol has never had an effect on your IBS, it’s safe to drink in moderation.

Can I drive?

Mebeverine isn’t known to cause any side effects that would hamper your ability to drive, so you should still be able to continue with your daily life as normal. However, if you feel unwell (whether caused by the medication or not) try to not drive until you’re well enough.

Are there any alternatives if I can’t take Mebeverine?

There are several choices for people that struggle with IBS, however in order to choose the best treatment for you it’s key to know your main symptom, whether that be diarrhoea or constipation. Some alternatives are:

• Immodium (Loperamide) for temporary treatment of diarrhoea
• Fybogel for relief of constipation
• Buscopan (Hyoscine butylbromide) for the relief of stomach cramps
• Peppermint oil which can relieve bloating and cramps
• Some antidepressants treat diarrhoea and some treat constipation.

There is also some evidence to suggest that the taking of antidepressants could reduce the impact of emotional stress on IBS. These should always be taken with caution and are rarely used as a first-line treatment. You should talk to your doctor if you’re considering antidepressants to treat IBS.

Mebeverine may also be used alongside other medicines such as Fybogel. For instance, if you suffer with IBS-M and Mebeverine doesn’t ease your constipation, it’s safe to use along with Fybogel as long as it doesn’t also contain Mebeverine.

It’s also safe to take Buscopan, for example, alongside Mebeverine. If your symptoms include both constipation and diarrhoea, you are able to take remedies to relieve the symptoms that Mebeverine doesn’t.

My IBS symptoms haven’t improved:

If you’ve been taking Mebeverine for more than 2 weeks and you haven’t noticed improvement in symptoms or your condition has worsened, make an appointment with your doctor to rule out any other conditions that could be causing discomfort or bowel issues. You may be prescribed a different treatment, to see if another medicine relieves your symptoms better and you may be sent for a series of tests.

What are the side effects?

The drug is well-tolerated and side effects are rare. However, in some cases, where people haven’t been able to tolerate the drug, reported symptoms are:

• A Swollen face
• A Swollen tongue
• A Swollen throat
• Difficulty breathing
• A Rash

If you experience any of these symptoms while taking the medication, it might indicate an allergic reaction. If so, stop taking the medicine and contact your GP.

Who can take Mebeverine?

Due to it being generally well tolerated, most people are able to take this medicine without any adverse reactions. However, it’s always important to speak to your doctor before starting any treatment, particularly if you are over 40 or have any of these health problems:

• Blood in your stool
• Reduction or loss of appetite
• Unintended weight loss
• Paleness
• Unusual tiredness
• Severe constipation
• A fever
• You have recently travelled abroad
• You are pregnant
• Abnormal vaginal haemorrhage or bleeding
• Pain or difficulty urinating
• You are lactose intolerant (because lactose is an ingredient in Mebeverine)

If you have any of the above conditions, it might not mean that you can’t take Mebeverine, but that you might need to be monitored while taking it. If this is not the case, there may be a more suitable alternative for you.

Where can I buy Mebeverine?

You can buy Mebeverine online safely through MedsRUs. You simply need to answer a few short questions using our medical consultation questionnaire so our certified prescribers can check to see if this medication is suitable for you and your condition. If deemed suitable, the medication will be dispensed and sent directly to you, hassle free. The process is completely confidential and discreet, takes just minutes and you can order the medication you need without even having to leave your home. Get started now by clicking the ‘Start consultation’ button at the top of this page.