Colofac

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an incredibly uncomfortable condition, with symptoms like:

• diarrhoea
• constipation
• wind
• stomach pain and discomfort

Colofac, also sold as generic Mebeverine, is an effective IBS treatment. It is available as standard tablets, modified-release (MR) tablets and as a liquid (for those who have difficulty swallowing).

HealthExpress currently only sells 200mg MR tablets with a prescription. You can buy Colofac with a prescription by completing our free online consultation.

IBS is a condition that affects the intestine - a long muscular organ that links the stomach to the anus. The intestine naturally contracts to digest food and absorb nutrition and water. However, in some circumstances, such as when suffering from IBS, the muscles can over-contract or spasm.

Colofac contains the active ingredient mebeverine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic. Mebeverine binds to muscarinic receptors on the muscles, stopping the chemicals that make the intestine spasm from interacting.

As the intestine is most active during digestion, you should take one tablet (twice daily) 20 minutes before meals.

Each tablet contains 200mg (modified-release) of mebeverine.

You should follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist as well as what is detailed in the patient leaflet. However, below is a summary of how to take Colofac.

• you should take one tablet 20 minutes before meals
• you should swallow tablets with water
• you should start by taking two doses daily
• if you miss a dose, take as soon as you remember
• do not take a double dose
• if you take too many doses at once, seek medical attention

If there is no change to the frequency or severity of symptoms, please stop the course and inform your doctor.

All medication poses a risk of adverse reactions. Though, the chance of any occurring is very slight. The following are the most commonly reported:

• angioedema
• face oedema
• skin rash
• itching/irritated skin

If you suffer any side effects, including those not listed above, please contact a medical professional.

You should stop the course and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you are experiencing an allergic reaction. Symptoms include difficulty breathing and swelling of the throat, lips and tongue.

When completing our consultation, please detail any other drugs you are taking (including non-prescription drugs). Our doctors will use this information to ensure there will be no interactions.

Please note, you should not take it if you have:

• paralytic ileus (when the intestine is paralysed)
• any form of intestinal obstruction
• myasthenia gravis or any condition that causes muscle weakness

In these cases, you should speak with your doctor. They will want to investigate your symptoms further and prescribe alternative treatment.

Please note, this medication contains lactose and sucrose. If you are intolerant to these sugars, consult your doctor for an alternative treatment.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant, please inform your doctor before starting this treatment. It is unlikely to be dangerous. However, there are limited studies on the effects of mebeverine during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

It is not advised to drink alcohol while using this medication as alcohol can damage the stomach and affect digestion.

You can buy Colofac online from HealthExpress. As mentioned above, we ask that you first complete an online consultation. This takes no time at all - simply select your treatment, click ‘Express Checkout’ and fill out the questions.

If one of our doctors approves, you will receive a confirmation email, and we will dispatch your order with next-day delivery.

Alternatively, the doctor may ask for additional medical information. If a treatment is deemed unsuitable, you will not be charged, and the reasons for the decision will be given.