Buy Colofac tablets online (mebeverine) to help treat IBS

What is Colofac?

Colofac is a brand name for the drug Mebeverine, which is used to help ease the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). While the exact cause of IBS is not always known, it is often related to abnormal muscle contraction or inflammation in the small intestine. IBS can be triggered by stress, hormones or even some foods. Common symptoms of IBS include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

How does Colofac work?

Colofac contains Mebeverine, a type of medicine known as an antispasmodic. It works by relaxing the muscle wall of the small intestine, preventing irregular muscle spasms and relieving symptoms such as cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation.

How long does Colofac take to work?

Most people who have been diagnosed with IBS experience regular flare-ups rather than constant symptoms. Unless otherwise advised by a doctor, it is best to take Colofac when needed (during a flare up) rather than all the time. You can take one 135 mg Colofac tablet 20 minutes before a meal, but no more than three times per day. Or you can take one 200 mg Colofac MR capsule 20 minutes before a meal, twice a day. Colofac aims to clear up the symptoms of IBS within two weeks. If your symptoms continue for longer than two weeks, speak to your doctor for advice.

Colofac summary

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Colofac tablets is 135 mg Mebeverine hydrochloride.
The active ingredient in Colofac MR capsules is 200 mg Mebeverine hydrochloride.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in 135 mg Colofac tablets are lactose, starch, povidone, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, gelatin, acacia and carnauba wax.

The inactive ingredients in 200 mg Colofac MR capsules are magnesium stearate, polyacrylate dispersion 30%, talc, hypromellose, methacrylic acid-ethyl acrylate copolymer (1:1) dispersion 30% and glycerol triacetate. The capsule shell contains gelatine and titanium dioxide (E171).

How to take Colofac

Swallow one 135 mg Colofac tablet with water 20 minutes before a meal, no more than three times per day. If symptoms improve, you can lower your dose to one or two tablets per day. Alternatively, swallow one 200 mg Colofac MR capsule 20 minutes before a meal, twice a day. Colofac should be used when needed unless otherwise instructed by a doctor. If your symptoms do not improve after two weeks of taking Colofac, speak to your doctor for advice.

Colofac dosage

Colofac dosage depends on whether you take 135 mg Colofac tablets or 200 mg Colofac MR capsules. The recommended dose is either one 135 mg Colofac tablet three times a day at least 20 minutes before meals, or one 200 mg Colofac MR capsule twice a day at least 20 minutes before meals.

Colofac side effects

Side effects of Colofac are rare. However, if you are taking Colofac and experience a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, neck, tongue or throat or difficulty breathing, stop taking Colofac and seek emergency medical attention immediately. Less serious side effects include a skin rash or red itchy skin. Speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you experience side effects after using Colofac.

Contraindications

Do not take Colofac if you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed above. Colofac tablets and Colofac MR capsules are not recommended for children or adolescents under 18 years old.

You should speak to your doctor before taking Colofac if:

• You have not previously suffered from IBS
• Your symptoms have worsened or you have developed new symptoms
• You have kidney or liver problems

Speak to a doctor or pharmacist before taking Colofac if:

• You are over 40 years old and your symptoms have changed, or you have not experienced IBS in some time
• You notice blood in your stools
• You are experiencing nausea or vomiting
• You look pale or feel tired
• You feel constipated
• You have a fever
• You have recently travelled abroad
• You are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant
• You are female and experience unusual vaginal bleeding or discharge
• You experience difficulty or pain when passing urine

Drug interactions

There are currently no known interactions of Colofac with other medicines. However, you must tell your doctor about any other medicines you will be taking at the same time as Colofac.

Colofac and alcohol

You can drink alcohol while taking Colofac. However, it is not recommended as alcohol can trigger IBS symptoms.

Colofac and pregnancy

Speak to your doctor for advice if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant before taking Colofac. In general, Colofac is not recommended for use during pregnancy or breast-feeding.

Alternatives to Colofac

The active ingredient in Colofac, mebeverine hydrochloride, is also available in sachets as a powder you can dissolve. These sachets are sold under the name Fybogel Mebeverine. Fybogel Mebeverine also includes the active ingredient ispaghula husk, which is a natural prebiotic that helps the growth of healthy probiotics in the gut and is a mild laxative. Another alternative is Colpermin capsules, which contain peppermint oil. Peppermint oil is an antispasmodic, and is an effective alternative to Colofac. However, Colpermin capsules contain peanut oil and are unsuitable for patients with a peanut allergy.

What can Colofac be used to treat?

Colofac tablets and Colofac MR capsules are used to treat IBS in adults over 18 years old. Colofac can help treat spasms and pain in your gut.

What is the difference between Colofac IBS, Colofac tablets and Colofac MR capsules?

135 mg Colofac tablets and 200 mg Colofac MR capsules both contain Mebeverine as their active ingredient and are prescription-only medicines that can be prescribed by a doctor in large quantities, depending on your treatment needs. Colofac IBS tablets also contain 135 mg Mebeverine and are available over the counter, at a pharmacy, in a small pack size for temporary IBS flare up relief.

Can I buy Colofac over the counter?

Colofac IBS tablets are available to buy over the counter at a pharmacy, but 200 mg Colofac MR capsules and larger packs of 135 mg Colofac tablets are prescriptions only.

What is generic Colofac?

Generic Colofac is known as Mebeverine. You can get 135 mg tablets of Mebeverine which are the same as 135 mg Colofac tablets. However, there is no generic equivalent of 200 mg Colofac MR capsules.

Can children take Colofac?

Children and adolescents under 18 years old cannot take 135 mg Colofac tablets or 200 mg Colofac MR capsules. There is a Colofac generic equivalent, called Mebeverine, which comes in liquid form. Liquid Mebeverine is available and can be prescribed by a doctor if required for the treatment of gut spasms in children or adolescents under 18 years old.