Colpermin Capsules (Peppermint Oil)

What is Colpermin?

Colpermin capsules help relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS can be triggered by stress, hormones or certain foods. Symptoms of IBS include stomach cramps, bloating, diarrhoea and constipation. Muscle spasms and inflammation of the intestinal wall cause these IBS symptoms.

How does Colpermin work?

Colpermin contains peppermint oil, which is an antispasmodic. Colpermin capsules have an enteric coating which prevents them from dissolving until they have passed through the stomach and small intestine. When the Colpermin capsule reaches your bowels, it gradually releases peppermint oil which relaxes the muscles of the bowel wall. This prevents painful spasms and helps reduce bloating.

How effective is Colpermin?

Colpermin generally provides effective relief from IBS if used correctly. Colpermin acts locally in your bowels and is not absorbed into your bloodstream.

Active ingredients

The active ingredient in Colpermin is peppermint oil.

Inactive ingredients

The inactive ingredients in Colpermin are gelatin, colloidal silica, titanium dioxide (E171), indigotine (E132), Eudragit L, Eudragit S, triethyl citrate, monostearin, macrogol 4000, talc, purified water, beeswax, refined arachis (peanut) oil, ammonia.

Which ingredients can cause an allergic reaction?

It is only occasionally that people experience an allergic reaction to peppermint oil. However, these capsules do contain peanuts so if you know you have a nut allergy please avoid taking this medication as it is not suitable for you. Signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction are as follows: swelling of the face, development of hives, itching, trouble breathing, tight feeling in the chest and dizziness. Please stop taking the medication if you experience these symptoms and get medical attention straight away.

Colpermin dosage

Always take Colpermin as instructed by your doctor or pharmacist. The recommended dose for adults and children over the age of 15 years old is one capsule, three times a day until symptoms are resolved. For severe symptoms, the dose can be increased to two capsules twice a day.

How to take Colpermin?

One capsule of Colpermin should be swallowed with water three times a day. You must take Colpermin 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. Do not take Colpermin directly before or after a meal, or in combination with indigestion medicines such as Gavison or Rennies. Colpermin capsules should not be chewed, crushed or broken before being swallowed. 

Your symptoms should feel better within two weeks. If they do not improve, or if they worsen, speak to your doctor.

What should I do if I miss a dose?

Colpermin should be taken 30 to 60 minutes before a meal. If you forget to take your capsule, do not take it directly before or after eating. Missing a dose is not harmful. Do not take an extra dose to make up for the missed dose. Take your next dose before your next meal as needed.

Colpermin side effects

Some people may experience side effects while taking Colpermin. If you experience any of the following, stop taking Colpermin and speak to your doctor:

• Burning sensation in the mouth or the throat
• Indigestion or heartburn
• Nausea or vomiting
• Anal discomfort

If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Colpermin, such as swelling of the lips or difficulty breathing, stop using Colpermin and seek immediate emergency medical attention.

Contraindications

Do not take Colpermin if:

• You are allergic to peppermint oil or any of the other ingredients in this medicine.
• You are allergic to peanuts or soya.

Before taking Colpermin, speak to your doctor if:

• This is the first time you have experienced symptoms of IBS.
• Your symptoms do not improve within two weeks.
• You regularly suffer from heartburn.

Drug interactions

Talk to your doctor for advice if you are taking any other medicines or indigestion remedies before starting Colpermin.

Colpermin and alcohol

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

Colpermin and pregnancy

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, speak to your doctor for advice before taking Colpermin. Generally, it is not recommended to take Colpermin during pregnancy.

Colpermin when breastfeeding

Speak to your doctor for advice if you are planning on taking Colpermin while breastfeeding. Generally, it is not recommended.

Alternatives to Colpermin

Alternative treatments for IBS are available to purchase from Dr Felix. Colofac is available as tablets or capsules and contains mebeverine hydrochloride, which is an antispasmodic similar to peppermint oil. Fybogel Mebeverine sachets contain mebeverine hydrochloride and ispaghula husk. Ispaghula husk promotes the growth of healthy probiotics in the gut and acts as a mild laxative. Fill in a form with Dr Felix to find out which treatment is best for you.

Lifestyle changes to make with Colpermin

Alongside treatment, such as Colpermin, you can try adjusting your lifestyle to help relieve the symptoms of IBS. Lifestyle changes might include:

• Keeping a diary of what you eat to trying to figure out what might be triggering your IBS symptoms
• Exercising regularly
• Finding ways to relax to reduce stress
• Cooking balanced meals and eating less processed foods
• Not skipping or delaying meals
• Pacing yourself when eating
• Cutting down on alcohol, fizzy drinks, tea and coffee

Can Colpermin be used for constipation?

The antispasmodic action of peppermint oil in Colpermin helps relax your bowel muscles and may provide relief from cramps associated with constipation. However, Colpermin is not a laxative. If you are constipated, please speak to your doctor for advice before using Colpermin.