Taking Mebeverine: How Long Is Safe | Ashcroft Pharmacy

Key takeaways

Mebeverine tablet is a reliable treatment for IBS and other gastrointestinal disorders, including stomach pain and intestinal cramps.

It is available in different forms, such as tablets, modified-release capsules, liquids, and powder sachets. Ideally, mebeverine should be taken in the short term; however, if required long-term, you must seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Moreover, always take Mebeverine IBS tablets under medical supervision and never exceed the prescribed dose. 

If you want to order Mebeverine or Colofac IBS online,

Just visit our Mebeverine treatment page, fill in our free consultation form, and our prescriber team will review your symptoms and figure out whether Mebeverine is safe for you. 

After that, we will dispatch your order to your doorstep via our fast, discreet delivery process.

The standard dose of mebeverine for adults is:

• 135–150 mg three times a day, dose preferably taken 20 minutes before meals for the immediate-release preparation.
• 200 mg twice daily for modified-release preparation

Mebeverine side effects

These effects are mild and temporary and settle with time. Besides these, Mebeverine rarely causes allergic reactions/ anaphylaxis (difficulty breathing, rashes, itching, and swelling of the face, tongue, or lips). If you experience any of these effects, seek emergency help or visit your doctor immediately. 

Its side effects include angioedema, skin reactions and face oedema, but the frequency of these is not known. 

Is Long-Term Mebeverine Use Safe?

First-line treatment for IBS includes dietary advice such as a FODMAP diet (fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols). This includes foods such as apples, cherries, peaches, and nectarines; artificial sweeteners; most lactose-containing foods; legumes; and some green vegetables (broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, and peas). You can refer to the IBS network for a FODMAP diet sheet. This diet is usually supervised by a trained dietician to ensure you are meeting your nutritional needs.

If symptoms persist and there is ongoing abdominal pain or spasm, then an antispasmodic such as Mebeverine can be used. Efficacy is normally reviewed after 3 months; this is the best length of time to determine if the medication is helping or needs to be stopped.

Mebeverine tablets can also be prescribed for short-term use, typically up to two weeks, to help manage IBS flare-ups. The usual dosage is one 135mg tablet three times a day or one 200mg slow-release capsule twice daily. Once symptoms improve, you can stop taking Mebeverine tablets. 

Always follow your GP’s or pharmacist’s guidance for safe use.

 Mebeverine treats IBS symptoms and as an adjunct in gastrointestinal disorders characterised by smooth muscle spasm, such as:

1. Chronic irritable colon

2. Spastic constipation

3. Diarrhea 

4. Mucous colitis

5. Abdominal cramps

6. Spastic colitis

7. Colon inflammation

8. Flatulence (gas/wind)

9. Bloating

10. Cramps 

11. Constipation 

12. Urgency or incomplete evacuation

So, if you have been diagnosed with IBS or any other gastrointestinal condition, consult your doctor before using Mebeverine. You can also buy Mebeverine tablets online after a short online consultation.

What is the role of Mebeverine in treating IBS?

Mebeverine is a spasm-relief drug that works by directly relaxing the smooth muscles in the digestive tract, specifically the gut or intestine, to reduce cramps and spasms.

It blocks the synthesis of phosphodiesterase enzymes in the gut, helping you control cramping and spasms associated with IBS or other stomach or intestinal conditions.

Unlike other treatments, it doesn’t interfere with normal gut movements, ensuring that the digestive process continues effectively.

This makes it a useful option for treating conditions like IBS, where muscle spasms and abdominal discomfort are common.

Alternatives to long-term use of Mebeverine

If you want to manage the IBS system consistently, opt for these alternatives rather than taking Mebeverine for the long term:

Lifestyle changes

• Eat a low FODMAP diet (less fermentable carbohydrates) to reduce IBS triggers. Refer to the IBS network for further information.
• Identify specific food intolerances and avoid them (keep a food diary).
• Stay hydrated
• Stress management 
• Consider cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Practice yoga, regular exercise, or mindfulness.

Stress management 

• Consider cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
• Practice yoga, regular exercise, or mindfulness.

Other IBS treatment options

• Use peppermint oil capsules, which are natural antispasmodics.
• Take antidiarrheal or laxative drugs for diarrhoea or constipation management.
• Improve gut health and digestive issues via probiotics.
• Natural remedies
• Drink herbal teas such as fennel or chamomile to soothe your gut.

Resources

Mebeverine Tablets UK Patient Information Leaflet: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.2315.pdf

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/mebeverine/

https://bnf.nice.org.uk/treatment-summary/antispasmodics.html

Can I take Mebeverine for life?

You should not take Mebeverine for life or a long time. Mebeverine is prescribed during flare-ups of IBS symptoms. Once your symptoms are alleviated (usually takes 2 weeks), stop taking Mebeverine. 

Can Mebeverine cause kidney problems?

Mebeverine is safe and does not cause kidney problems. However, patients with pre-existing kidney problems must consult a doctor before taking Mebeverine, as it will increase the risk of serious effects. 

What is the long-term treatment for IBS?

Long-term treatment for IBS includes dietary changes (low FODMAP diet), stress management, regular exercise, fibre supplements, probiotics, proper sleep, and medications such as laxatives or antispasmodics. You must consult your doctor for tailored advice or regular follow-ups. 

Is IBS a lifetime condition?

IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) is a lifetime or chronic condition; however, the severity of symptoms varies over time. Although there is no cure, proper medication, lifestyle changes, and a balanced diet can enhance the quality of life.

Can you take Buscopan every day for IBS?

You should not take Buscopan every day or longer than 2 weeks for IBS symptom management unless your doctor tells you to. Talk to your doctor if your symptoms get worse or have not improved after 2 weeks.

Can you take Buscopan and Mebeverine together?

Although Buscopan and Mebeverine are antispasmodic medications and effectively manage IBS symptoms, you shouldn't take them together.

Buscopan (hyoscine butylbromide) and Mebeverine (mebeverine hydrochloride) differ in many ways, and if you take them together, they will increase the risk of adverse effects.

So, carefully make a selection between Buscopan and Mebeverine and stick to one IBS treatment at a time. 

If you are unable to decide between IBS treatments, read our Mebeverine vs Buscopan guide to compare both treatments and make an informed decision.