Colofac IBS Tablets for Relief - 15 Tablets

Product Summary

A well-known antispasmodic, Colofac IBS helps the bowel to relax, making movement of stools more ‘normal’. It contains the active ingredient mebeverine hydrochloride, which is used for the management of irritable bowel syndrome.

Colofac helps relieve the symptoms of IBS, which include abdominal pain and cramps, bowel spasm, diarrhoea and flatulence; by relaxing the muscles in the gut.

Colofac helps treat the symptoms of IBS, chronic irritable colon, spastic constipation, mucous colitis and spastic colitis.

Directions

• Adults and the elderly: Take ONE tablet 3 times a day.
• The number of tablets you take can be lowered if your symptoms improve.
• Try to take the tablets 20 minutes before a meal. Some people find their symptoms to be most severe after they have eaten.
• Take the tablets whole with water.
• Do not chew the tablets.

Ingredients

• Active ingredients: Mebeverine hydrochloride 135mg.
• Other ingredients: Lactose, starch (potato), povidone, talc, magnesium stearate, sucrose, gelatin, acacia, carnauba wax.

Warnings and Restrictions

Take special care with Colofac IBS.

• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking Colofac IBS you are pregnant or might be pregnant.
• Driving and using machines: This medicine is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use any tools or machines.

See your doctor before using any IBS treatment if you:

• have not suffered from IBS before, or
• have developed new symptoms or your symptoms have become worse
• have liver or kidney problems.

May have unwanted side effects in a few people.

May need medical treatment if you experience some of the side effects.

Most common side effects include indigestion or heartburn, constipation, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, loss of appetite, headache, tiredness, slow heartbeat, rash and/or itchy skin.

Serious side effects include swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty swallowing and difficulty breathing.

Taking other medications

No interactions with other medicines are known.

Pharmacists FAQs Answered

What is Colofac IBS for, and how does it work?

Colofac IBS is intended to relieve the uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). They can be bowel spasms, bloating, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and excess gas. The active ingredient, mebeverine hydrochloride, is a type of medicine known as antispasmodics. It acts by relaxing the muscles in the walls of your bowel, thus decreasing painful spasms and rendering your digestive movements less painful and more regular. By soothing muscle contractions within your gut, Colofac restores more normal bowel function and relieves pain related to IBS.

Who can use Colofac IBS, and how should it be taken?

Colofac IBS is appropriate for adults and older people. The recommended standard dose is one tablet thrice daily, ideally 20 minutes before meals. This is because IBS symptoms are prone to flare-up after eating, and the ingestion of Colofac before meals will avert this flare-up. Take the tablets whole with water—do not crush or chew, as this could impact how the drug is released and absorbed within your body. If your symptoms improve over time, you may be able to reduce the dose—but only after consulting a health professional first.

Is Colofac IBS safe for long-term use?

Colofac is usually safe for short- or long-term use, especially with a doctor's or pharmacist's guidance. Since IBS is long-term for most people, drugs like Colofac are sometimes taken "with" symptoms as needed to control them. But if you must take it all the time without a break or if your symptoms change or worsen, you should consult a doctor. New or worse symptoms sometimes indicate that you have something other than IBS that may require a different treatment.

Can I take Colofac IBS with other medicines?

To date, there are no drug interactions reported with Colofac IBS. This means that it is typically safe to use with other drugs. However, as with anything, it is best to inform your doctor or pharmacist what medicines, supplements, or herbs you are taking—especially if you have more than one illness. Even if there is little chance of interaction, having a medical professional review your treatment plan is always safer.

What are the potential side effects of Colofac IBS?

Most people find Colofac is well tolerated, though some side effects may accompany any medication. Common mild side effects are indigestion, constipation, headache, dizziness, or tiredness. Some individuals may develop allergic reactions such as a rash, itchiness, or more serious allergic reactions like facial, lip, or throat swelling and shortness of breath. These need urgent medical consultation. If anything strange happens during Colofac usage, particularly worsening or disabling symptoms that get in the way of everyday activities, discontinue using the medication and see a doctor as soon as possible.

Is Colofac safe to take when I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, are becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding, you should consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking Colofac IBS. Limited information is available on its use during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and as a result, it should only be used when your doctor believes the benefit is more than the potential risk. IBS treatment in pregnancy can also involve changing your diet and way of life, and this can be discussed with your doctor.

Should I see a doctor before I start Colofac IBS?

Yes, in a few instances. You need to consult a doctor before taking Colofac IBS if:

• You have never been diagnosed with IBS before, or
• You have new symptoms, or your current symptoms have changed

Also, if you have a kidney or liver problem, ask your doctor first before taking Colofac. This will help avoid mistaking severe underlying disorders for IBS and make sure the treatment you choose is safe and appropriate for you.

Are there any ingredients in Colofac for those with intolerances?

Yes, Colofac IBS tablets do contain lactose, which could make them unsuitable for those with lactose intolerance. If you have been diagnosed with lactose intolerance or are unable to digest some sugars, seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medication. The other non-active ingredients are starch, sucrose, gelatin, and acacia, so always check the whole list of ingredients if you have allergies or sensitivities.