IBS Health Kit (Abdominal Pain, Cramp & Bloating)

Product Summary

Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules are an antispasmodic used to relieve spasms and cramps in the large bowel in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

The capsules contain peppermint oil, which relaxes the spasm of the bowel wall. This relieves pain and allows pockets of gas, which may have made you feel bloated, to pass along the bowel and out of the body.

IBS is a condition in which there is pain, spasm and bloating at almost any point between the groin, the navel and the sides, sometimes accompanied by diarrhoea and constipation.

The symptoms may be more noticeable when you are feeling stressed and anxious.

Directions

• Adults and children 15 years and over: Take ONE capsule three times a day.
• If symptoms are severe, the dose can be increased to TWO capsules taken three times a day.
• Do not take capsules immediately after food.
• The capsules should be taken until symptoms are resolved, normally within one to two weeks.
• Treatment can be continued for longer periods of between two to three months,when symptoms are more persistent.
• If you experience new symptoms or worsening of existing symptoms, consult your doctor.

Ingredients

• The active ingredient is: Peppermint oil 0.2 ml
• Other ingredients are Gelatin, colloidal silica, titanium dioxide (E171), indigotine (E132), Eudragit L, Eudragit S, triethyl citrate, ammonia, monostearin, polyethyleneglycol 4000, talc, purified water, beeswax, refined Arachis (peanut) oil

Warnings and Restrictions

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist:

• if this is the first time that you have suffered from these symptoms
• if you are aged 40 years or over and it has been some time since your last attack of IBS or your symptoms have changed
• if your symptoms worsen or do not improve over 2 weeks
• if you are taking any indigestion remedies
• if you have passed blood from your bowel
• if you are vomiting or feeling nauseous
• if you have lost your appetite or have unexplained weight loss
• if you are unusually pale or tired
• if you have severe constipation
• if you have a fever
• if you have recently travelled abroad
• if you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• if you have difficulty or pain when passing urine.

If any of these above apply to you now or have applied in the past, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules are not recommended for children under 15 years old.

Do not take this medicine if you have ever had a bad reaction to any of the ingredients, or if you are allergic to peanuts or soya.

Taking other medicines

This product is unlikely to interact with other medication. However, please speak to your pharmacist or doctor if you are using any other medication related to the stomach or bowels.

Pharmacists FAQs Answered

What is Colpermin IBS Relief for, and how does it work?

Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules are designed to alleviate the uncomfortable symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), including abdominal spasms, cramps, bloating, and trapped gas. The peppermint oil (0.2 ml) active ingredient is a natural antispasmodic. It functions by relaxing the smooth muscles of the bowel wall, which helps to ease painful cramps and allows trapped gas to pass through the gut more freely. This gives great relief from discomfort and bloating. Peppermint oil also possesses some mild painkilling properties, making it a gentle but effective treatment for many sufferers of IBS.

Who can take Colpermin, and how is it administered?

Colpermin can be used for adults and older children over 15. Starting with one capsule three times daily, but more seriously affected symptoms require this dosage to be doubled to two capsules three times daily if recommended by a physician. Capsules must be swallowed before meals—ideally not immediately after a meal—so that the peppermint oil transfers into the bowel, where it is best utilised. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water and do not crush or chew them, as this can make them less effective and irritate the mouth or throat.

How long before I start to feel better, and how long can I take it?

Most people begin to feel a general improvement in their symptoms after 1 to 2 weeks of taking Colpermin. For some people, especially those with persistent IBS symptoms, the treatment will have to be taken for a period of 2 to 3 months. Once symptoms are stabilised, the capsules may be stopped. If symptoms return, you can take Colpermin again as needed. Monitor your body's response and consult with your doctor or chemist if you're not sure to take the drug long-term.

Can I take Colpermin with other medicines?

Usually, Colpermin will not interfere with most other medications, but it's best to be careful anyway. Don't take Colpermin at the same time as indigestion cures or antacids because they can weaken the special capsule coating, so the peppermint oil is absorbed differently and elsewhere in the body. Consult with a pharmacist before taking any other medication to treat indigestion—or any new drugs—if you are already on another medication for an upset stomach. This prevents any potential interaction with how Colpermin works or how your body absorbs other medicines.

Do I have to watch out for any side effects?

Most people find Colpermin easy to live with, but some might suffer mild side effects. These can include heartburn, nausea, or a burning sensation at the back passage if the capsules don't digest properly. Chewing or capsule breaking can cause mouth or throat irritation due to the concentrated peppermint oil. Rarely, allergic reactions have been experienced, including rash, wheezing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Seek emergency medical help in case of any sign of a major allergic reaction.

Are there any warnings I should be aware of prior to using Colpermin?

Yes, Colpermin is not for everyone, and there are a few very important things to remember before taking it:

Do not take Colpermin if:

• You suffer from peanut or soya allergy, as the product contains refined arachis (peanut) oil.
• You have a history of allergic reaction to peppermint oil or to any of the other ingredients in the capsules.
• You are younger than 15.

Also, consult a doctor prior to taking Colpermin if:

• You have never previously had symptoms of IBS.
• Your symptoms have changed or worsened.
• You have symptoms like unexplained weight loss, bleeding from the back passage, a fever, or very blocked-up bowels.
• You have painful or burning urine, or abnormal bleeding or discharge from the vagina.

These could be signs of an underlying more serious illness needing medical care.

Is Colpermin safe to use during pregnancy and lactation?

There is not a lot known about taking Colpermin if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so it is best to discuss with your doctor or midwife first. Peppermint oil is natural, but not every natural remedy is safe in pregnancy. Your doctor or midwife can discuss the advantages and disadvantages for your unique situation.

What happens if my IBS symptoms don't improve using Colpermin?

If you’ve been taking Colpermin as directed for more than 2 weeks and haven’t noticed an improvement—or if your symptoms worsen—it’s important to consult your GP or pharmacist. Sometimes, similar symptoms may be caused by other conditions like coeliac disease, inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), or even food intolerances. Your doctor may suggest further investigations or alternative treatments tailored to your needs.