MEPACOLON 200 MG SR — Mebeverine

Active ingredient: Mebeverine hydrochloride | Dosage form: Sustained-release film-coated tablets | Strength: 200 mg | Pack size: 20 tablets

Medical Description

MEPACOLON 200 MG SR contains mebeverine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic medication belonging to the musculotropic antispasmodic class. It is used to relieve abdominal pain, intestinal cramps, and discomfort associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other conditions involving gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasms.

Mebeverine works directly on the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, helping reduce excessive intestinal contractions and relieve painful spasms without significantly affecting normal intestinal motility.

Its sustained-release (SR) formulation is designed to provide gradual release of the active ingredient, supporting prolonged antispasmodic activity throughout the day.

MEPACOLON helps relieve common IBS-related symptoms, including abdominal cramping, intestinal discomfort, and spasmodic bowel pain, thereby supporting improved digestive comfort.

Composition

Each sustained-release film-coated tablet contains:

Pack size: 20 sustained-release film-coated tablets.

Pharmacological classification: Gastrointestinal antispasmodic (ATC code: A03AA04).

Mechanism of Action

Mebeverine acts directly on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract, reducing excessive intestinal contractions and relieving painful spasms.

Its exact mechanism is not fully established, but several mechanisms may contribute, including effects on ion channels and smooth muscle activity.

Unlike conventional anticholinergic antispasmodics, mebeverine does not significantly interfere with normal intestinal motility or produce typical systemic anticholinergic effects.

The sustained-release formulation provides gradual release of the active ingredient, allowing a twice-daily dosing regimen.

Indications and Potential Benefits

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Helps relieve abdominal pain, intestinal cramps, and discomfort associated with IBS.
• Relief of Intestinal Spasms: Reduces excessive contractions of gastrointestinal smooth muscles.
• Abdominal Pain Relief: Helps alleviate cramping and spasmodic abdominal pain.
• Supports Digestive Comfort: Helps manage gastrointestinal discomfort associated with functional bowel disorders.
• Relief of Bloating-Associated Discomfort: May help reduce discomfort associated with intestinal spasms and excessive bowel contractions.
• Supports Normal Intestinal Motility: Relieves spasms without significantly affecting normal gastrointestinal movement.

Dosage and Administration

Recommended adult dosage:

• Take one 200 mg tablet twice daily, preferably one in the morning and one in the evening.
• Swallow the tablet whole with sufficient water.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the sustained-release tablet, as this may interfere with its modified-release properties.
• Follow the prescribed dosage and your healthcare professional's instructions.

Warnings and Precautions

• Do not use in patients with known hypersensitivity to mebeverine or any of the product's ingredients.
• Consult a healthcare professional before use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Use caution if unexplained abdominal pain is accompanied by blood in the stool, persistent vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss; medical evaluation is required.
• Discontinue use and seek medical advice if allergic reactions occur.
• Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist or worsen despite treatment.
• Keep out of reach of children.

Possible Side Effects

Mebeverine is generally well tolerated. However, reported adverse reactions may include:

• Skin rash.
• Itching and urticaria.
• Hypersensitivity reactions.
• Facial swelling or angioedema (rare).
• Severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing (rare).

Storage Conditions

Store below 30°C, in a dry place, protected from excessive heat and moisture. Keep the tablets in their original packaging and out of reach of children.

References

The following trusted medical and governmental resources provide information about mebeverine:

1. Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA) – Egyptian National Drug Formulary: Gastrointestinal Medicines. Includes mebeverine formulations, indications, dosage, contraindications, and adverse reactions. View Egyptian National Drug Formulary.
2. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), U.S. National Library of Medicine – Irritable Bowel Syndrome: Clinical overview and management. View scientific reference.
3. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) – Mebeverine 200 mg Modified-Release Product Information. View medical reference.
4. National Health Service (NHS) – Mebeverine: Uses, dosage, and safety information. View NHS reference.

Patient Disclaimer

MEPACOLON 200 MG SR is a medication containing mebeverine hydrochloride, intended for the symptomatic relief of gastrointestinal spasms and abdominal discomfort associated with conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome. It does not cure the underlying cause of IBS or other gastrointestinal disorders. Use this medication according to your physician's or pharmacist's instructions. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Consult a healthcare professional if symptoms persist, worsen, or are accompanied by unusual symptoms.