ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Bulk-forming fibre combined with a gastrointestinal antispasmodic.
Licensed use
Symptomatic relief of IBS.
Form
Granules mixed with cold water to make an oral suspension.
Important practical point
Take with sufficient liquid and never swallow dry.
Children
Not recommended for children under 12 years.
What is ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride used for?
It is licensed for:
Symptomatic relief of IBS, including painful bowel spasms and irregular bowel habit.
How does ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride work?
Ispaghula absorbs water and swells, increasing and softening bowel contents to support regular transit. Mebeverine acts directly on gastrointestinal smooth muscle to reduce painful spasms without suppressing normal gut movement.
How to take ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride
Follow the pack or prescriber's directions.
Stir the granules into at least 150 mL of cold water and drink immediately.
Never swallow the granules dry.
Avoid breathing in the powder while preparing it.
Do not take it immediately before lying down or sleeping.
Do not take other medicines at the same time; follow the advised spacing.
ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- Wind and abdominal bloating, particularly after starting; these may lessen with continued use.
- Skin rash or itching.
- Runny nose, irritated eyes or other hypersensitivity symptoms.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis, facial or throat swelling, or bronchospasm.
- Oesophageal or intestinal obstruction, choking or faecal impaction, especially with insufficient liquid.
ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride in pregnancy
This combination should be avoided during pregnancy because information, particularly for mebeverine, is limited. This differs from ispaghula-only products, which are commonly used during pregnancy. Discuss an appropriate alternative with a prescriber.
ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
This combination should not be used while breastfeeding because evidence about mebeverine exposure and effects in infants is insufficient. Ispaghula alone is compatible with breastfeeding; ask a pharmacist or prescriber about alternatives.
ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride interactions
Ispaghula can delay or alter absorption of medicines taken by mouth, so medicines should not be taken simultaneously.
Calcium, iron, zinc and vitamin B12
Absorption may be delayed; separate administration as directed.
Lithium, carbamazepine, cardiac glycosides and coumarin anticoagulants
Absorption may be delayed, potentially altering treatment effect.
Insulin and other diabetes treatments
Treatment requirements may change; use with clinical supervision.
Common questions about ispaghula husk + mebeverine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
Does it cure IBS?
No. It provides symptom relief but does not remove the underlying tendency to IBS.
Why must it be taken with water?
Ispaghula must hydrate and swell safely; insufficient liquid can cause choking or obstruction of the throat or bowel.
Can it be taken with other medicines?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.