mebeverine hydrochloride at a glance
Medicine class
Musculotropic gastrointestinal antispasmodic
Main role
Symptomatic relief of IBS-related bowel cramps and pain
Available forms
Standard tablets, modified-release capsules and oral suspension have product-specific instructions and excipients
What is mebeverine hydrochloride used for?
Licensed uses differ slightly between formulations.
Symptomatic treatment of IBS, including abdominal cramps, colicky pain, wind and altered bowel habit.
Selected tablets and the oral suspension are also licensed for related spastic or irritable-colon syndromes.
The selected oral suspension is additionally licensed for gastrointestinal spasm secondary to organic disease.
How does mebeverine hydrochloride work?
Mebeverine acts directly on gastrointestinal smooth muscle to reduce painful spasm while generally preserving normal gut movement. Its exact mechanism is unresolved.
mebeverine hydrochloride preparations and strengths
Modified-release capsule
Route: Oral
Strengths: 200 mg
Oral suspension
Route: Oral
Strengths: 50 mg/5 mL
Tablet
Route: Oral
Strengths: 135 mg
How to take mebeverine hydrochloride
Follow the instructions for the specific formulation supplied. Many products are taken before meals.
Swallow tablets and capsules whole with water.
Do not chew modified-release capsules.
Shake oral suspension well and measure it with the supplied device.
Do not dilute oral suspension and then store it.
mebeverine hydrochloride side effects
Common or expected effects
- No common adverse effects are established in the selected product information. An itchy or red skin rash can occur, but is uncommon.
Get urgent medical advice
- Anaphylaxis or severe hypersensitivity
- Angioedema, including swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
- Widespread raised or otherwise severe rash
mebeverine hydrochloride in pregnancy
Pregnancy safety information is very limited. The selected tablet and modified-release capsule product information does not recommend use during pregnancy, while the suspension product information advises usual pregnancy precautions. Discuss symptom management with a prescriber.
mebeverine hydrochloride while breastfeeding
Selected tablet and modified-release capsule product information advises against use because milk-transfer data are lacking. Specialist guidance states that mebeverine may be used cautiously for a full-term, healthy infant, with monitoring for allergic reactions or unusual behaviour. Seek a pharmacist or prescriber review.
mebeverine hydrochloride interactions
Formal interaction evidence is limited, and no clinically established medicine interactions are identified in the selected product information. Tell a healthcare professional about all prescribed, purchased and complementary products.
Alcohol
No interaction was demonstrated in animal studies, and patient information does not require alcohol avoidance specifically because of mebeverine.
Herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements
Interaction data are limited, so concurrent products should be checked when clinically relevant.
Common questions about mebeverine hydrochloride
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What is mebeverine hydrochloride used for?
It is mainly used to relieve painful bowel spasms and related symptoms of IBS. Some formulations also have broader licensed uses for related spastic bowel conditions.
Does mebeverine hydrochloride cure IBS?
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.