What Is Mebeverine Used For? Uses, Dosage and How It Works
▶ In short — What is mebeverine used for?
Mebeverine is used to relieve the painful cramps, spasms and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is an antispasmodic — it relaxes the muscle in the wall of the gut without affecting normal bowel movement. It doesn't cure IBS, but it eases the cramping during a flare. The usual dose is one 135mg tablet three times a day, taken 20 minutes before meals.
Part of the Access Doctor Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) guide.
What Is Mebeverine Used For?
Mebeverine (brand name Colofac) is an antispasmodic medicine. Its main use is to relieve the cramping abdominal pain and spasm that come with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar gut spasm. It's used for symptoms such as:
- Stomach cramps and colicky abdominal pain
- Painful spasms in the gut, often triggered by eating
- Bloating and a sense of tightness in the tummy
- The discomfort of IBS flares, alongside diet and lifestyle measures
Mebeverine treats the symptom of cramping — it does not cure IBS or treat the diarrhoea or constipation that can come with it. It's often used together with other measures such as dietary changes, fibre adjustment or, where needed, medicines aimed at bowel habit.
How Does Mebeverine Work?
The wall of your intestine contains smooth muscle that contracts to move food through. In IBS, this muscle can contract too strongly and in an uncoordinated way, causing the cramping pain and spasm that many people describe.
Mebeverine works directly on that gut muscle, relaxing the spasm without switching off normal bowel movement. Because it acts locally on the intestine rather than on the brain, it does not cause the drowsiness or dry mouth associated with some older antispasmodics. This is what people mean when they ask "what does mebeverine do" — it calms the over-active gut muscle so the cramping settles.
In plain terms: mebeverine is a muscle relaxant for your gut. It eases the squeezing that causes IBS cramps, but lets your bowel keep working normally.
Mebeverine Dosage: How to Take It
Mebeverine comes in two common forms. Always follow the dose on your prescription or the pack.
| Form | Usual adult dose | When to take |
|---|---|---|
| 135mg tablets | One tablet three times a day | About 20 minutes before each main meal |
| 200mg modified-release capsules | One capsule twice a day | Morning and evening, 20 minutes before food |
- Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water — do not chew
- Taking it 20 minutes before eating means it's working when food triggers gut spasm
- If you miss a dose, skip it and take the next one as normal — don't double up
- Once your symptoms settle, some people are able to reduce or stop it — ask your pharmacist or prescriber
How Long Does Mebeverine Take to Work?
Mebeverine usually starts to ease cramping within about an hour of a dose. For ongoing IBS symptoms it works best taken regularly before meals, rather than only when pain strikes. If your symptoms haven't improved after two weeks, or they're getting worse, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist — you may need a different approach or further assessment.
Side Effects of Mebeverine
Mebeverine is generally very well tolerated — side effects are uncommon. When they do occur they may include:
- Skin rash or itching (uncommon)
- Allergic reactions, including facial swelling — rare, but stop the medicine and seek advice if this happens
Unlike some antispasmodics, mebeverine doesn't typically cause drowsiness, constipation or a dry mouth. For the full list, always read the patient information leaflet in the pack.
Seek urgent help if you have signs of a serious allergic reaction — swelling of the face, lips or throat, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash. Call 999 or go to A&E.
Who Shouldn't Take Mebeverine?
Tell your prescriber or pharmacist before taking mebeverine if any of these apply:
- You have a rare bowel condition called paralytic ileus (where the bowel stops moving) — mebeverine should not be used
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding — discuss with a clinician first
- You have a known allergy to mebeverine or any ingredient in the tablet
Get checked first if your symptoms are new. IBS should be diagnosed by a clinician. See a doctor rather than self-treating if you have any "red flag" symptoms: bleeding from the bottom, unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in bowel habit over the age of 50, a lump in your tummy, or symptoms that wake you at night. These need proper assessment.
How to Get Mebeverine in the UK
Some mebeverine products (such as Colofac IBS 135mg) can be bought from a pharmacy without a prescription if you've already been diagnosed with IBS; others are prescription-only. If your IBS is diagnosed and you know the medicine suits you, an online pharmacy makes re-ordering simple. If your symptoms are new or changing, you should be assessed first.
Get Mebeverine for IBS Online
Access Doctor is a GPhC-registered online pharmacy. Complete a short online consultation and, where appropriate, mebeverine can be supplied with discreet delivery.
Order Mebeverine →Frequently Asked Questions
What is mebeverine used for?
Mebeverine is used to relieve the painful cramps, spasms and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar gut spasm. It is an antispasmodic — it relaxes the muscle in the wall of the gut without affecting normal bowel movement. It does not cure IBS, but eases the cramping symptoms during a flare.
What does mebeverine do?
Mebeverine relaxes the smooth muscle in the intestine. In IBS this muscle can contract too strongly, causing cramping pain and spasm. By easing these contractions, mebeverine reduces abdominal pain and discomfort. It works directly on the gut muscle rather than on the brain, so it does not cause drowsiness.
How long does mebeverine take to work?
Mebeverine usually starts to ease cramping within an hour or so of a dose. It is taken 20 minutes before meals so it is working when food triggers gut spasm. For ongoing IBS symptoms, take it regularly rather than only when pain strikes; if there is no improvement after two weeks, speak to your prescriber or pharmacist.
What is the dose of mebeverine?
The usual adult dose is one 135mg tablet three times a day, taken about 20 minutes before each main meal. There is also a 200mg modified-release capsule taken twice a day. Follow the dose on your prescription or the pack. Mebeverine is not suitable for children under 18 unless a doctor advises.
Can you buy mebeverine over the counter?
Some mebeverine products (such as Colofac IBS 135mg) are available from a pharmacy without a prescription for people with previously diagnosed IBS, while others are prescription-only. If you have not been diagnosed with IBS, or your symptoms are new or changing, you should be assessed first — Access Doctor can arrange this through an online consultation.
References
- NHS. Mebeverine. nhs.uk/medicines/mebeverine
- NICE. British National Formulary: Mebeverine hydrochloride. bnf.nice.org.uk
- NICE. Clinical Knowledge Summary: Irritable bowel syndrome. cks.nice.org.uk
- Electronic Medicines Compendium. Colofac 135mg Tablets: Summary of Product Characteristics. medicines.org.uk/emc
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. If you have new or changing bowel symptoms, or any red-flag symptoms, seek in-person medical advice. In a medical emergency, call 999.