Mebeverine

Uses and Administration

Mebeverine hydrochloride is an antispasmodic with a direct action on the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. It is used in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome ( Refer to ) in a usual oral dose of 135 mg three times daily before meals; 100 mg three times daily has also been used. A modified-release preparation is also available, taken as 200 mg twice daily. The embonate is also used for oral liquid preparations in a dose equivalent to 150 mg of the hydrochloride three times daily.

For doses in children, see Refer to .

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2009-09-21)

Administration in children

Mebeverine is used in children for the symptomatic relief of gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasm. The BNFC suggests the following oral doses, expressed as mebeverine hydrochloride, given three times daily, preferably 20 minutes before meals:

3 years: 25 mg

4 to 7 years: 50 mg

8 to 9 years: 100 mg

10 to 17 years: adult doses may be given, see Refer to

A modified-release formulation is also available; children from 12 years of age may be given adult doses, see Refer to .

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2016-12-23)

Adverse Effects, Treatment and Precautions

Adverse Effects and Precautions

Although adverse effects appear rare, gastrointestinal disturbances, dizziness, headache, insomnia, anorexia, and decreased heart rate have been reported in patients receiving mebeverine. Cases of hypersensitivity, including erythematous rash, urticaria, and angioedema, have also been reported. Mebeverine should be avoided in patients with paralytic ileus. Based on theoretical concerns, it should be used with care in patients with marked hepatic or renal impairment, and those with cardiac disorders such as heart block.

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2005-12-09)

Cystic fibrosis

A 24-year-old man with cystic fibrosis, given mebeverine hydrochloride for lower abdominal pain and constipation, was found to have a perforated stercoral ulcer with generalised peritonitis.¹ It was suggested that mebeverine produced colonic stasis, which predisposed the patient to ulceration,¹ but the manufacturers²considered that the development of constipation and distal intestinal syndrome (meconium ileus equivalent) in this patient precipitated the development of stercoral ulceration. It was recommended¹ that antispasmodics such as mebeverine should not be used for the symptomatic treatment of distal intestinal syndrome in cystic fibrosis.

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2008-07-11)

References

1. Hassan W, Keaney N. Mebeverine-induced perforated colon in distal intestinal syndrome of cystic fibrosis.Lancet. 1990; 335: 1225. PubMed

2. Whitehead AM. Perforation of colon in distal intestinal syndrome of cystic fibrosis.Lancet. 1990; 336: 446. PubMed

Porphyria

The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria, compiled by the Norwegian Porphyria Centre (NAPOS) and the Porphyria Centre Sweden, classifies mebeverine as probably not porphyrinogenic; it may be used as a drug of first choice and no precautions are needed.¹

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2011-11-07)

References

1. The Drug Database for Acute Porphyria. Available at: Link (accessed 07/10/11)

Pharmacokinetics

Mebeverine is rapidly absorbed after oral doses with peak plasma concentrations occurring in 1 to 3 hours. It is 75% bound to albumin in plasma. Mebeverine is completely metabolised by hydrolysis to veratric acid and mebeverine alcohol, the latter of which may then be conjugated. The metabolites are excreted in the urine.

(last reviewed 2010-08-17; last modified 2006-03-04)

Preparations: Single-Ingredient

The following preparations list represents a compilation of all available salt forms or related substances for this drug product.

The symbol ¤ denotes a preparation which is discontinued or no longer actively marketed.

ARGENTINA: Duspatalin;AUSTRALIA: Colese; Colofac;AUSTRIA: Colofac;BELGIUM: Duspatalin; Spasmonal¤;BRAZIL: Duspatalin;CHILE: Doloverina; Duspatal; Evadol; Meditoina; Movidol;CHINA: Duspatalin (杜适林);CZECH REPUBLIC: Duspatalin;DENMARK: Colofac¤; Duspatalin;FRANCE: Colopriv¤; Duspatalin; Spasmopriv¤;GERMANY: Duspatal¤; Mebemerck¤;GREECE: Dolospasmo¤; Duspatalin; Gastromins¤; Trisolvetan¤; Yugorex¤;HONG KONG: Duspatalin; Mebetin;HUNGARY: Duspatalin;INDIA: Colospa; Libure; Mebaspa; Mebiz; Mebrin; Meva; Morease;INDONESIA: Duspatalin; Irbosyd;IRELAND: Colofac; Mebecon¤;ISRAEL: Colotal;ITALY: Duspatal; Duspatalin;MALAYSIA: Duspatalin; Lezpain; Mebetin;MEXICO: Arluy; Duspatalin;NETHERLANDS: Duspatal; Duspatalin¤;NEW ZEALAND: Colofac;PHILIPPINES: Duspatalin;POLAND: Auroverin; Duspatalin;PORTUGAL: Duspatal;RUSSIAN FEDERATION: Duspatalin (Дюспаталин); Dutan (Дютан); Niaspam (Ниаспам); Sparex (Спарекс);SOUTH AFRICA: Bevispas; Colofac;SINGAPORE: Duspatalin; Mebetin;SPAIN: Duspatalin;SWITZERLAND: Duspatalin;THAILAND: Colofac; Duspatin; Farlotac; Menosor;TURKEY: Duspatalin; Duspaverin¤; Mebefit; Spasflex¤;UNITED KINGDOM: Aurobeverine; Colofac; Equilon¤; Fomac¤; IBS Relief;UKRAINE: Duspatalin (Дуспаталин); Mebsin (Мебсин); Meverin (Меверин);

Preparations: Multi-Ingredient

The following preparations list represents a compilation of all available salt forms or related substances for this drug product.

The symbol ¤ denotes a preparation which is discontinued or no longer actively marketed.

HONG KONG: Fybogel Mebeverine¤;INDIA: Mebasap-AL; Mebrin-AZ; Meva-C; Morease-I;IRELAND: Fybogel Mebeverine;SINGAPORE: Fybogel Mebeverine¤;UNITED KINGDOM: Fybogel Mebeverine;

Preparations: Pharmacopoeial

The following preparations list represents a compilation of all available salt forms or related substances for this drug product.

BP 2019: Mebeverine Tablets;

Therapeutic Use

• Gastrointestinal Drugs

Last Updated 1/21/20