The Independent Pharmacy

Mebeverine Dosage: How To Take The IBS Tablets Safely

Steve Stoddart
Steve Stoddart
BPharm IP GPhC 2050449
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Mebeverine is an effective IBS treatment that can be used to alleviate the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as other intestinal complaints. It’s a fast-working and safe treatment option, but what is the correct Mebeverine dosage to take?

It’s important to stick to the recommended dose and treatment course of any medicine, and this is the case with Mebeverine too. But with different Mebeverine doses available, it can be difficult to figure out which is the right one for you.

That’s why we’ve created this short guide — to help you understand a bit more about Mebeverine dosage options and how to take this popular IBS treatment. Read on to find out more.

Click through to read more in our dedicated guide that discusses more about this product and what Mebeverine uses there are.

Why it’s important to get the dosage right

Like any medicine, it is important to get your Mebeverine dosage right. You should always take this medicine (or any other) exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you.

Never take more than the recommended dose of Mebeverine (three 135mg tablets a day). This may result in unwanted Mebeverine side effects and possibly even an overdose.

Likewise, you should maintain your course of treatment and keep taking the tablets as your doctor has advised — this will ensure that the medicine works as effectively as possible to alleviate uncomfortable and painful IBS symptoms.

If you aren’t sure how to take Mebeverine, check with your doctor or pharmacist.

Buy Mebeverine 135 mg Tablets
Buy Mebeverine 135 mg Tablets
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Difference between Mebeverine dosages

Mebeverine doses can vary depending on the form of the medicine, whether you are taking tablets, capsules, powder sachets or a liquid version.

There are two main forms and dosages of Mebeverine:

  • Standard-release tablets: these contain 135mg of mebeverine hydrochloride per tablet
  • Slow-release capsules: these contain 200mg of mebeverine hydrochloride per capsule

The standard Mebeverine dosage is 135mg. This is the amount in one tablet. If you are using Mebeverine 135mg tablets, you should take one tablet three times a day. You can find out more about how to take Mebeverine below.

If you are taking the slow-release 200mg capsules, then your usual Mebeverine dose will be one tablet, taken twice a day.

Whichever version you are taking, you should try to space your Mebeverine doses evenly throughout the day.

At The Independent Pharmacy, you can buy Mebeverine 135mg tablets.

We also offer Fybogel Mebeverine Sachets, which dissolve quickly in water for IBS symptom relief. The active ingredients contained in this medicine are 135mg mebeverine and 3.5g Ispaghula husk — a type of high-fibre, bulk-forming laxative that is used to treat constipation and maintain normal bowel function.

What is Mebeverine used for?

Mebeverine tablets are used to treat the symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), as well as other stomach and intestinal conditions such as chronic irritable colon or spastic colitis.

Mebeverine is a generic version of the popular IBS treatment Colofac. Colofac is the branded version of the medicine, but both contain the same active ingredient: mebeverine hydrochloride.

Mebeverine hydrochloride is a type of medicine known as an antispasmodic or smooth muscle relaxant. It works by relaxing the muscles in the wall of the intestines and gut, which helps to control spasms and relieve cramping. This makes Mebeverine a fast, safe and effective IBS treatment.

You can find out more about Mebeverine over on our Mebeverine guide page, where we’ll be answering questions such as ‘can you take Mebeverine long term?’.

Mebeverine is a prescription-only IBS treatment, which means you will need to visit a doctor or pharmacist for this treatment. You can buy Mebeverine 135mg tablets here at The Independent Pharmacy — you just need to fill out our online consultation form first.

How to take Mebeverine

Mebeverine tablets are very easy to use to alleviate stomach spasms and intestinal cramps safely.

One tablet should be taken up to three times a day, ideally around 20 minutes before your main meals (some IBS sufferers find that their symptoms are strongest after they have eaten).

You should swallow each tablet whole with plenty of water. Do not chew Mebeverine tablets.

It is important that you do not exceed the recommended daily dosage of Mebeverine. Doing so may lead to unwanted side effects. However, if you do take too strong a Mebeverine dose by accident, it is unlikely to harm you. You can always speak to a doctor or pharmacist if you are worried.

If you forget to take your medicine and miss a dose of Mebeverine, skip the missed tablet and take the next one as usual. Do not take a double dose to cover the dose that was missed.

Unless you have been specifically advised by your GP, you should only take Mebeverine when needed. This means that you should only take Mebeverine when your symptoms start to flare up, and you must stop taking it when they subside or you feel better. This may take a couple of weeks.

If your symptoms don’t improve after taking Mebeverine for two weeks, or if they seem to get worse at any point, stop using Mebeverine and talk to your doctor.

Mebeverine interactions

Mebeverine is not known to interact with any other medications.

It's safe to take Mebeverine tablets with most prescription medicines, as well as everyday painkillers and anti-inflammatories such as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

However, it is generally recommended that Mebeverine is not taken alongside other IBS treatments, as these work in similar ways and it may cause unwanted side effects. This includes Buscopan. To find out more about Buscopan in comparison to Mebeverine, visit our ‘Mebeverine or Buscopan’ page.

You should always inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines before you start any type of treatment for safety reasons. This includes prescription treatments, over-the-counter medicines, herbal remedies and supplements.

How long does Mebeverine stay in your system?

Mebeverine stays in your system for around 24 hours. Though it has a half-life of around 2.45 hours it works locally in the gut and helps to calm the gut spasm. It isn’t effective for 24 hours, though: a typical tablet will only be effective for 6-8 hours, which is why you’ll need to take two or three tablets per day for maximum relief.

Mebeverine ingredients

Reading up on the ingredients in a medicine before you start using it will help you establish if it is suitable for you. This is particularly important if you have any allergies.

With that in mind, here is a list of the Mebeverine ingredients found in each tablet.

The active ingredient contained in Mebeverine is:

  • Mebeverine hydrochloride 135mg

Mebeverine tablets also contain the following inactive ingredients to make up the complete product:

Core tablet:

  • Lactose monohydrate
  • Microcrystalline cellulose
  • Povidone
  • Sodium starch glycolate
  • Talc
  • Magnesium stearate

Tablet film coating:

Opadry white Y-1-7000 containing the following:

  • Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose (E464)
  • Titanium Dioxide (E171)
  • Polyethylene Glycol

These tablets should not be used by those who are allergic to any of the Mebeverine ingredients listed above, whether active or inactive.

Please note: Mebeverine 135mg tablets are a generic treatment, the above list is an example of the typical ingredients from one of the many manufacturers - we cannot guarantee that these will be the ingredients in any Mebeverine tablets that you get on prescription or over-the-counter. If you have any allergies, you should discuss this with a healthcare professional and thoroughly read the Patient Information Leaflet before taking it.

Summary

Mebeverine tablets are used to treat IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) symptoms, including stomach spasms and intestinal cramps. It’s a generic version of the popular antispasmodic IBS treatment Colofac — it contains the same active ingredient, mebeverine hydrochloride.

Mebeverine is available in a few different strengths and forms, including tablets, capsules, powder sachets and liquids. The two main Mebeverine dose options are 135mg standard-release tablets and 200mg slow-release capsules.

If you are using Mebeverine 135mg tablets, take one tablet three times a day.

If you are using Mebeverine 200mg capsules, take one tablet twice a day.

Mebeverine tablets should be taken ideally around 20 minutes before your main meals of the day, with plenty of water. You should not chew these tablets.

If you are interested in trying this fast, safe and effective IBS treatment, you can buy Mebeverine tablets from The Independent Pharmacy. You will need to fill out our online consultation form first but don’t worry — it’s free and easy to do, and you’ll just need to answer a few questions. Once you do, our approved prescribers will be able to process your order ready for next-day delivery.

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Steve Stoddart

Authored by

Steve Stoddart
Steve Stoddart
BPharm IP
2050449
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Steve is the newest member of The Independent Pharmacy medical team. He is an experienced pharmacist who brings a new perspective to our prescribing team.

Daniel Hurley

Reviewed by

Daniel Hurley
Daniel Hurley
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber

Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.