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" What is it used for?  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).    How does it work? Colofac MR capsules contain the active ingredient mebeverine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic. (NB. Mebeverine is also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)  Mebeverine works by acting directly on the smooth muscle in the gut, causing it to relax. This relieves painful muscle spasms of the gut, without affecting it&amp;#039;s normal motility. Mebeverine is used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and related intestinal disorders that are the result of spasms in the intestinal muscles. These include colicky abdominal pain and cramps, diarrhoea alternating with constipation and flatulence (wind). Colofac MR capsules are modified release capsules, which means they release the medicine from them gradually. This means they can be taken twice a day, rather than three times a day as with other mebeverine tablets. The capsules should preferably be taken 20 minutes before meals, as this will help relieve symptoms that are worse after eating.   Warning!  Colofac MR capsules should be swallowed whole and not broken, crushed or chewed, as this will stop the modified release action from working.    Use with caution in  Hereditary blood disorders called porphyrias.    Not to be used in  Paralysis or inactivity of the muscle in the intestines, which stops the normal passage of food through the intestine (paralytic ileus). This medicine is not recommended for children.  This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy.  If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.    Pregnancy and breastfeeding Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.  This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor. This medicine passes into breast milk, but the amount is considered too small to be harmful to a nursing infant. Seek further medical advice from your doctor.   Label warnings  This medication is to be swallowed whole, not chewed.    Side effects Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Just because a side effect is stated here does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.  Rarely, allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema).   The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the medicine&amp;#039;s manufacturer.  For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.   How can this medicine affect other medicines? This medicine is not known to affect other medicines. However, as with all medicines, it is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, so they can check that the combination is safe.    Other medicines containing the same active ingredient    Colofac Colofac IBS     Mebeverine tablets and suspension are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.  Last updated 20.08.2008 "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/diet-and-nutrition/a6451/colofac-mr-mebeverine/>