Mebeverine: IBS cramps and how it is used

Mebeverine is an antispasmodic: it relaxes the muscles of the gut wall. Gut cramps happen when those muscles contract too strongly or out of rhythm, and in irritable bowel syndrome that spasm is a common source of pain. The NHS describes mebeverine as a muscle relaxant for stomach cramping and muscle spasms, particularly in IBS.

It does not cure IBS or change the underlying sensitivity of the bowel. It is aimed at the cramp-type pain, often alongside dietary changes advised by a doctor or dietitian.

Mebeverine comes as tablets, which are taken three times a day, as capsules, which are taken twice a day, and as a liquid. How much you take and for how long depends on why it was suggested, so follow the label or your prescriber.

Tablets and capsules are swallowed whole with some water, and the NHS suggests trying to take mebeverine around 20 minutes before a meal so the muscles are relaxed when food arrives.

• If you forget a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is almost due, then skip the missed one.

• Never double up to catch up.

• An extra dose is unlikely to cause problems, but it can sometimes be dangerous, so speak to a pharmacist as soon as possible; call NHS 111 if you cannot reach one or took extra on purpose.

Most adults and children aged 10 years or over can take mebeverine. It may not be suitable if you have had an allergic reaction or serious side effect from it, if you have paralytic ileus (a condition where the gut muscles stop working), if you have liver or kidney problems, or if you have been told to avoid sucrose in foods and medicines, which some formulations contain.

Tell the prescriber or pharmacist about other medicines, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements, and if you are pregnant, trying to conceive or breastfeeding.

The effects the NHS highlights are skin rash and itchy or red skin, which can be harder to see on darker skin tones. Speak to a pharmacist or doctor if they bother you or do not go away.

Serious allergic reaction is rare, but swelling of the throat or tongue, a raised itchy rash or difficulty breathing needs a 999 call straight away. For other suspected serious effects, contact NHS 111. The full list is in the leaflet, and you can report suspected effects through the Yellow Card scheme.

If you are pregnant, tell your doctor. Mebeverine may be possible if the benefits outweigh the risks, or you may be offered lifestyle changes or another IBS medicine. During breastfeeding you can usually take it, but check with a pharmacist or doctor first, and your baby may need watching for side effects. The NHS gives no information on fertility.

The NHS says some medicines, remedies and supplements may not mix well with mebeverine but does not name specific ones. The practical step is to let a pharmacist see your full list of medicines before you begin.

You can eat and drink as normal on mebeverine, and the NHS does not restrict alcohol. Keep following any food advice you have been given for IBS, because medicine alone rarely controls symptoms.

Mebeverine does not usually affect the ability to drive, ride a bike or use machinery.

Hyoscine butylbromide is another antispasmodic used for stomach cramps and has its own guide. Constipation or diarrhoea in IBS is usually managed separately, for example with fibre supplements, laxatives or loperamide, depending on the pattern.

Some mebeverine products are sold in pharmacies without a prescription, while others are prescription-only. The pharmacist can say which applies to the pack in your hands.