Mebeverine Tablets Side Effects

Mebeverine (Colofac) is a medication that is used to treat Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). IBS is a gastrointestinal disorder which causes abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhoea, constipation, and discomfort. An infection or stress can trigger episodes of IBS, though the exact cause is not known. There is not a cure for IBS, but drugs like mebeverine can help alleviate some of the symptoms.

In rare cases, mebeverine has caused angioedema, which is a condition in which the tissues below the epidermis (dermis, subcutaneous tissue, mucosa and submucosal tissues) become swollen. The swelling is usually centred around the eyes, lips, hands, and feet. However, it can also affect the tongue, throat, and lungs, making it hard to breathe. Angioedema is usually the result of an allergic reaction. Contact a medical professional immediately if you experience these symptoms.

Skin rashes and hives (urticaria) occur in people who are allergic or hypersensitive to mebeverine. The skin can become red, inflamed and itchy as a result of the rash. In other cases, the raised welts that indicate hives appear. Hives are formed when mast cells release histamine and the histamine forces fluid out of the blood vessels. The skin swells in the area where the fluid was released Contact a doctor if you get hives or a rash.

Mebeverine has lactose (a sugar primarily found in dairy products) and sucrose (sugar) in it, meaning it can create problems for people who are lactose or sucrose intolerant. The enzyme lactase is responsible for converting lactose into glucose and galactose. The glucose and galactose are absorbed by the bloodstream. If your body does not make enough lactase, then it cannot properly digest lactose. For some people, this means they will become lactose intolerant. Symptoms of lactose intolerance are somewhat similar to IBS symptoms: abdominal pain and bloating, diarrhoea, nausea and gas.

Porphyria refers to a group of eight hereditary disorders in which the body cannot properly manufacture heme. The most important function of heme is to, through the bloodstream, transport oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. Although the types of porphyria are different, a deficiency in one of the enzymes needed to make heme makes them part of the same family of disorders. IBS symptoms are similar to symptoms for acute porphyria, which can lead to a misdiagnosis. Mebeverine can intensify the symptoms of porphyria.

Indigestion, heartburn, dizziness, tiredness, constipation, headaches, problems sleeping and a slow heartbeat are other less serious side effects of mebeverine. However, if these side effects persist or become troublesome, contact a doctor.