mebeverine

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

The main action of mebeverine involves blocking specific calcium channels in smooth muscle cells of intestines. Doing so reduces the excessive contractions or spasms that may lead to pain and discomfort in people with IBS. mebeverine’s mechanism of action is primarily focused on the gut muscles and does not significantly affect other parts of the body. 

Regarding its spectrum, mebeverine is indicated for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. IBS is a common gastrointestinal disorder which is characterized by abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. mebeverine is used to alleviate thesymptoms of IBS, especially those related to abnormal intestinal muscle contractions. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Face edema 

Angioedema 

Hypersensitivity 

Urticaria 

Exanthema 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

None 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

mebeverine is generally considered a safe medication for most people, but there are certain situations and conditions in which its use is contraindicated or should be carefully considered. Contraindications are situations where a particular medication is not recommended due to potential risks.  

• Hypersensitivity or Allergy: Individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to mebeverine or its components should not use this medication. 
• Severe Bowel Conditions: mebeverine is not recommended for individuals with conditions that could be worsened by anticholinergic effects, such as obstructive diseases of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., pyloric stenosis, paralytic ileus) or severe inflammatory conditions of the intestines (e.g., ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease). 
• Myasthenia Gravis: mebeverine may exacerbate the symptoms of myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disorder.  
• Children: mebeverine is typically not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age due to limited data on its safety and effectiveness in this population. 
• Liver or Kidney Impairment: mebeverine should be used cautiously in patients with severe liver/kidney impairment, as limited data is available on its use. 
• Elderly Patients: Elderly individuals may be more sensitive to the effects of mebeverine, and caution should be exercised when prescribing this drug to older patients. 
• Other Medications: mebeverine may interact with certain medications, including other anticholinergic drugs and medications that affect gastrointestinal motility. You must inform your healthcare provider about all your medications to avoid potential interactions. 

Caution 

• Driving and Operating Machinery: mebeverine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision in some individuals. If you experience these side effects, it’s essential to exercise caution when driving/operating heavy machinery, as your ability to focus and react may be impaired. 
• Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can enhance the drowsiness and dizziness caused by mebeverine. It’s advisable to limit or avoid alcohol while taking this medication. 
• Gastrointestinal Conditions: If you have any underlying gastrointestinal conditions other than IBS, such as inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease) or conditions involving bowel obstruction, consult your healthcare provider before using mebeverine. 
• Urinary Retention: mebeverine’s anticholinergic effects could potentially worsen urinary retention in individuals with preexisting urinary problems. Discuss the risks and benefits of using mebeverine with your doctor if you have a history of urinary issues. 
• Dosing and Timing: Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding the dosage and timing of mebeverine. Taking it as directed is essential to achieve the desired therapeutic effect. 
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: If you are pregnant and planning to become pregnant/breastfeeding, consult your healthcare provider before using mebeverine. The safety of the medication during these periods is not fully established. 
• Elderly Patients: Elderly individuals may be more susceptible to the side effects of mebeverine, especially dizziness and drowsiness. Dosing adjustments or monitoring may be necessary. 
• Allergies: Inform the healthcare provider of any allergies or hypersensitivity reactions you may have experienced, especially related to medications. 
• Interaction with Other Medications: mebeverine can interact with other medications, including anticholinergic drugs, and affect their effectiveness or enhance the risk of side effects.  
• Duration of Use: mebeverine is typically used for short periods to relieve acute symptoms of IBS.  
• Discontinuation: Discontinuing mebeverine should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Sudden discontinuation may lead to a rebound effect of symptoms. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned. 

Lactation:   

Excreted into human milk: Not known. 

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence, these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

mebeverine is an antispasmodic medication primarily used to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Its pharmacology involves the inhibition of calcium ion influx into smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract, which leads to relaxation of these muscles and alleviation of symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort.

mebeverine’s selective action on gut smooth muscles reduces hyperactivity and spasms, contributing to its effectiveness in managing IBS symptoms. The medication is administered orally and is metabolized in the liver, with its primary active metabolite responsible for its therapeutic effects. It is generally well-tolerated, with its main action limited to the gastrointestinal tract, minimizing systemic side effects. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: mebeverine is an antispasmodic medication commonly used to relieve irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms. Its mechanism of action involves its effects on smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract.  

Calcium Channel Blockade: mebeverine acts by inhibiting calcium ion influx into the smooth muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract, particularly in the intestines.  

Muscle Relaxation: By blocking calcium channels, mebeverine reduces the availability of calcium ions required for muscle contraction. This generally leads to relaxation of smooth muscles in the intestines. In individuals with IBS, the muscles in the intestinal walls can become overly sensitive and prone to spasms. mebeverine’s muscle relaxant properties help alleviate these spasms. 

Reduction of Spasms: The reduction in muscle contractions and spasms in the gastrointestinal tract results in relief from symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, and discomfort, common complaints in IBS. Calming the hyperactive muscles, mebeverine helps restore a more normal pattern of muscle contractions. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

mebeverine is well-absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration. It undergoes rapid absorption in the small intestine. Its lipophilic nature influences absorption, allowing it to pass through cell membranes readily. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, mebeverine is distributed throughout the body. It is primarily distributed in the tissues and organs, including the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. Its distribution is likely facilitated by its lipophilic properties. 

Metabolism 

mebeverine undergoes extensive first-pass metabolism in the liver. It is metabolized primarily by esterases into its primary active metabolite, veratric acid. Veratric acid is responsible for the therapeutic effects of mebeverine. The metabolism of mebeverine occurs mainly in the liver, and the metabolites are eventually eliminated from the body. 

Elimination and Excretion 

Both mebeverine and its metabolites are excreted predominantly in the urine. A small portion of the drug and its metabolites may also be excreted in the feces. The exact proportions of excretion routes can vary depending on individual factors. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

mebeverine is typically available as tablets or capsules and is taken orally. The dosing instructions for mebeverine can vary based on the brand, formulation, and the specific condition being treated.  

• Dosage: The recommended dose of mebeverine for adults is around 135 mg, taken three times daily (usually before meals). However, dosing may vary based on individual needs and the severity of symptoms. Always follow the dosage instructions that the healthcare provider provides. 
• Timing: mebeverine takes about 20 to 30 minutes before meals. This timing helps the medication take effect before food enters the gastrointestinal tract, where irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) symptoms are most likely to occur. 
• Swallowing: Swallow the tablet/capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the tablet or open the capsule unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you. 
• Consistency: Try to take mebeverine at the exact times each day to maintain a consistent level of the medication in your system. 
• Food and Drink: While mebeverine can be taken with or without food, taking it before meals may help reduce symptoms of IBS more effectively. Avoid alcohol when taking mebeverine, as alcohol can enhance its side effects. 
• Duration: mebeverine is usually prescribed for short-term relief of acute symptoms of IBS. If you experience ongoing or recurring symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for further guidance. 
• Missed Dose: If a dose is missed, taking it as soon as possible is generally recommended. However, if the next scheduled dose is missed, it should be skipped, and the following should be taken at the appropriate time. It is vital to avoid taking a double drug dose to compensate for the missed dose. 
• Storage: Store mebeverine at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Follow any specific storage instructions provided on the medication packaging. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: mebeverine 

Why do we use mebeverine? 

mebeverine is a medication primarily used to treat symptoms associated with irritable bowel syndrome, a common gastrointestinal disorder. It is an antispasmodic agent that helps relax the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. 

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): mebeverine is widely used to alleviate the symptoms of IBS, a chronic condition characterized by abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. By relaxing the muscles of the intestines and reducing excessive contractions, mebeverine can help relieve the discomfort and pain associated with IBS.