How to Take Mebeverine
Mebeverine is typically taken orally at a dose of 135 mg three times daily before meals for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). 1
Dosage and Administration
- Standard dosage: 135 mg three times daily
- Timing: Take before meals
- Duration: Treatment duration depends on symptom response, but is typically continued as needed for symptom management
Formulations
Mebeverine is available in several formulations:
- Standard tablets (135 mg)
- Modified-release capsules (200 mg)
- Colon-specific delivery systems (for targeted release) 2
Mechanism and Efficacy
Mebeverine is an antispasmodic medication that works by directly inhibiting intestinal smooth muscle, helping to relieve abdominal pain and discomfort associated with IBS. Unlike anticholinergic antispasmodics, mebeverine has fewer systemic side effects such as dry mouth 1.
Clinical evidence shows that mebeverine:
- Normalizes small bowel motility in IBS patients 3
- Enhances contractile activity while also producing antispasmodic effects 3
- Provides significant improvement in IBS symptoms, though some studies suggest other antispasmodics may be more effective 4
Special Considerations
- Stability: Mebeverine is unstable in esterase-containing biological fluids (particularly blood and plasma) but is relatively stable in aqueous solutions and urine 5
- Metabolism: Rapidly metabolized to mebeverine-alcohol and veratric acid 5
- Drug interactions: No significant drug interactions have been documented in the provided evidence
Practical Tips
- Taking mebeverine consistently before meals helps maximize its effectiveness
- Some patients may find combining mebeverine with dietary fiber beneficial, though up to 28% of patients may find fixed combination products unpalatable 6
- For patients who have difficulty swallowing tablets, modified-release formulations may be preferable as they require less frequent dosing
Monitoring
While taking mebeverine, patients should monitor:
- Changes in abdominal pain severity and frequency
- Bowel movement patterns
- Any side effects, though these are generally mild
If symptoms persist or worsen despite appropriate use of mebeverine, patients should consult their healthcare provider for reassessment.