Generic Colofac (Mebeverin hydrochloride)

Introduction

Colofac is a pharmaceutical product that contains the active compound Mebeverin hydrochloride. It is marketed primarily as a smooth-muscle relaxant for the treatment of intestinal spasm associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The medication is supplied as a 135 mg oral tablet and belongs to the class of spasmolytic antispasmodics. While its approved indication is IBS-related abdominal pain and cramping, clinicians occasionally consider it for other gastrointestinal disorders, a practice that remains off-label and should only be undertaken under professional supervision.

What is Colofac?

Colofac is the generic version of well-known medications, containing the active compound Mebeverin hydrochloride. It is produced by several licensed manufacturers and is marketed under various brand names such as Colofac, Duspatal, and Mebeverine. Our online pharmacy provides this generic alternative as a cost-effective treatment option for adults who need relief from functional bowel disorders.

Mebeverin hydrochloride was first synthesized in the s as a selective antispasmodic agent. The drug acts locally on the gastrointestinal tract without significant systemic absorption, making it a favorable choice for patients who require symptom control with a low risk of central side effects.

How Colofac Works

Mebeverin hydrochloride belongs to the benzimidazole-derived antispasmodics. It exerts its effect by inhibiting calcium influx into smooth-muscle cells of the gastrointestinal wall, which reduces the contractile activity of the muscle fibers. This calcium-channel modulation diminishes hyper-peristalsis and alleviates spasm-related pain.

• Onset of action: Clinical observations report symptom relief within 30-60 minutes after oral administration.
• Duration: The therapeutic effect typically lasts 6-8 hours, allowing twice-daily dosing for most patients.
• Clearance: Mebeverin is minimally metabolized and is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine; the plasma half-life is approximately 2 hours.

Conditions Treated with Colofac

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) with predominant abdominal pain and cramping - Mebeverin reduces the frequency and intensity of colicky episodes by relaxing intestinal smooth muscle.
• Functional bowel disorders - The drug is used when patients experience sporadic, non-structural abdominal discomfort that interferes with daily activities.

These indications are approved by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) and are reflected in product labeling across member states. The therapeutic benefit stems from the drug’s ability to target the underlying motility disturbance without altering gut flora or causing sedation.

Off-Label and Investigational Uses of Colofac

• Functional dyspepsia - Small open-label studies have reported modest improvement in upper-abdominal discomfort, suggesting a possible role for smooth-muscle relaxation in the stomach.
• Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome - Some urological clinics have explored mebeverin for its antispasmodic effect on pelvic smooth muscle, though evidence remains limited to case series.

These applications are not approved by regulatory authorities such as the EMA or FDA. Their use should only be considered after a clear risk-benefit assessment and under direct supervision of a qualified healthcare provider.

Is Colofac the Right Medication for You?

Colofac is most suitable for adult patients who:

• Have a confirmed diagnosis of IBS with predominant abdominal pain or cramping.
• Require a non-opioid, non-sedating option to manage episodic gastrointestinal spasm.
• Have not responded adequately to lifestyle modifications or fiber supplementation alone.

Contraindications include:

• Known hypersensitivity to mebeverin or any tablet excipients.
• Severe hepatic impairment, as drug clearance may be compromised.
• Pregnancy or lactation unless the potential benefit outweighs the risk (physician-guided).

Patients with mechanical bowel obstruction, inflammatory bowel disease flare, or a history of allergic reactions to similar antispasmodics should avoid this medication.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset.
• Headache.
• Dizziness, especially after the first dose.

Rare

• Rash or pruritus.
• Transient increases in liver enzymes (monitoring recommended in patients with pre-existing liver disease).

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis): signs include swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, difficulty breathing, and urticaria. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Cardiac arrhythmias: unlikely but reported in patients with underlying conduction abnormalities; monitor ECG if high risk.

Drug-Drug Interactions

• Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, scopolamine) - additive antispasmodic effect may lead to excessive smooth-muscle relaxation.
• CYP450 inhibitors - while mebeverin undergoes minimal hepatic metabolism, strong inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole) could modestly increase plasma concentrations.

Drug-Food Interactions

• No significant food effect has been documented; however, taking the tablet with a full glass of water is advised to ensure complete swallowing.
• Alcohol does not interact directly but may exacerbate dizziness; patients should limit intake.

Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dose: One 135 mg tablet taken two to three times daily, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
• Missed dose: If a dose is forgotten, take it as soon as you remember unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed tablet and resume the regular schedule; do not double-dose.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include severe nausea, vomiting, and dizziness. If an overdose is suspected, seek urgent medical care; supportive treatment (e.g., gastric lavage, activated charcoal) may be administered under professional supervision.

Practical precautions:

• Do not chew or crush tablets; swallow whole.
• Avoid operating heavy machinery or driving until you know how the drug affects you, especially during the first few administrations.
• Alcoholic beverages should be limited, as they can increase the sensation of dizziness.

FAQ

• What should I know about storing Colofac tablets? Store the tablets at room temperature, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Keep them out of reach of children and do not refrigerate unless instructed by a pharmacist.

• Can I travel internationally with Colofac? Yes, but carry the medication in its original packaging with a copy of the prescription or a doctor’s note if required by customs. Check the destination country’s import regulations for antispasmodics.

• Does Colofac contain gluten or lactose? Most generic formulations of mebeverin hydrochloride are free from gluten and lactose, but excipients can vary between manufacturers. Review the product’s label or ask the supplier for a full ingredient list if you have sensitivities.

• How long does it take for Colofac to reach steady-state levels? Because of its short half-life (≈2 h), steady-state concentrations are typically achieved after 2-3 days of regular twice-daily dosing.

• Is there any difference between brand-name Colofac and its generic equivalents? Both contain the same 135 mg dose of mebeverin hydrochloride and are bioequivalent. Differences, if any, lie only in inactive ingredients and packaging.

• Can Colofac be used in patients with renal impairment? Mebeverin is primarily excreted unchanged in the urine; dose adjustment is not routinely required in mild to moderate renal impairment, but severe renal failure warrants clinical judgment.

• What is the impact of smoking on Colofac effectiveness? Smoking does not directly affect mebeverin metabolism, but tobacco use can exacerbate gastrointestinal symptoms, potentially diminishing perceived benefit.

• Are there any specific laboratory tests required before starting Colofac? Baseline liver function tests are advisable in patients with known hepatic disease, as rare elevations in transaminases have been reported.

• How does Colofac compare with other antispasmodics like hyoscine butylbromide? Mebeverin acts primarily on calcium channels, offering a targeted smooth-muscle relaxation with fewer anticholinergic side effects (e.g., dry mouth, blurred vision) compared with hyoscine.

• Can I take Colofac together with over-the-counter probiotics? Yes, probiotic supplements do not interact with mebeverin and may help improve overall gut health; however, they should be taken at a different time of day to avoid possible gastrointestinal discomfort.

Glossary

Antispasmodic

A medication that reduces involuntary muscle spasm, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, relieving pain and cramping.

Calcium-channel inhibition

The process by which a drug blocks the entry of calcium ions into smooth-muscle cells, decreasing muscle contraction strength.

Bioequivalence

A regulatory term indicating that two drug products (e.g., brand and generic) release the same amount of active ingredient into the bloodstream at comparable rates.

Pharmacokinetics

The study of how a drug is absorbed, distributed, metabolized, and eliminated by the body.

Buying Colofac from Our Online Pharmacy

Access to affordable, high-quality medicines can be challenging, especially for patients living in regions with limited pharmacy networks. Our online pharmacy offers Colofac at a price that closely reflects the manufacturer’s cost, providing a financially sensible alternative to more expensive brand-label products.

• Verified quality: All tablets are sourced from licensed, GMP-certified suppliers who meet international safety standards.
• Discreet delivery: Packages are shipped in unmarked, secure packaging, ensuring privacy from the moment the order leaves our facility until it reaches your door.
• Reliable shipping options: Choose express delivery (typically within 7 days) or standard airmail (approximately 3 weeks), both with tracking capabilities.
• International access: Because we operate as a pharmacy-broker service, we can obtain medications that may not be readily available through local retail pharmacies, expanding therapeutic options for patients worldwide.

By partnering with our online pharmacy, you gain a trustworthy, cost-effective pathway to obtain Colofac without compromising on safety or confidentiality.

Disclaimer

The information presented about Colofac is intended for general educational purposes and does not replace professional medical advice. All therapeutic decisions, including any off-label applications, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Readers are presumed to be responsible adults capable of making informed health choices. Our online pharmacy provides access to Colofac for individuals who may encounter limited availability through conventional pharmacies or who seek affordable generic alternatives. Always consult a qualified practitioner before initiating, modifying, or stopping any medication.