Colofac

Description

Colofac Tablets 135mg contain mebeverine hydrochloride, an anti-spasmodic used in Pakistan to ease intestinal cramps and pain from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other gut issues. It relaxes the gut muscles to relieve symptoms like bloating or diarrhea, common in spicy-food diets or stress from daily life in cities like Lahore or Karachi. Abbott Laboratories or similar brands produce it for digestive relief, available in strips of 10 tablets, priced around Rs. 200-250 per strip, prescription-only, and stocked in DRAP-registered pharmacies.

How It Functions

Mebeverine hydrochloride targets smooth muscles in the gut, relaxing spasms that cause pain and irregular bowel movements. Chemically, it’s 4-[ethyl(4-methoxy-α-methylphenethyl)amino]butyl veratrate hydrochloride. Effective for IBS by easing intestinal contractions without affecting normal motility, effects start within 1 hour, lasting 4-6 hours.

Dosage Information

Adults: One 135mg tablet three times daily, taken orally with water, preferably 20 minutes before meals. For IBS or gut cramps, treatment lasts as symptoms persist, often weeks to months. Swallow whole; do not chew. Elderly or kidney/liver patients use standard dose but monitor. Not for children under 10; consult physician for adjustments or if symptoms worsen.

Side Effects

• Very Common (>1 in 10): None typically reported.
• Common (up to 1 in 10): Mild skin rash, itching.
• Rare: Severe allergic reactions (difficulty breathing, swelling of face, neck, lips, tongue, throat).

Drug Interactions

Minimal interactions expected, but may affect:

• Other gut motility drugs (e.g., antispasmodics): Potential for reduced efficacy.
• Herbal medicines: Consult physician if using concurrently.

Indications

Approved for relieving IBS symptoms like stomach pain, cramps, bloating, wind, diarrhea, constipation, or hard stools; also for gut cramps from other conditions.

When Not to Use

Avoid in:

• Hypersensitivity to mebeverine hydrochloride or excipients.

Precautions

• Contains lactose and sucrose; avoid if intolerant to these sugars.
• Monitor if new or worsening symptoms appear.
• Use cautiously in bowel diseases beyond IBS; report persistent issues.
• Buy from DRAP-registered pharmacies; check holograms to avoid counterfeits.

Warnings

• Allergic reactions: Stop immediately if breathing difficulty or swelling occurs; seek urgent care.
• Pregnancy/breastfeeding: Use only if benefits outweigh risks; consult physician.
• Symptom changes: New or worse symptoms may indicate other issues; see doctor.

Additional Notes

• Pregnancy Category: Consult physician; limited data, use if essential.
• Breastfeeding: Unknown passage into milk; avoid unless advised.
• Availability: Common in urban and rural pharmacies; generics like Mebever available.
• Stability: Stable at room temperature; discard expired tablets.
• Reporting: Log batch for side effects; report to DRAP for quality control.

Doctor Review

Dr. Aisha Rahman, a gastroenterologist in Islamabad, notes Colofac’s gentle action on IBS spasms without constipation side effects, helpful for patients with erratic diets in Pakistan. DRAP data supports its use for symptom relief, but Dr. Rahman stresses ruling out serious bowel issues first.

Disclaimer

This is general product information, not a prescription or medical advice. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for personal guidance.