Colofac (Mebeverine Hydrochloride)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Colofac Used For?
Colofac contains mebeverine hydrochloride and belongs to a group of medicines called antispasmodic agents. It helps manage the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
Primary Uses
Colofac is taken to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, which can include abdominal pain and cramps, bowel spasm, diarrhea and flatulence.
How It Works
Colofac works by relaxing the muscles in the gut, thereby relieving the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.
How to Take Colofac
Take Colofac consistently at the same times each day for the best effect. It should be taken with meals to optimize its effectiveness.
Dosage Instructions
The usual dose is one tablet three times a day. Take Colofac immediately before or during a meal. Swallow the tablets with a glass of water. Take Colofac at about the same time each day. Follow the instructions provided and continue taking Colofac until your doctor tells you to stop. It is important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your dose at the usual time, take it as soon as you remember, and then go back to taking your medicine as you would normally. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take a double dose to make up for the dose you missed. If you are not sure what to do, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Important: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose as this may increase the chance of getting an unwanted side effect.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- indigestion or heartburn
- constipation
- dizziness
- headache
- tiredness
- difficulty sleeping
- loss of appetite
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of the face, lips or tongue
- difficulty swallowing or breathing
Important Warnings
Before taking Colofac, it’s important to discuss your medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider to ensure it’s safe for you.
Who Should Not Take Colofac
Do not take Colofac if you are allergic to mebeverine hydrochloride, or any of the ingredients listed. Some symptoms of an allergic reaction include skin rash, itching, shortness of breath or swelling of the face, lips or tongue, which may cause difficulty in swallowing or breathing.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Check with your doctor if you have any of the following medical conditions: angina or other heart conditions, liver problems, kidney problems, lactose intolerance. Also tell your doctor if you take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Check with your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intend to breastfeed. If you become pregnant while you are taking Colofac, tell your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Colofac and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare providers about all medications you’re taking.
Alcohol & Driving
Be cautious when driving or operating machinery until you know how Colofac affects you personally.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Colofac affects you.
Storage
Keep your tablets in the pack until it is time to take them. Keep Colofac in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C. Store it in a cool dry place away from moisture, heat or sunlight. Do not store it in the bathroom or near a sink, or in the car or on window sills. Keep it where young children cannot reach it. A locked cupboard at least one-and-a-half metres above the ground is a good place to store medicines.
Overdose Information
If you think that you have taken too much Colofac, you may need urgent medical attention. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (Australia telephone 13 11 26) for advice, or contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital. You should do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Take Colofac immediately before or during a meal. This timing helps optimize the medication’s effectiveness for managing irritable bowel syndrome symptoms.
If you miss your dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
No, do not stop taking Colofac or lower the dosage without checking with your doctor first. It’s important to keep taking your medicine even if you feel well, and continue until your doctor tells you to stop.
Remind any doctor, dentist or pharmacist you visit that you are taking Colofac. If you are going to have surgery, tell the surgeon that you are taking Colofac.
Keep your tablets in the pack until it’s time to take them. Store Colofac in a cool, dry place where the temperature stays below 25°C, away from moisture, heat, and sunlight. Keep it where young children cannot reach it.
No, do not give Colofac to anyone else, even if they have the same condition as you. Each person’s medical situation is unique and requires individual medical assessment.
Speak to your doctor if you have less serious side effects like indigestion, constipation, dizziness, headache, tiredness, difficulty sleeping, or loss of appetite and they worry you. Call your doctor straight away if you notice serious side effects like swelling of the face, lips or tongue, or difficulty swallowing or breathing.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.