Classified as an antispasmodic drug, Mebeverine is commonly used for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Developed and marketed by TEVA UK Ltd pharmaceutical company, this medicine is based on mebeverine hydrochloride as an active ingredient which is highly effective at tackling the painful and oftentimes debilitating symptoms caused by IBS. With three tablets per day, this prescription medicine can help you effectively manage your condition and restore a regular digestive rhythm.
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Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): A brief overview
When it comes to digestive system disorders, irritable bowel syndrome, often abbreviated to IBS, is rather common. It can cause stomach cramps, diarrhoea, bloating and constipation. While this disorder has been diagnosed in men and women of all ages, it is somewhat more common in young adults as opposed to other age groups, and in women as opposed to men. According to recent estimates, roughly one in five adults in the UK is affected by IBS.
What is IBS?
In order to process food properly, the body relies on the rhythmic contractions of muscles of the digestive tract. In people affected by IBS, these movements will follow a disrupted rhythm which will push the food through the digestive system either too fast or too slow, thus causing diarrhoea or constipation. While the root cause of this condition is still a subject of much debate in the medical community, some experts argue that it might be directly related to heightened sensitivity in the gut, problems with food digestion and even miscommunication of the brain signals.
On the other hand, scientists have identified numerous factors that can trigger an exacerbation of IBS systems. These include:
- Stress
- Alcohol
- Fizzy drinks
- Caffeine
- Chocolate
- Fried food
While every individual diagnosed with IBS will experience somewhat different array of symptoms, all of those can be thought of as indigestion issues.
Treating and managing IBS
IBS isn’t a truly dangerous, let alone life-threatening condition, but despite that, it can be very uncomfortable and frustrating to live with. With symptoms appearing without apparent reason and lasting for long periods of time (weeks, even months in some cases), living with IBS certainly isn’t easy. On a brighter side, with proper medication and lifestyle changes, IBS can be easily treated and managed.
One of the most commonly prescribed IBS treatments certainly is Mebeverine. This antispasmodic drug affects the smooth muscle tissue lining the wall of the guts, relaxing it and thus allowing the digestive system to continue working at optimal capacity. So, what Mebeverine does is bringing back control to the muscular contractions in the digestive tract (called peristalsis) which are, in case of IBS, abnormal.
Can I buy Mebeverine online?
As is the case with most products in the 21st century, Mebeverine too can be bought online fairly easily. However, you should keep in mind that this is a prescription-only medicine so you will still have to provide the online clinic of your choice with a valid prescription issued by a certified medical professional.
If it is your first time using Mebeverine, you will first have to consult with a doctor so he can gain insight into your medical profile and history and assess your suitability for the use of this medicine. This is usually accomplished either through a customised questionnaire or a live chat app available on the online clinic’s website. In either case, the doctor will ask you a series of questions and if everything is in order, your prescription will be issued and used that very same moment to send the medicine to the address you provided.
How is Mebeverine used?
You should always use Mebeverine exactly as instructed by your prescriber. If you are unsure about anything related to your therapy, you should either contact your doctor or refer to the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every pack of the medicine. By doing so, you will minimise the risk of side effects, while at the same time optimising the effectiveness of the treatment.
Mebeverine is very easy to use – you should just make sure to take the tablet whole with a bit of water, ideally around 20 minutes after eating. Mebeverine should be taken three times per day, over the duration of the period specified by your prescriber.
Are there any Mebeverine side effects?
As is the case with every prescription medicine, Mebeverine too comes with an array of side effects that might occur. Of course, not everybody using this medicine will experience adverse effects, but it is still important to familiarise yourself with them so you can notice them early on if they do appear.
Some side effects might require you to stop taking Mebeverine immediately. Most serious of those is an allergic reaction to the medicine. It includes the characteristic symptoms such as swelling of the face, neck or lips, difficulty breathing or appearance of skin rash. If you notice any of these, stop using this medicine immediately and contact your doctor or emergency service for advice.
Can I take Mebeverine with other medicines?
While Mebeverine is rather safe and reliable treatment, there might be some risk of adverse interactions with other medicines or supplements you might be using at the same time. In order to ensure there are no issues like this, you should tell your doctor about all other treatments you might be taking – and this includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, as well as various supplements.
Is it safe for me to use Mebeverine?
The safety of this treatment for you can be properly assessed only by your doctor after he has gain insight into your medical profile and history. There are some medical conditions that might make Mebeverine use contraindicated, so it is crucial to inform your doctor about any other condition you might be affected by so he can make an informed decision regarding the safety of Mebeverine treatment.
Finally, it is recommended that women who are pregnant, are trying to conceive or are currently breastfeeding consult with doctor about the safety of Mebeverine both for them and their child.