Mebeverine is a medicine commonly prescribed to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other digestive problems that cause muscle spasms and involuntary contractions in the gut.
As an antispasmodic, mebeverine helps to relax the muscles in your intestines, easing discomfort like tummy cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation.
It works by calming the smooth muscle in the digestive tract and dampening overactive nerve signals, all without affecting your normal bowel movements.
Mebeverine 135mg tablets are a prescription medicine used to treat the uncomfortable symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other similar digestive conditions. If you find yourself dealing with tummy cramps, bloating, or unpredictable bowels, these tablets are designed to help you find relief [1].
What is IBS
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common, long-term condition that affects the digestive system, especially the large intestine (bowel). It causes a group of symptoms that can include stomach pain or cramps, bloating, diarrhoea, and constipation. IBS is considered a “functional” gut disorder, which means the bowel looks normal but doesn’t always work as it should [2]..
What causes IBS?
The exact cause of IBS isn’t fully understood, but it’s believed to involve a mix of gut sensitivity, changes in how the bowel muscles contract, and sometimes stress or certain foods. IBS symptoms can come and go—some days are better than others, and flare-ups can be triggered by things like stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes [2]..
Main symptoms of IBS
Stomach pain or cramps (often worse after eating, relieved by going to the toilet)
Bloating (feeling uncomfortably full or swollen)
Diarrhoea (loose or watery stools, sometimes with urgency)
Constipation (straining or feeling like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels)
Other possible symptoms of IBS
Passing wind (flatulence)
Mucus in your stools
Feeling tired or low in energy
Feeling sick (nausea)
Back pain
Needing to urinate more often, feeling a sudden urge to pee, or feeling you can’t fully empty your bladder
Sometimes, difficulty controlling when you go to the toilet (bowel incontinence)
How mebeverine works
The main way mebeverine 135mg tablets work is by relaxing the muscles in your gut. This helps to ease spasms and reduce pain, making your digestive system feel much calmer [2].
These tablets are suitable for adults and can be taken long-term if your symptoms keep coming back. They’re a popular choice for people who want a non-addictive, well-tolerated way to manage IBS and get back to their normal lives3.
Struggling with tummy cramps, bloating, or unpredictable bowels? Mebeverine 135mg tablets are a tried-and-tested solution for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar digestive troubles—helping you get back to feeling comfortable and confident, every day.
Key takeaways:
Mebeverine 135mg tablets are designed to relieve IBS symptoms like cramps, bloating, and discomfort.
The active ingredient, mebeverine, works by relaxing the muscles in your gut.
Suitable for adults, these tablets can be taken long-term if needed.
Side effects are usually mild, but always check warnings and talk to your pharmacist.
Mebeverine 135mg tablets overview
Living with IBS or frequent tummy upsets can be frustrating and disruptive. Mebeverine 135mg tablets offer a straightforward way to manage these symptoms, so you can get on with your day without worrying about sudden cramps or discomfort [1].
The tablets work by targeting the smooth muscle in your digestive tract, helping to reduce spasms and ease pain. This makes them especially useful for people whose symptoms are triggered by stress, certain foods, or hormonal changes [2].<
Mebeverine 135mg tablets are IBS. In addition, it is well-tolerated with few side effects and can be used alongside lifestyle changes like adjusting your diet, managing stress, and staying hydrated for the best results [3].
The active ingredient in mebeverine 135mg tablets is, unsurprisingly, mebeverine hydrochloride. Each tablet contains 135mg of this muscle-relaxing medicine, specifically designed to target the gut [1].
Mebeverine 135mg tablets are used to relieve the symptoms of IBS, such as abdominal cramps, bloating, and changes in bowel habits. They’re also sometimes prescribed for other conditions that cause gut spasms or discomfort [1].
If you’re struggling with unpredictable bowels, pain after eating, or a “nervous stomach,” mebeverine could help you regain control and feel more comfortable day to day [2].
Symptoms of IBS (irritable bowel syndrome)
Main symptoms of IBS
The most common symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) include:
Stomach pain or cramps: Often worse after eating and usually eased by going to the toilet.
Bloating: Your tummy can feel uncomfortably full, tight, or swollen.
Diarrhoea: You might have loose or watery stools and sometimes need to rush to the loo.
Constipation: You may need to strain when passing stools and feel like you haven’t fully emptied your bowels.
These symptoms can come and go—sometimes you’ll have good days, and other times you might have flare-ups. Triggers can include certain foods or drinks.
What can trigger IBS symptoms?
IBS symptoms can flare up for no clear reason, but some common triggers are:
Alcohol
Caffeine
Spicy or fatty foods
Stress and anxiety
Frequent use of antibiotics
Other possible symptoms of IBS
IBS can also cause:
Passing wind (flatulence)
Mucus in your stools
Tiredness or low energy
Feeling sick (nausea)
Back pain
Changes in urination—like needing to pee more often, sudden urges, or feeling you can’t empty your bladder completely
Sometimes, difficulty controlling when you go to the toilet (bowel incontinence)
When to see a GP
See your GP if you think you might have IBS and have had symptoms for more than four weeks. They can help diagnose IBS and rule out other causes.
When to get urgent help
Contact your GP urgently or call NHS 111 if you:
Lose a lot of weight without trying
Notice bleeding from your bottom or have bloody diarrhoea
Find a hard lump or swelling in your stomach
Experience shortness of breath, heart palpitations, or unusually pale skin
These could be signs of a more serious condition and should be checked as soon as possible.
You can call NHS 111 or use the NHS 111 online service for advice.
Mebeverine 135mg tablets work by relaxing the smooth muscle in your gastrointestinal tract. This helps to stop the spasms that cause pain and discomfort in conditions like IBS [1]. It also helps to regulate bowel function [1].
By calming these spasms, mebeverine helps food move more smoothly through your gut, reducing bloating and discomfort. It doesn’t affect the normal rhythm of your digestion, so you won’t end up with constipation or diarrhoea as a direct result of the medicine.
When taken by mouth at recommended doses (typically 135–270mg, three times a day), mebeverine does not usually cause the typical side effects linked to anticholinergic medicines, such as dry mouth, blurred vision, or difficulty passing urine.
Studies show that people taking mebeverine are no more likely to experience side effects than those taking a placebo (a dummy tablet) [2].
The medicine starts working within an hour or so, and you should notice a reduction in cramps and pain quite quickly. Many people find that regular use helps keep symptoms at bay [3].
The usual dose for adults is one mebeverine 135mg tablet, taken three times a day, about 20 minutes before meals [1].
Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water—don’t crush or chew it, as this can affect how the medicine works. Try to take your doses at the same times each day to keep a steady level in your body [2].
If you forget a dose, just skip it and take your next one as normal—don’t double up. If your symptoms settle, your doctor may suggest stopping the tablets, but you can restart them if your IBS flares up again [2].
Mebeverine 135mg tablets are generally safe for most adults, but there are a few things to watch out for. Don’t take them if you’re allergic to mebeverine or any of the other ingredients in the tablets [1].
If you have a rare hereditary problem with galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency, or glucose-galactose malabsorption, check with your doctor before starting mebeverine, as some tablets contain lactose [1].
First time symptoms
If you’re experiencing these symptoms for the first time, speak to your doctor before starting this medicine to ensure it’s right for you.
Do not take mebeverine without first consulting your doctor if you:
Are over 40 years old
Notice blood in your stools
Feel sick or have been vomiting
Have lost your appetite or are losing weight
Look pale and feel unusually tired
Are severely constipated
Have a fever
Have recently returned from travelling abroad
Are pregnant or might be pregnant
Experience abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
Have difficulty or pain when passing urine
Contact your doctor if you develop new symptoms, if your symptoms get worse, or if they don’t improve after two weeks of treatment.
Most people find mebeverine 135mg tablets very well tolerated, with few or no side effects.
Occasionally, some people may develop mild skin reactions, such as a rash or itching [1]. Very rarely, allergic reactions like swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness can occur—if you notice these, seek medical help straight away.
If you experience any side effects that worry you or don’t go away, talk to your pharmacist or GP. It’s always better to check, especially if you’re taking other medicines at the same time.
Some side effects have been reported during the post-marketing use of this medicine.
Allergic reactions, mostly affecting the skin but sometimes involving other areas, have been noted.
Immune system disorders:
Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe allergic (anaphylactic) responses.
Skin and tissue reactions:
Rash (urticaria)
Swelling of the face or deeper tissues (angioedema, face oedema)
Widespread skin eruptions (exanthema)
Reporting side effects:
If you experience any side effects, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know. Reporting suspected side effects helps monitor the safety of medicines. Healthcare professionals and patients can report any suspected adverse reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for “MHRA Yellow Card” in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
Most people find mebeverine 135mg tablets very well tolerated, with few or no side effects.
Occasionally, some people may develop mild skin reactions, such as a rash or itching [1]. Very rarely, allergic reactions like swelling, difficulty breathing, or severe dizziness can occur—if you notice these, seek medical help straight away.
If you experience any side effects that worry you or don’t go away, talk to your pharmacist or GP. It’s always better to check, especially if you’re taking other medicines at the same time.
Some side effects have been reported during the post-marketing use of this medicine.
Allergic reactions, mostly affecting the skin but sometimes involving other areas, have been noted.
Immune system disorders:
Hypersensitivity reactions, including severe allergic (anaphylactic) responses.
Skin and tissue reactions:
Rash (urticaria)
Swelling of the face or deeper tissues (angioedema, face oedema)
Widespread skin eruptions (exanthema)
Reporting side effects:
If you experience any side effects, it’s important to let your healthcare provider know. Reporting suspected side effects helps monitor the safety of medicines. Healthcare professionals and patients can report any suspected adverse reactions through the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or by searching for “MHRA Yellow Card” in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
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