Generic Colofac

Introduction

Colofac is a muscle‑relaxant medication indicated primarily for the relief of smooth‑muscle spasm associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders. The active compound is Mebeverin Hydrochloride, a synthetic antispasmodic that acts locally on the intestinal wall. In the United Kingdom, Colofac is prescribed when other antispasmodics are insufficient to control abdominal pain and cramping, especially in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The drug is manufactured by several licensed pharmaceutical companies and is available in tablet form for oral administration.

What is Colofac?

Colofac is a pharmaceutical preparation containing the single active ingredient Mebeverin Hydrochloride (often written as mebeverine hydrochloride). It belongs to the muscle‑relaxant group of drugs, specifically classified as a peripheral antispasmodic. The molecule was first synthesised in the 196s and has since been marketed worldwide under a range of brand names, including Mebeverine, Colofac, Mebverin, and Mebeveric. The product is manufactured under Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) conditions in the EU and is supplied to UK pharmacies by authorised distributors.

How Colofac Works

Mebeverin Hydrochloride exerts its therapeutic effect by modulating the calcium influx into smooth‑muscle cells of the gastrointestinal tract. By inhibiting voltage‑gated calcium channels, the drug reduces the contractile activity of the muscle without affecting normal peristalsis. The action is largely localized to the gut wall, which limits systemic exposure and reduces the likelihood of central nervous system side‑effects. Clinical observations show an onset of spasm relief within 30–60 minutes after oral dosing, with a duration of effect that typically lasts 6–8 hours. The drug is extensively metabolised in the liver and eliminated primarily via the kidneys, with a plasma half‑life of around 5 hours in healthy adults.

Conditions Treated with Colofac

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) – Particularly the diarrhoea‑predominant (IBS‑D) and mixed (IBS‑M) subtypes where painful cramping is a prominent feature.
• Functional Bowel Disorders – Including spastic colon and non‑ulcer dyspepsia where smooth‑muscle hyperactivity contributes to symptoms.
• Post‑operative Gastro‑intestinal Spasm – Occasionally prescribed after abdominal surgery to alleviate transient spasms that impede recovery.

In the UK, functional bowel disorders affect an estimated 10 %‑15 % of the adult population, making an effective antispasmodic an essential component of primary‑care management. By targeting the underlying smooth‑muscle dysfunction, Colofac helps reduce pain intensity, improve bowel habit regularity, and enhance overall quality of life.

Who is Colofac For?

• Adults (≥ 18 years) with a confirmed diagnosis of IBS or other functional gastrointestinal spasm disorders.
• Patients who have not achieved satisfactory symptom control with dietary measures, fiber supplementation, or first‑line antispasmodics such as dicyclomine.
• Individuals without significant hepatic or severe renal impairment, as normal metabolism and clearance are required for safe use.

Contra‑indications include known hypersensitivity to mebeverin or any tablet excipient, severe hepatic disease, and concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Pregnant or breastfeeding women should only use Colofac after a risk–benefit assessment by a qualified clinician.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Dry mouth
• Nausea or mild gastrointestinal upset
• Dizziness or light‑headedness
• Headache

These events are typically transient and resolve without medical intervention.

Rare

• Skin rash or pruritus
• Palpitations
• Elevated liver enzymes (reported in isolated case studies)

Patients experiencing persistent rash or unexplained fatigue should seek clinical review.

Serious

• Severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) – characterised by facial swelling, bronchospasm, or hypotension.
• Cardiac arrhythmia – rare but reported in patients with pre‑existing conduction disorders.

Any signs of a serious reaction require immediate medical attention.

Drug‑Drug Interactions

• Anticholinergic agents (e.g., atropine, certain antihistamines) may potentiate antispasmodic effects, increasing the risk of constipation.
• CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) can raise plasma concentrations of mebeverin, potentially enhancing side‑effects.
• Lithium – concurrent use may increase lithium levels; monitoring is advised.

Patients should disclose all current medications, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to their healthcare provider.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dosing: 135 mg (one tablet) taken three times daily, preferably with meals to minimise gastrointestinal irritation.
• Maximum daily dose: 405 mg (three tablets).
• Renal or hepatic impairment: No formal dose adjustment is recommended for mild to moderate impairment; severe impairment warrants specialist supervision.

Missed dose – If a dose is missed and the scheduled time for the next dose is more than 4 hours away, take the forgotten tablet. If it is closer, skip the missed dose and continue with the regular schedule; do not double‑dose.

Overdose – Symptoms may include profound dizziness, excessive drowsiness, or severe gastrointestinal upset. In suspected overdose, seek emergency medical care promptly. Supportive treatment, such as activated charcoal and observation, is the mainstay of management.

Precautions

• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can amplify central nervous system depression.
• Do not operate heavy machinery until you know how Colofac affects you, especially during the first days of therapy.
• Take the tablet with a full glass of water; crushing or chewing may alter absorption.

Buying Colofac from Our Online Pharmacy

Colofac can be purchased safely from our online pharmacy in the UK. We specialise in providing cost‑effective generic medications sourced from GMP‑certified overseas manufacturers, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and legality.

• Affordable pricing – Our wholesale model delivers the medication at a price close to the manufacturer’s cost, meaning lower out‑of‑pocket expense for you.
• Verified quality – Every batch is inspected by accredited laboratory partners to ensure potency, purity, and compliance with UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) standards.
• Guaranteed delivery – Dis, trackable shipping is offered with options ranging from express (7‑day) to standard (approximately 3 weeks) delivery, depending on your location and urgency.
• Pharmacy broker service – We act as a licensed intermediary, working with overseas licensed pharmacies and suppliers. This structure enables a discreet service that respects patient privacy while adhering to UK import regulations for personal use.

Our online platform allows patients with limited access to traditional pharmacies or those seeking affordable alternatives to obtain Colofac quickly and securely.

FAQ

• Is Colofac available in both brand‑name and generic forms in the UK?
  Yes. The original brand‑name product is marketed as Colofac, while several generic manufacturers supply the same active ingredient, Mebeverin Hydrochloride, under the same or similar naming conventions.

• What should I do if I travel abroad with Colofac?
  Carry the medication in its original packaging, along with a copy of the prescription (if applicable) and a brief statement of its medical purpose. Keep it in hand luggage to avoid exposure to extreme temperatures that can occur in cargo holds.

• Does food affect the absorption of Colofac?
  Taking the tablet with meals is recommended to reduce gastrointestinal irritation, but food does not markedly alter its bioavailability. Avoid taking it on an empty stomach if you have a sensitive stomach.

• How long can I store Colofac after opening the bottle?
  Store tablets at room temperature (15‑25 °C). As long as the container is tightly closed and protected from moisture, the product remains stable for at least two years from the manufacture date, which is indicated on the packaging.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between EU and non‑EU versions of Mebeverin Hydrochloride?
  Minor variations may exist in inactive excipients such as binders or colourants, reflecting regional regulatory preferences. These differences do not affect the clinical efficacy of the active compound.

• Can Colofac cause a positive result on a drug test?
  Mebeverin Hydrochloride is not part of standard occupational drug‑screening panels and is unlikely to trigger a false‑positive result. However, if you are subject to a specialised test, disclose all medications to the laboratory.

• What is the history behind the development of Mebeverin Hydrochloride?
  The compound was first synthesised in the early 196s by a German research team seeking a peripheral antispasmodic with minimal central nervous system activity. Clinical trials in the 197s demonstrated its efficacy in functional bowel disorders, leading to its approval across Europe in the 198s.

• How does Colofac compare with older antispasmodics like hyoscine butylbromide?
  Both drugs relax smooth muscle, but hyoscine butylbromide has a more pronounced anticholinergic profile, often resulting in dry mouth and blurred vision. Mebeverin Hydrochloride provides a more targeted effect on intestinal calcium channels, generally producing fewer anticholinergic side‑effects.

• Is there a difference in efficacy between the 135 mg tablet and split doses?
  Therapeutic effect correlates with total daily exposure rather than individual dosing frequency. Splitting the total daily dose into three separate administrations (e.g., 45 mg three times daily) is not standard and has not been shown to improve outcomes.

• What should I do if I experience a skin rash while taking Colofac?
  Discontinue the medication and seek medical advice promptly. A rash may indicate a hypersensitivity reaction requiring assessment and possible alternative therapy.

• Can I keep Colofac in the bathroom cabinet?
  It is best to store the medication in a cool, dry place away from humidity, which can be high in bathrooms. A bedroom drawer or kitchen cabinet (away from heat sources) is more appropriate.

Glossary

Calcium channel inhibition

A pharmacological action that reduces the influx of calcium ions into smooth‑muscle cells, decreasing muscle contraction and relieving spasm.

Antispasmodic

A class of drugs that relax involuntary (smooth) muscle tone, commonly used to treat gastrointestinal cramping.

Half‑life (t½)

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to reduce by 50 %; for mebeverin, it is about 5 hours in healthy adults.

GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice)

International quality standards that ensure pharmaceutical products are consistently produced and controlled according to quality criteria.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Colofac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Colofac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.