Fybogel mebeverine (ispaghula, mebeverine)

Fybogel is a natural fibre from Ispaghula husks. Mebeverine is an antispasmodic. The combination of the two in sachets makes it easier to go to the toilet and reduces spasm. 

Garvan

Pharmacist - M.B.A. (Public Health) D.I.C.

Fybogel mebeverine (ispaghula, mebeverine)

How does Fybogel mebeverine work? Fybogel…

Garvan J. Lynch
MBA (Public Health)

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How does Fybogel mebeverine work?

  • Fybogel mebeverine granules contain two active ingredients: ispaghula husk, which is a type of medicine called a bulk-forming laxative and mebeverine, which is a type of medicine called an antispasmodic.
  • Ispaghula is a type of fibre. It's used to treat constipation and can also be used to maintain normal bowel function in various bowel disorders. Ispaghula swells when it comes into contact with fluid in the gut and thus increases the volume of the faeces. It's not absorbed into the body. The increased mass in the bowel stimulates the muscles in the walls of the bowel to push the contents of the bowel along, which helps relieve constipation. It can take a few days of taking the medicine for bowel movement to be improved.
  • Mebeverine works by relaxing the muscle in the walls of the intestines. This relieves painful muscle spasms in the gut and reduces related symptoms like colicky abdominal pain and cramps, bloating, wind (flatulence) and diarrhoea alternating with constipation.

How do I take Fybogel mebeverine?

  • Adults and adolescents over 12 years of age should take one sachet half an hour before breakfast and one sachet half an hour before the evening meal. A third dose may be taken half an hour before lunch if necessary.
  • Each sachet of granules should be stirred into a glass of cold water (150ml or quarter of a pint) and drunk straight away.
  • Don't take Fybogel mebeverine granules without water. It's important that each dose of granules is stirred into a glass of water before taking, otherwise there is a risk of it causing a blockage in the gut. It's also important to make sure you drink enough liquid throughout the day.
  • Don't take Fybogel mebeverine shortly before going to bed.
  • Consult your doctor if your symptoms don't improve after two weeks of using this medicine. You should also consult your doctor if your symptoms get worse, or you get any new symptoms while using Fybogel mebeverine.

Who should see a doctor before taking Fybogel mebeverine?

You should consult your doctor before using this medicine if this is the first time you've had symptoms of IBS, you have developed new symptoms, or your symptoms have got worse.

Even if you've already been diagnosed with IBS by a doctor, you should see your doctor before using Fybogel mebeverine if any of the following apply to you:

  • you are 40 years of age or over
  • you have blood in your stools
  • you are feeling sick or vomiting
  • you have lost your appetite or lost weight
  • you are looking pale and feeling tired
  • you have severe constipation
  • you have a fever
  • you have recently travelled abroad
  • you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
  • you are a woman and you have unusual bleeding or discharge from your vagina
  • you have difficulty or pain when urinating
  • you have been prescribed a potassium-sparing diuretic medicine (eg spironolactone or triamterene) or potassium supplements (Fybogel mebeverine contains potassium).

Who should not take Fybogel mebeverine?

  • Children under 12 years of age.
  • People with inactivity in the intestines or a blockage in the gut (paralytic ileus or intestinal obstruction).
  • People with compressed and hardened faeces causing a blockage of the bowel (faecal impaction).
  • People with weakness in the muscle of the bowel wall (colonic atony).
  • People who are allergic to any ingredient of the medicine.
  • Fybogel mebeverine contains aspartame and may not be suitable for people with an inherited disorder of protein metabolism called phenylketonuria.

Can I take Fybogel mebeverine while pregnant or breastfeeding?

  • Not unless it's been prescribed by your doctor.
  • Although ispaghula is safe to use during pregnancy, the safety of mebeverine has not been fully established and for this reason it's not usually recommended for women who are pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking Fybogel mebeverine you should stop taking it and see your doctor.
  • Although ispaghula is safe to take when breastfeeding, it's not known if mebeverine passes into breast milk. Due to the properties of the medicine low levels are anticipated, however it's not usually recommended for women who are breastfeeding.

What are the possible side effects of Fybogel mebeverine?

  • You may experience flatulence and bloating due to excess gas in the stomach and intestines during the first few days of taking this medicine, but this should improve with continued use.
  • Rarely, allergic reactions such as rashes, hives, or severe swelling of lips, face or tongue (angioedema) may occur. Stop taking this medicine and see a doctor straight away if you think you have had an allergic reaction to it.
  • For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I take Fybogel mebeverine with other medicines?

  • Fybogel mebeverine is not known to affect other medicines. However, if you're already taking any medicines, including those bought without a prescription and herbal medicines, you should check with your pharmacist before taking Fybogel mebeverine as well.

References:

https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fybogel-ispaghula-husk/

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1099/smpc

https://www.doctorfox.co.uk/news/fybogel-mebeverine/

https://www.netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/digestion/a6783/fybogel-mebeverine-ispaghula-mebeverine/

 

 

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