Fybogel Mebeverine

What is Fybogel Mebeverine?

Fybogel Mebeverine is a drug taken to ease the symptoms of IBS. It contains two active ingredients: ispaghula husk and mebeverine hydrochloride. Ispaghula husk is derived from a plant that is naturally high in fibre. This makes it a laxative and is often used to treat constipation.^[1]
The second active ingredient is mebeverine hydrochloride, which is a type of antispasmodic. This means it prevents spasms from occurring. ^[3]
Together, they treat the symptoms of IBS.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects your gastrointestinal system. This includes the mouth, stomach, intestines and more. Common symptoms include bloating, diarrhoea, constipation and pain in the lower abdomen. ^[2]
Although IBS is quite prevalent, there’s no cure. For most people, it’s a long-term condition so taking medication such as Fybogel Mebeverine can help relieve some of the symptoms.

How does Fybogel Mebeverine work?

As mentioned, IBS is commonly associated with discomfort in the lower abdomen. This occurs as a result of the intestines squeezing or tightening. This is known as a spasm. People with IBS may also have a change in stool consistency (either loose or hard) or an increase or decrease in stool frequency. ^[3]

Fybogel Mebeverine works by treating both of these problems. Mebeverine hydrochloride relaxes the muscles in the intestines, thereby preventing spasms from occurring. ^[1]
This prevents pain in the lower abdomen. Ispaghula husk traps water in the intestine. This trapped water combines with any stools making them softer and easier to pass. ^[2]
The increased water in the stools can also increase stool frequency in treating constipation. Spasms linked to IBS can also be relieved by defecation, which is why a laxative like ispaghula husk will help.

The combination of active ingredients used in Fybogel Mebeverine works to prevent spasms in the gut and helps maintain constant bowel movements, helping to treat the symptoms of IBS.

Who can take Fybogel Mebeverine?

Most adults and children over the age of 12 can take Fybogel Mebeverine. However, if you have any of the following, do not take it:

• Blocked bowel movements.
• Muscle weakness or decreased bowel activity.
• Difficulty when swallowing or any throat problems.
• Severe constipation or passed blood from the bowel.
• A sudden change in bowel habits that has lasted for more than 2 weeks.

How to take Fybogel Mebeverine

Fybogel Mebeverine comes as granules in separate sachets. To take Fybogel Mebeverine, follow the directions below:

• Take a sachet 30 minutes before eating a meal.
• Stir the contents of one sachet in 150ml of water. Ensure it’s taken with an adequate amount of water. Taking it with less liquid may increase the side effects.
• Drink immediately.

You should avoid taking it without water, immediately before going to bed, or 30-60 minutes before or after taking any other medicines.

Adults and children over the age of 12 should take a sachet, half an hour before each meal. Usually, this is taken as one with the morning meal and the second with the evening meal. However, if your doctor has recommended taking it 3 times a day then another can be taken with the midday meal.

How long does Fybogel Mebeverine take to work?

The full effects of Fybogel Mebeverine may take up to 12-24 hours. The length of the treatment can last up to 2 weeks. However, if your symptoms don’t improve or worsen within 2 weeks you should chat with our clinicians for the next step.

What happens if I miss a dose of Fybogel Mebeverine?

If you miss a dose, skip it, and take the next dose as usual.

If you accidentally take more Fybogel Mebeverine than recommended, you should up your intake of water to avoid side effects.