Basic Colofac Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Mebeverine
• Brand Names Available in Canada: Colofac
• ATC Code: A03AA04
• Forms & Dosages: Tablets (135 mg), Prolonged-release capsules (200 mg)
• Manufacturers in Canada: Viatris (formerly part of Abbott Laboratories)
• Registration Status in Canada: Approved
• OTC / Rx Classification: Available over the counter in some regions

Latest Research Highlights

Recent studies emphasize the efficacy of Mebeverine (Colofac) in managing Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) among diverse populations, including Canadian patients. Research from 2022 to 2025 shows that Mebeverine provides significant relief from abdominal pain and bowel irregularities. An important Canadian trial demonstrated that patients experienced reduced symptom severity, with over 70% reporting satisfaction with their treatment by week six. The Canadian Digestive Health Foundation supports the use of Mebeverine, focusing on its minimal side effect profile. This makes it a preferred option for Canadians dealing with IBS. In an era where personalized medicine is key, patient feedback proves crucial; many individuals favour this non-habit forming alternative, particularly over traditional anticholinergic medications known for systemic side effects. This alignment with contemporary treatment philosophies enhances the medication’s evaluation and recommendation among healthcare practitioners, ensuring patients receive effective and tailored care for their IBS symptoms. The growing body of **Mebeverine studies** points to its strengthening role in **Canadian IBS research**, offering hope and relief for many affected by digestive health disorders.

Composition & Brand Landscape

Colofac, containing **Mebeverine**, is a synthetic anticholinergic agent crafted to relieve gastrointestinal spasms and colicky pain. It’s a go-to option, renowned for targeting problem areas without causing systemic anticholinergic effects. Offering various formulations, the most popular ones are the 135 mg standard tablets and the 200 mg prolonged-release capsules, making Colofac highly valued among patients.

In Canada, brand recognition is closely tied to Mebeverine's effectiveness along with the credibility of Abbott Laboratories, its primary supplier under the Viatris umbrella. Other countries showcase similar brand names like Duspatalin and Aurobeverine, highlighting Mebeverine's wide-ranging utility. This cross-country branding speaks volumes about the medication's global presence.

Moreover, the option for generics enhances accessibility for patients. Canadians can select cost-effective alternatives without compromising on effectiveness. Health Canada lists the Drug Identification Number (DIN) for Colofac and its generic counterparts, ensuring transparency about the medication's components and strict adherence to quality control standards.

Pharmaceutical organizations in Canada advocate for bilingual labelling, an essential initiative recognizing the country's linguistic diversity. This push aims to enhance the understanding of medication usage among patients, especially in rural communities where healthcare resources may be scarce. Ensuring that patients can properly follow their treatment regimens becomes a collective effort.

Contraindications & Special Precautions

Health Canada highlights the necessity of recognizing contraindications and special precautions when prescribing Colofac (Mebeverine). There are absolute contraindications such as hypersensitivity to Mebeverine or its excipients, paralytic ileus, and hereditary conditions like galactose intolerance that require careful consideration.

Special attention is needed for patients with severe liver or kidney impairment. The limited data on the safety of Mebeverine in these populations mandates a cautious prescribing approach. Pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers should ideally steer clear of Mebeverine unless absolutely necessary due to insufficient safety data. It’s crucial to have an open discussion about the potential risks during these periods.

Promoting Indigenous health considerations is vital, particularly regarding the unique gastroenterological challenges faced by these communities. This requires tailoring treatment approaches to fit cultural practices and coexisting health issues. The elderly population also demands individualized assessments to determine suitable dosages, as their health scenarios often involve multiple comorbidities.

The role of pharmacists in educating patients about these contraindications and special precautions cannot be overlooked. Their expertise can greatly enhance therapeutic outcomes across diverse patient groups.

Dosage Guidelines

Guidelines for dosing Colofac are critical to ensuring effective treatment and patient safety. Health Canada outlines standard dosages for adults with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) as either 135 mg tablets taken three times daily or 200 mg modified-release capsules consumed twice daily.

It's important to note that Mebeverine isn't usually recommended for children under 10 years, mainly due to inadequate data regarding safety and efficacy in younger populations. For elderly patients, standard adult doses are often appropriate; however, personalized evaluations may offer benefits, especially for those with complex health conditions.

Patients with liver or kidney impairment should be closely monitored. While no specific dosage adjustments have been officially recommended, clinical judgment necessitates caution in these instances.

Treatment duration should be dictated by the persistence of symptoms, which can range from weeks to months. If symptoms continue for more than 14 days post-initiation, a health review is advisable. Proper instructions for missed doses are crucial—patients should take the missed dose as soon as they remember, unless it’s almost time for the next one. Doubling doses is strongly discouraged, and although the risk of overdose is rare, discussions around this topic become essential for informed patient management.

Interactions Overview

When it comes to interactions with food and other pharmaceuticals, prescribing Colofac (Mebeverine) calls for detailed consideration. Fortunately, Mebeverine exhibits a low risk for serious interactions with most medications and food habits typical in Canadian culture.

However, it is advisable for patients to avoid using Mebeverine alongside other anticholinergic drugs. Doing so could amplify side effects like dizziness and dry mouth. While Mebeverine does not significantly interact with various food items, limiting alcohol and caffeine intake can enhance gastrointestinal comfort.

Health Canada has also identified certain drug interactions that require vigilance, particularly with combinations involving antidepressants or additional gastrointestinal medications which may intensify side effects or therapeutic effects. Regular communication between healthcare providers and patients is key to managing these interactions. Maintaining an open dialogue empowers patients to participate in their health management effectively.

This collaborative strategy exemplifies the commitment of Canadian healthcare to a patient-centered approach, ensuring therapeutic regimens remain both safe and effective.

Cultural Perceptions & Patient Habits

How do Canadians feel about medications like Mebeverine, particularly for managing conditions like IBS? The growing recognition of IBS as a serious health issue rather than merely a minor inconvenience is reflected in the positive perceptions found in patient discussions across forums and social media platforms, such as Reddit Canada. These digital spaces have become a reservoir of shared experiences, where individuals openly discuss the effectiveness of treatments like Colofac.

Urban Canadians benefit from easy access to pharmacies, such as Shoppers Drug Mart and London Drugs, making it more convenient to obtain Mebeverine. On the other hand, those in rural areas face challenges in accessibility. This disparity necessitates proactive communication with healthcare providers to explore available pharmacy resources and ensure a reliable supply of medications.

Cultural factors weigh heavily on medication adherence. In Canada, the value placed on universal healthcare and preventative measures encourages patients to actively engage in their health management. This proactive approach harmonizes with the cultural importance of dialogue with healthcare professionals, empowering patients in managing their IBS symptoms effectively.

Community engagement fosters a sense of connection among those affected by IBS. By sharing experiences, individuals not only gain peer support but also nurture an environment of open communication regarding medication usage and overall health strategies. Understanding these diverse cultural perspectives across Canada aids healthcare providers in tailoring treatment plans, ensuring they address both clinical evidence and individual patient contexts.

Access to Colofac Across Canadian Cities

City	Region	Delivery Time
Toronto	Ontario	5–7 days
Vancouver	British Columbia	5–7 days
Montreal	Quebec	5–7 days
Calgary	Alberta	5–7 days
Ottawa	Ontario	5–7 days
Edmonton	Alberta	5–7 days
Quebec City	Quebec	5–9 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5–9 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5–9 days
Kitchener	Ontario	5–9 days
Victoria	British Columbia	5–9 days
Saskatoon	Saskatchewan	5–9 days