Spasmotalin & Spasmotalin Forte (Mebeverine)

Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor for a diagnosis and before starting any new treatment for gastrointestinal issues.

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Spasmotalin (Mebeverine): A Guide to the Selective Antispasmodic for IBS

Manufacturer: Amriya Pharm. Ind., Alexandria, Egypt

Category: Musculotropic Antispasmodic (for Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

Active Ingredient:

• Mebeverine Hydrochloride

Spasmotalin is available in two strengths: Spasmotalin 100 mg tablets and Spasmotalin Forte 135 mg tablets.

Summary

Spasmotalin is a highly effective medication containing Mebeverine, a selective antispasmodic used primarily to relieve the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and other conditions involving intestinal cramps. It works by directly relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, especially the colon, without affecting normal gut motility. A key advantage of Spasmotalin is that it is not an anticholinergic drug, meaning it avoids common side effects like dry mouth or blurred vision.

Mechanism of Action: How Does Spasmotalin Work?

Spasmotalin's active ingredient, Mebeverine, is a musculotropic spasmolytic. This means it has a direct and selective action on the smooth muscle of the gut. It relieves spasms and cramps by causing the muscle to relax, but it does so without interfering with the normal, coordinated movements (peristalsis) of the intestines. Unlike older antispasmodics, it does not block cholinergic receptors, which is why it is well-tolerated and can be used by patients with conditions like glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy where anticholinergic drugs are contraindicated.

Therapeutic Indications: When to Use Spasmotalin

Spasmotalin is indicated for the symptomatic relief of spastic functional disturbances of the colon, including:

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS): To relieve symptoms like abdominal pain, cramping, bloating, and altered bowel habits (diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both).
• Colonic Irritation: Spasms associated with organic lesions such as diverticulosis and diverticulitis of the colon.
• Secondary GI Spasms: Cramps related to diseases of the gall-bladder and bile ducts (biliary dyskinesia), gastric and duodenal ulcers, or dysentery.

Dosage and Administration

Important: It is recommended to take the tablets approximately 20 minutes before meals to ensure the medication is active when the gut is most likely to become overactive after eating.

• Spasmotalin Forte (135 mg): The usual dose for adults is one tablet three times daily.
• Spasmotalin (100 mg): The usual dose for adults is one tablet three to four times daily.

After a period of a few weeks, once the desired effect has been achieved, your doctor may advise you to gradually reduce the dosage.

Contraindications, Precautions, and Side Effects

• Contraindications: There are no known absolute contraindications to the use of Spasmotalin. It is not contraindicated in patients with glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy.
• Precautions: Although animal studies have not shown teratogenic effects, the use of Spasmotalin during pregnancy is generally discouraged unless prescribed by a doctor who deems it essential.
• Side Effects: Spasmotalin is exceptionally well-tolerated. The original pamphlet notes no adverse effects. However, in very rare cases, hypersensitivity reactions such as skin rash, urticaria (hives), or angioedema (swelling) have been reported with Mebeverine.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between Spasmotalin and Spasmotalin Forte?

The only difference is the strength of the active ingredient. Spasmotalin contains 100 mg of Mebeverine, while Spasmotalin Forte contains a higher dose of 135 mg. The Forte version is often considered the standard therapeutic dose for adults.

How is Spasmotalin different from other IBS medications like Buscopan®?

Spasmotalin (Mebeverine) acts directly on the gut muscle. Buscopan® (Hyoscine) is an anticholinergic drug, which works by blocking nerve signals. Because of this difference, Spasmotalin does not typically cause the "atropine-like" side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, etc.) that can be associated with anticholinergic drugs.

How long does it take for Spasmotalin to work?

You may start to feel relief from cramps within an hour or two of taking the medication. For the best results in managing chronic conditions like IBS, it should be taken regularly as prescribed by your doctor, not just when you have symptoms.

Sources

1. Mebeverine 135mg Tablets Information - Drugs.com
2. Mebeverine for Irritable Bowel Syndrome - A Review (NCBI)
3. Official Product Leaflet for Spasmotalin.