What is Colofac?
Colofac is a medication used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome, often called IBS. This common condition affects your digestive system and can lead to cramps, diarrhoea, constipation, and general discomfort. While there's no cure for IBS, adjusting your diet and taking medication can help manage the symptoms.
Colofac has mebeverine hydrochloride as its active ingredient, which is an antispasmodic. IBS often causes pain, discomfort, and spasms in the digestive system. Colofac helps ease these spasms and other symptoms, making you feel more comfortable.
How does Colofac work?
IBS is a condition that impacts your lower digestive system, including the small and large intestines. When your intestines spasm, or tighten, it can lead to pain in your lower abdomen. Colofac contains mebeverine hydrochloride, an antispasmodic. This helps by relaxing the muscles in your intestines, preventing spasms.
What doses of Colofac are there?
Colofac is available in two different strengths: 135mg tablets and 200mg Modified-Release capsules.
Both have the same active ingredient, mebeverine hydrochloride, but the 200mg version is a slow-release tablet. This means it releases the medication gradually over time instead of all at once.

- Colofac is a medicine that helps ease the symptoms of IBS.
- It helps by relaxing the muscles in your intestines, which eases cramps and discomfort.
- It might take up to an hour to start working, and the effects can last for several hours.

Colofac isn't right for everyone. There are a few things you should be aware of to ensure it's safe for you.
Here's all the official information about them. If anything isn't clear, please let our clinician know, and they can discuss it with you.
Colofac 135mg tablets | Colofac 200mg MR capsules
Useful Links:
- Colofac 135mg tablets: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/1166/pil#gref
- Colofac 200mg MR capsules: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/5526/smpc

Q: What are the side effects of Colofac?
Q: How does Colofac compare to other treatments?
Buscopan is another medication for managing IBS symptoms. It contains hyoscine butylbromide, an antispasmodic similar to Colofac. The main difference is that while Colofac relaxes the muscles in your intestines, Buscopan targets the muscles in your stomach, gut, and bladder. This can help ease symptoms like stomach cramps. Buscopan starts working in just 15 minutes, whereas Colofac takes about an hour to take effect.
Both treatments can help ease IBS symptoms. Based on your symptoms and personal preferences, our clinicians will suggest the most suitable option for you.
Q: How effective is Colofac?
Q: Can I take Colofac whilst pregnant or breastfeeding?
No, it's not advised to take Colofac while you're pregnant or breastfeeding.

How to take Colofac
If you’re taking two tablets a day, take one before breakfast and the other before your evening meal. And for 3 times a day, take one before your breakfast, lunch and evening meal. Children under the age of 10 shouldn’t take Colofac, unless advised. [1]
How long does Colofac take to work?
Colofac typically begins to take effect about an hour after you take it.
When you start feeling better, you can stop taking Colofac. However, it's best to check with our clinicians before doing so. If your symptoms haven't improved after two weeks, please get in touch with our clinician for further advice.
Making a mistake whilst taking Colofac
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it's almost time for your next dose, just skip the one you missed. Avoid taking two doses at once.
If you've taken more Colofac than you should have, speak to our clinicians or visit A&E if you experience any side effects.