Mebeverine is used to alleviate some of the symptoms ofirritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and related conditions; specifically stomach pain and cramps, persistent diarrhoea, and flatulence.[2]
Historically data from controlled clinical trials have not found a difference from placebo or statistically significant results in the global improvement of IBS.[3][4]However, more recent systematic reviews found Mebeverine is an effective treatment option in IBS, with a good safety profile and low frequency of adverse effects.[5]
It has not been tested in pregnant women nor in pregnant animals so pregnant women should not take it; it is expressed at low levels in breast milk, while no adverse effects have been reported in infants, breastfeeding women should not take this drug.[1]
Adverse effects include hypersensitivity reactions and allergic reactions, immune system disorders, skin disorders including hives, oedema and widespread rashes.[2]
Additionally, the following adverse effects have been reported: heartburn, indigestion, tiredness, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite, general malaise, dizziness, insomnia, headache, and decreased pulse rate.[1]
Mebeverine is ananticholinergic but itsmechanism of action is not known; it appears to work directly on smooth muscle within the gastrointestinal tract and may have an anaesthetic effect, may affectcalcium channels, and may affect muscarinic receptors.[2]
It is metabolized mostly byesterases, and almost completely. The metabolites are excreted in urine.[2]
Mebeverine exists in twoenantiomeric forms. The commercially available product is aracemic mixture of them. A study in rats indicates that the two have differentpharmacokinetic profiles.[8]
Mebeverine is ageneric drug and is available internationally under many brand names, such as Duspatalin as sold byAbbott or Mave and Mave SR byOpsonin Pharma [bn].[11]
^Hatami M, Farhadi K, Tukmechi A (August 2012). "Fiber-based liquid-phase micro-extraction of mebeverine enantiomers followed by chiral high-performance liquid chromatography analysis and its application to pharmacokinetics study in rat plasma".Chirality.24 (8):634–9.doi:10.1002/chir.22057.PMID22700279.
