Mebeverine is a drug used to alleviate some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. It works by relaxing the muscles in and around the gut.[1]
Mebeverine is used to alleviate some of the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and related conditions these conditions; specifically stomach pain and cramps, persistent diarrhea, and flatulence.[2]
Data from controlled clinical trials have not found a difference from placebo in the alleviating stomach pain in people with IBS.[3][4]
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, edema and widespread rashes.[2]
Additionally, the following adverse effects have been reported: heartburn, indigestion, tiredness, diahorrea, constipation, loss of appetite, general malaise, dizziness, insomnia, headache, and decreased pulse rate.[1]
It does not have systemic anticholinergic side effects.[2]
Mebeverine is an anticholinergic but its mechanism of action is not known; it appears to work directly on smooth muscle within the gastrointestinal tract and may have an anesthetic effect, may affect calcium channels, and may affect muscarinic receptors.[2]
It is metabolized mostly by esterases, and almost completely. The metabolites are excreted in urine.[2]
It is a second generation papaverine analog, and was first synthesized around the same time as verapamil.[5]
It was first registered in 1965.[6]
Mebeverine is a generic drug and is available internationally under many brand names.[7]
Source:Wikipedia.org
