Mebeverine (sometimes called mebeverine hydrochloride) is a type of medicine known as an antispasmodic. It helps with muscle spasms.
It can be used to ease painful stomach cramps if you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or other conditions. It works by relaxing certain muscles in your gut.
Mebeverine comes as tablets or slow-release capsules (also called modified release).
It's available on prescription. You can also buy mebeverine tablets for IBS symptoms at a pharmacy.
Mebeverine is also available mixed with a laxative called ispaghula husk (brand name Fybogel Mebeverine). If you have IBS you can take this to treat constipation.
Key facts
- Take mebeverine 20 minutes before you have a meal.
- Mebeverine starts to work after 1 hour.
- Mebeverine is generally safe and you're unlikely to have side effects. Some people may get a mild itchy rash (hives).
- It's important to only take mebeverine that you buy from a pharmacy without a prescription if you've been diagnosed with IBS.