Basic Colofac Information

• INN (International Nonproprietary Name): Mebeverine
• Brand Names Available In Canada (English): Colofac® and other mebeverine products are not widely marketed in Canada; availability depends on importers and pharmacy sourcing.
• ATC Code: A03AA04 — Drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders, specifically synthetic anticholinergics, esters with tertiary amino group.
• Forms & Dosages: Standard tablets 135 mg (1 tablet three times daily); Prolonged‑release capsules 200 mg (1 capsule twice daily); oral liquid formulations available in some countries for swallowing difficulties.
• Manufacturers: Major originator: Abbott Laboratories / Mylan (now part of Viatris).
• Registration Status Summary: Colofac and generics are authorised in several countries (for example the MHRA in the UK and Medsafe in New Zealand).
• Classification (OTC / Prescription): OTC in some jurisdictions for small packs; prescription-only in others, including Australia and many Eastern European countries.
• Storage: Store in original packaging below 25°C, protect from moisture and light; keep out of reach of children.
• Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to mebeverine or excipients, paralytic ileus, and specific carbohydrate intolerances for some formulations.

Availability & Price Landscape

Major National Pharmacy Chains (Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall, London Drugs)

Canadians frequently ask whether Colofac is on the shelf at major chains.

Colofac (mebeverine) is not widely stocked as a standard branded product across national chains.

Large retailers such as Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and London Drugs may be able to order imported packs on request or offer generic antispasmodics instead.

Quebec’s Jean Coutu and independent community pharmacies sometimes source small imported quantities for patients who request them.

Online Pharmacy Trends In Canada (Including Provincial Restrictions)

Online Canadian pharmacy demand for imported generics has grown in recent years.

Provincial regulations and pharmacy licensing affect how imported mebeverine is supplied and whether a prescription is required.

Some pharmacies manage international sourcing under pharmacist oversight; others will only dispense a product if a Canadian DIN exists or an individual patient prescription is provided.

Cross‑border and international purchases often add shipping, duties and variable lead times that affect total cost and availability.

Price Ranges By Package Size (With Provincial Differences)

Prices vary widely depending on package size, brand, and import/shipping costs.

Small imported blister packs often retail in a band roughly CAD 15–40 per pack when sourced through local pharmacies or e‑retailers.

Larger packs, prolonged‑release formulations or specialised branded imports can approach CAD 40–80 per pack once shipping and duties are included.

In‑store pricing tends to be higher than direct e‑pharmacy offers, while cross‑border purchases may appear cheaper before adding customs fees and delays.

Province/Territory	Typical Availability	Typical Price Band (CAD)
Ontario	Available On Request / Limited Stock	15–80
Quebec	Order Through Jean Coutu Or Import	20–80
British Columbia	Limited Stock / Online Supply	15–75
Alberta	Available On Request	15–70
Manitoba	Occasional Stock / Import	20–75
Saskatchewan	Order Or Import	20–75
Nova Scotia	Import Via Pharmacy	25–80
New Brunswick	Import On Request	25–80
Newfoundland & Labrador	Import / Limited Supply	30–80
PEI	Import Needed	30–80
Northwest Territories / Nunavut / Yukon	Special Order / Longer Lead Times	40–90

Call ahead or check online inventory before visiting a store to confirm stock and expected cost.

Canadian Patient Insights & Satisfaction Levels

Forum And Review Platforms (Reddit Canada, HealthBoards, AskDocs)

Where do Canadians talk about Colofac and mebeverine?

Discussions most often appear on Reddit Canada, HealthBoards threads, AskDocs and pharmacy review pages.

These platforms are commonly used to share real‑world experience, ask about availability, and compare antispasmodics.

Reported Benefits And Challenges From Canadian Patients

Patients frequently report cramp and pain relief when mebeverine is effective for their IBS flare.

Users note faster onset of cramp relief compared with some bulk‑forming agents.

Many appreciate that mebeverine does not typically cause the dry mouth or blurred vision seen with older anticholinergics.

Common challenges include limited local availability and confusion over brand names such as Colofac, Duspatalin or generics.

Side effects are reported infrequently but can include dizziness, mild constipation or transient headaches.

• Patient Pros: Rapid cramp relief; fewer anticholinergic effects; suitable long‑term under supervision.
• Patient Cons: Hard to find locally; may require import or prescription; variable response between individuals.

• “It helped with sudden cramps within a few hours.” — anonymized patient report.
• “My local store had to special‑order Colofac and it took a week.” — anonymized patient report.
• “Felt better than peppermint oil for my cramps, but still had ups and downs.” — anonymized patient report.

Patient satisfaction is higher when pharmacists provide counselling on timing, dosing and expectations.

Product Overview & Brand Variants

INN And Brand Names Used In Canada

Mebeverine is the International Nonproprietary Name (INN) of the active ingredient.

International brand names include Colofac®, Duspatalin®, Aurobeverine® and other generics from Teva, Zentiva and similar suppliers.

In Canada the Colofac brand and other mebeverine products are not widely marketed and depend on pharmacy sourcing or imports.

Legal Classification Under Health Canada

Health Canada classification for mebeverine depends on whether a product holds a Canadian Drug Identification Number (DIN).

When a DIN exists, the product’s approved uses and monograph are listed in the Drug Product Database.

Without a DIN, access in Canada may be via pharmacist‑managed imports, prescription import pathways, or special access programmes, and coverage by provincial formularies will vary.

Brand-By-Country And Packaging

Country	Brand Name	Packaging / Strengths
United Kingdom	Colofac®, Aurobeverine®	135 mg tablets; 200 mg MR capsules; oral liquid
Australia / New Zealand	Colofac®	135 mg tablets; blister packs of 30 or 500
France	Duspatalin®	Tablets and capsules
Russia / CIS	Duspatalin®, Sparex®	Capsules, tablets

INN

Mebeverine.

ATC Code

A03AA04.

Manufacturer Origin

Major originator: Abbott/Mylan (Viatris); multiple generic manufacturers worldwide.

Indications In Local Canadian Medical Practice

Approved Uses (Health Canada DIN Context)

Clinically, mebeverine is used for symptomatic relief of abdominal pain, cramps and bowel irregularity related to IBS and non‑specific gut spasms.

Whether a specific product is Health Canada‑approved depends on DIN registration.

Where no Canadian DIN exists, clinicians may prescribe other authorised antispasmodics or manage imported mebeverine under pharmacist oversight.

Off‑Label Patterns In Canadian Healthcare

Off‑label use in Canada can include chronic cramp management and symptomatic adjunct therapy during flares.

Prescribers generally prioritise first‑line IBS strategies such as dietary modification, fibre, peppermint oil, laxatives or loperamide when appropriate.

Indication	Typical Dosing	Expected Onset
IBS Abdominal Cramps	135 mg three times daily or 200 mg MR twice daily	Hours to days
Non‑Specific Gut Spasm	As above; tailored to symptoms	Variable; reassess after 2 weeks

Documenting patient consent for off‑label use and checking provincial coverage before prescribing are important steps.

How It Works In The Body

Layman’s Explanation (Canadian Patient‑Friendly Tone)

Patients often want a simple description of what mebeverine does.

Mebeverine relaxes the muscle layers of the gut to reduce painful spasms and cramping without the common dry mouth or blurred vision of older antimuscarinic drugs.

It helps the bowel muscle stop overreacting, which can reduce urgency and sudden pain during an IBS flare.

Clinical Detail From Health Canada Resources

Pharmacologically mebeverine is classified in ATC group A03AA04 as a synthetic anticholinergic ester with a tertiary amino group.

However, clinical studies show limited systemic anticholinergic activity compared with classical antimuscarinic agents.

Immediate‑release 135 mg tablets are typically taken three times daily, while 200 mg modified‑release capsules are taken twice daily.

Mechanism Of Action

Local smooth muscle relaxation in the gut, reducing hyperactivity and spasm.

Onset

Relief may occur within hours for cramps, with clearer benefit often seen over days.

Systemic Activity

Limited systemic anticholinergic effects compared with older agents.

Dosage & Administration

Standard Regimens Per Canadian Guidelines

For product pages, dosing must be clear and practical.

Form	Strength	Typical Dose	Frequency
Immediate‑Release Tablet	135 mg	1 tablet	Three times daily
Modified‑Release Capsule	200 mg	1 capsule	Twice daily
Oral Liquid	Equivalent strengths	As directed	As directed

Use a bowel diary and reassess symptom control after two weeks of treatment.

Adjustments By Patient Type (With Canadian Clinical Notes)

Children under 10 years: mebeverine is generally not recommended because safety and efficacy are not established.

Elderly patients usually start at the adult dose but consider individual frailty and comorbidity.

Hepatic and renal impairment: no formal dose reduction is listed in product summaries, but use caution in severe impairment and seek specialist advice if necessary.

• Missed Dose: Take as soon as remembered unless close to the next dose; do not double up.
• Overdose: Overdose is rarely serious; seek medical attention for symptomatic management if needed.

Contraindications & Side Effects

Common (Health Canada‑Approved List)

Absolute contraindications include hypersensitivity to mebeverine or excipients, known paralytic ileus and certain hereditary carbohydrate intolerances for specific formulations.

Common side effects are uncommon in frequency but include gastrointestinal upset, dizziness, headache and allergic skin reactions.

Rare But Serious (With Canadian Pharmacovigilance Data)

Very rare but serious events reported internationally include drug‑induced angle‑closure glaucoma and clinically relevant allergic oedema.

False‑positive urine amphetamine screens have been described infrequently; this is listed for transparency.

Canadians should report suspected adverse events to Health Canada via the Canada Vigilance Programme to support pharmacovigilance.

• When To Seek Immediate Help: Sudden visual changes, difficulty breathing, facial swelling or severe rash.
• Reporting: Advise patients to report adverse reactions to their pharmacist and to Health Canada.

Comparable Medicines In Canada

Alternatives Table (With DIN References)

Active Ingredient	Brand Example	Typical Indication	Pros	Cons	DIN / Market Status
Hyoscine Butylbromide	Buscopan®	Gut cramps and spasms	Rapid antispasmodic action	More anticholinergic side effects	Available in Canada (DINs vary by product)
Peppermint Oil	Colpermin®	IBS bloating and pain	Evidence for bloating; well tolerated by many	Variable effectiveness; enteric coating needed	Some products marketed in Canada
Dicyclomine	Bentyl®	Antispasmodic for IBS	Effective for some patients	Anticholinergic side effects	Availability varies; some imports
Alverine Citrate	Spasmonal®	Antispasmodic	Alternative for spasm control	Limited marketing in Canada	Not widely marketed in Canada

Pros And Cons List

Mebeverine tends to be a gentler antispasmodic with limited systemic anticholinergic effects.

Hyoscine provides rapid relief but carries a higher anticholinergic burden.

Peppermint oil has evidence for IBS pain and bloating and is often used as a first‑line complementary option.

Current Research & Trends

Major Canadian Or International Studies 2022–2025

Recent literature shows ongoing interest in antispasmodics as part of multi‑modal IBS care rather than as sole therapy.

Systematic reviews and historical randomised controlled trials indicate modest benefit for mebeverine versus placebo for abdominal pain and spasm control.

From 2022–2025, there have been few large RCTs focused solely on mebeverine; instead, studies have compared antispasmodics to peppermint oil or looked at combined interventions and microbiome influences.

For shoppers and clinicians, an evidence snapshot summarises that mebeverine may help some patients but trial heterogeneity limits firm conclusions.

Year / Source	Finding	Clinical Implication
Systematic Reviews (Recent)	Modest benefit vs placebo; variable quality	Consider as adjunctive therapy in selected patients
Head‑to‑Head Studies	Some show parity with peppermint oil for pain relief	Choice may be driven by tolerability and availability

Common Patient Questions In Canada

Is Colofac Available In Canada?

Colofac (mebeverine) is not widely marketed domestically and availability varies by province and pharmacy.

Check Health Canada’s Drug Product Database for a DIN and ask your pharmacist about import options or comparable alternatives.

Do I Need A Prescription?

Supply rules depend on how the product is sourced in Canada.

Small packs are OTC in some countries, but Canadian pharmacies may require a prescription or pharmacist oversight for imported supplies.

Will It Interact With My Other Medications?

Mebeverine has few reported drug interactions, but always consult a pharmacist when taking multiple central nervous system or cardiac drugs.

How Quickly Will It Work?

Relief can occur within hours to days depending on formulation and symptoms.

Track symptoms for two weeks to assess benefit and decide whether to continue therapy.

Can I Buy It Online?

Some licensed Canadian e‑pharmacies offer imported mebeverine; verify pharmacy licence, pharmacist contact and prescription requirements before purchase.

Regulatory Status

Health Canada Approval Process

Health Canada evaluates new drugs via a New Drug Submission and generics via an Abbreviated New Drug Submission.

Approved products receive a Drug Identification Number (DIN) and have a linked product monograph in the Drug Product Database.

DIN Number Relevance

The presence of a DIN confirms a product’s authorisation and links to approved indications and safety information.

When a mebeverine product lacks a Canadian DIN it may still be accessed through importation pathways, but legal status and reimbursement will vary by province.

NDS

New Drug Submission — full review for a novel product.

DIN

Drug Identification Number — confirms Health Canada authorisation.

Product Monograph

Provides approved indications, dosing and safety information for an authorised product.

Check provincial formularies such as Ontario Drug Benefit, BC PharmaCare and RAMQ for coverage rules before purchasing.

Visual Recommendations

Infographic Ideas For Canadian Context

Visuals help shoppers understand availability and dosing at a glance.

Suggested assets include a Canadian map highlighting provinces where Colofac is commonly stocked or available on request.

Also create a dosing comparison chart for 135 mg immediate‑release versus 200 mg modified‑release with icons showing dose frequency.

Include a contraindications pictogram, a quick alternatives comparison table, and a DIN/Health Canada badge area for regulatory transparency.

Provide clear alt‑text for each graphic to support accessibility and add downloadable PDF dosing guides for patients.

Buying & Storage Advice

In‑Store Vs. Online Canadian Purchase Tips

Call local branches of Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall or London Drugs to check stock or request imports before travelling to the store.

Online Canadian pharmacies may supply international mebeverine but confirm licence, pharmacist contact and whether a prescription is needed.

Compare in‑store pickup, local delivery and e‑pharmacy prices and factor in shipping, duties and delays for cross‑border purchases.

In our online pharmacy, colofac is available without a prescription, with discreet delivery to Canada (English) in 5-14 days.

Proper Storage With Canadian Climate Considerations

Store mebeverine in the original packaging below 25°C and protect it from moisture and light, as per manufacturer guidance.

During humid summers keep blister packs in a dry, cool cupboard and consider airtight containers for loose tablets at home.

Avoid storing medication in vehicles during winter to prevent freezing and in hot cars during summer heat spells.

Always keep medicines out of reach of children and discard any product past the expiry date.

• Travel Checklist: Keep medication in hand luggage at controlled temperatures and carry a copy of the prescription or pharmacist note when travelling.

Guidelines For Proper Use

Canadian Doctor/Pharmacist Advice Style

Start mebeverine at the recommended formulation and reassess effectiveness after two weeks.

Document baseline symptoms and use a bowel diary to record frequency, pain intensity and triggers.

Avoid mebeverine in known contraindications and stop treatment immediately if severe allergic signs or visual disturbance occur.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: limited data exist, so avoid unless the benefit outweighs risk and the decision is discussed with an obstetric provider.

For patients on multiple medicines, request a pharmacist medication review to check interactions and overall anticholinergic burden.

When used long‑term, set review intervals and consider deprescribing if ineffective for symptom control.

• Clinician Checklist: Indication documented, baseline symptom score completed, consent for off‑label use if needed, and plan for 2‑week review.

Delivery Across Canada (English)

City	Region	Delivery Time
Toronto	Ontario	5-7 days
Montreal	Quebec	5-7 days
Vancouver	British Columbia	5-7 days
Calgary	Alberta	5-7 days
Edmonton	Alberta	5-7 days
Ottawa	Ontario	5-7 days
Winnipeg	Manitoba	5-7 days
Halifax	Nova Scotia	5-9 days
St. John’s	Newfoundland & Labrador	5-9 days
Charlottetown	Prince Edward Island	5-9 days
Regina	Saskatchewan	5-9 days
Fredericton	New Brunswick	5-9 days
Yellowknife	Northwest Territories	5-9 days
Whitehorse	Yukon	5-9 days

Final Notes And Next Steps

Colofac (mebeverine) can be a useful antispasmodic option for selected patients with IBS‑related cramps and pain.

Availability in Canada is mixed, so check pharmacy stock, DIN status and provincial coverage before purchasing.

Discuss dosing, expected onset and possible side effects with a pharmacist or prescriber and use a symptom diary to judge benefit after two weeks.

Report any adverse effects to your pharmacist and to Health Canada for pharmacovigilance support.

For purchasing, verify pharmacy credentials, prescription requirements and expected delivery times to your city before ordering.