Generic Colofac

Introduction

Colofac is a muscle‑relaxant medication used primarily to alleviate smooth‑muscle spasms of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Its active ingredient, Mebeverin Hydrochloride, belongs to the class of antispasmodic agents that modulate intestinal motility. In Hong Kong, Colofac is prescribed for functional bowel disorders such as irritable‑bowel syndrome (IBS) and for other conditions where abnormal smooth‑muscle contraction causes pain or discomfort. The drug is manufactured by several international pharmaceutical companies and is distributed locally through licensed pharmacies and online pharmacy brokers.

What is Colofac?

• Classification: Muscle relaxant / antispasmodic agent.
• Active compound: Mebeverin Hydrochloride, a synthetic derivative of the natural alkaloid mebeverine.
• Development: Mebeverin was first synthesized in the 197s and subsequently formulated into oral tablets for GI disorders.
• Manufacturer: Multiple licensed producers supply Colofac; exact brand‑specific information varies by market.

Mebeverin Hydrochloride is also the active ingredient in well‑known brand products such as Duspatalin (European markets) and Mebeverine (various Asian and Latin‑American markets). Colofac provides the same therapeutic molecule in a formulation that meets Hong Kong’s pharmaceutical standards.

How Colofac Works

Mebeverin Hydrochloride exerts its effect by inhibiting calcium influx into smooth‑muscle cells of the gastrointestinal wall. This reduces the strength and frequency of spontaneous contractions without significantly affecting normal peristalsis. The drug’s antispasmodic action is largely peripheral; it does not cross the blood‑brain barrier in appreciable amounts, which limits central nervous system side effects.

• Onset of action: Clinical studies report symptom relief within 30–60 minutes after oral administration.
• Duration: Therapeutic effect lasts approximately 4–6 hours, supporting a twice‑daily dosing schedule for most indications.
• Metabolism and clearance: Mebeverin is metabolized mainly by hepatic enzymes (CYP3A4) and eliminated primarily in the urine. Its half‑life averages 2–3 hours, allowing flexible dosing without accumulation in patients with normal liver and kidney function.

Conditions Treated with Colofac

• Irritable‑Bowel Syndrome (IBS): Reduces abdominal cramping, bloating, and urgency associated with IBS‑C (constipation‑predominant) and IBS‑D (diarrhoea‑predominant) subtypes.
• Functional Bowel Disorders: Includes non‑ulcer dyspepsia and spastic colon, where abnormal motility contributes to pain.
• Post‑operative or Post‑diagnostic GI Spasms: Provides short‑term relief after endoscopic procedures or abdominal surgeries.

In Hong Kong, functional bowel disorders affect an estimated 10–15 % of adults, reflecting lifestyle and dietary patterns common in the region. Colofac’s targeted mechanism offers symptomatic relief without the anticholinergic burden of older antispasmodics.

Patient Groups Most Likely to Benefit

• Adults with documented IBS or functional abdominal pain who have not responded adequately to dietary modification or fibre supplementation.
• Patients requiring short‑term spasm control after gastrointestinal investigations (colonoscopy, barium studies).
• Individuals intolerant to anticholinergic agents (e.g., hyoscine butylbromide) due to dry mouth, blurred vision, or urinary retention.

Colofac may be unsuitable for:

• Patients with severe hepatic impairment (dose adjustment or avoidance recommended).
• Individuals taking potent CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, clarithromycin) without medical supervision.
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women unless the prescribing physician determines that benefits outweigh potential risks.

Risks, Side Effects, and Interactions

Common

• Mild dizziness or light‑headedness.
• Nausea or transient gastric discomfort.
• Headache.

Rare

• Skin rash, including mild urticaria.
• Elevated liver enzymes (ALT/AST) in isolated cases.

Serious

• Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) presenting with breathlessness, swelling of the face or throat, and rapid pulse. Immediate medical attention is required.
• Cardiac arrhythmias have been reported very rarely, usually in patients with pre‑existing cardiac conduction abnormalities and concurrent use of other QT‑prolonging drugs.

Drug–Drug Interactions

• CYP3A4 inhibitors (ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir) may increase plasma levels of Mebeverin, raising the risk of dizziness or hypotension.
• CYP3A4 inducers (rifampicin, carbamazepine, St John’s wort) can reduce therapeutic efficacy.
• Antihypertensives (especially α‑blockers) might augment vasodilatory effects, leading to orthostatic hypotension.

Patients should always disclose a full medication list, including over‑the‑counter products and herbal supplements, to the prescribing clinician.

Practical Use: Dosing, Missed Dose, Overdose

• Standard adult dose: 135 mg (usually 1–2 tablets of 75 mg each) taken orally twice daily, preferably 30 minutes before meals.
• Dose adjustments: For elderly patients or those with mild hepatic impairment, a reduced dose of 75 mg twice daily may be sufficient.
• Missed dose: If dose is forgotten and the scheduled time is more than 4 hours away, take the missed dose as soon as remembered. Do not double‑dose to compensate for the missed tablet.
• Overdose: Symptoms may include excessive sedation, severe dizziness, or hypotension. Seek immediate medical attention; supportive care (monitoring vitals, intravenous fluids) is the mainstay of treatment.

Precautions:

• Avoid consuming large amounts of alcohol while taking Colofac, as it may potentiate central nervous system depression.
• Take the medication with a full glass of water; food may delay absorption but does not diminish overall efficacy.
• Patients with chronic kidney disease should have renal function assessed periodically.

Buying Colofac from Our Online Pharmacy

Colofac can be purchased conveniently from our online pharmacy in Hong Kong. Our service offers:

• Affordable pricing: We source the generic product at near‑manufacturer cost, passing savings directly to the consumer.
• Verified quality: All batches are obtained from licensed overseas suppliers that comply with WHO‑GMP standards and are inspected by local health authorities.
• Guaranteed delivery: Discreet, reliable shipping options include 7‑day express service for urgent needs and a regular airmail option (approximately 3 weeks).
• Online‑only access: For patients who encounter limited stock in local community pharmacies or lack insurance coverage for non‑brand medications, our platform provides a safe, regulated channel.

Our pharmacy operates as a broker service, collaborating with accredited international pharmacies. This model enables us to maintain patient privacy, offer competitive prices, and ensure that every order undergoes a mandatory professional evaluation before dispatch.

FAQ

• Is Colofac covered by the Hong Kong Hospital Authority’s drug formulary?
  No, Colofac is not listed on the public Hospital Authority formulary and is typically obtained through private prescriptions. Patients may need to pay out‑of‑pocket or use private health insurance plans that cover antispasmodic agents.

• Can Colofac be stored in a refrigerator?
  Storage at room temperature (15–30 °C) is recommended. Refrigeration is unnecessary and may cause condensation that could affect tablet integrity.

• What packaging does Colofac come in when ordered online?
  The product is delivered in a sealed, tamper‑evident blister pack or bottle, each containing a defined number of tablets (usually 30 or 60). Packaging includes a printed patient information leaflet in English and Traditional Chinese.

• Is it legal to import Colofac for personal use in Hong Kong?
  Personal import of prescription medicines is allowed only with a valid prescription from a Hong Kong‑registered medical practitioner. Our online pharmacy facilitates this process by providing the required documentation after professional evaluation.

• Are there any known differences in formulation between Asian and European versions of Mebeverin Hydrochloride?
  The core active ingredient is identical. Minor excipient variations (e.g., different binders or coating agents) may exist to meet regional regulatory standards, but these do not typically alter efficacy or safety.

• Can Colofac be combined with dietary probiotics for IBS management?
  No direct pharmacological interaction exists between Mebeverin and probiotic supplements. However, patients should discuss any complementary therapies with their physician to ensure an integrated treatment plan.

• What should I do if I experience persistent dizziness while taking Colofac?
  Persistent dizziness may indicate an adverse reaction or a drug interaction. Contact your healthcare provider promptly; they may adjust the dose or switch to an alternative antispasmodic.

• Does Colofac have any effect on blood glucose levels?
  Current evidence does not suggest a clinically relevant impact of Mebeverin on glucose metabolism. Diabetic patients should continue routine monitoring as advised by their physician.

• Can telemedicine consultations be used to obtain a prescription for Colofac?
  Yes, licensed telemedicine platforms in Hong Kong can issue valid prescriptions after a remote clinical assessment. Our online pharmacy accepts such electronic prescriptions and proceeds with the mandatory professional evaluation before dispensing.

Glossary

Antispasmodic

A class of drugs that reduce involuntary muscle contractions, particularly in the gastrointestinal tract, relieving pain and cramping.

CYP3A4

An enzyme in the liver responsible for metabolizing many medications; inhibitors or inducers of this enzyme can alter drug levels.

Half‑life

The time required for the plasma concentration of a drug to decrease by 50 %; helps determine dosingPharmacovigilance

The practice of monitoring, evaluating, and improving the safety of medicines after they have been released to the market.

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided about Colofac is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation. All treatment decisions should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to Colofac for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription‑based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication.