Colospa

Colospa acts directly on the smooth muscle in the gut causing it to relax. It also prevents nerve signals getting through to the muscle in the intestines. This also causes the muscle to relax, preventing painful muscle spasm. Little or no antispasmodic effect was seen on the uterus and the bronchial muscles. Gastric emptying time and intestinal propulsion were affected much less than by papaverine. No significant inhibition of normal peristalsis has been observed.

Primary irritable colon characterised by persistent diarrhoea, alternating constipation and diarrhoea, abdominal pain and postprandial distension. Secondary irritable colon due to organic lesions such as regional enteritis, diverticulitis, specific and non-specific inflammatory conditions of the gastro-intestinal tract.

135 mg Colospa hydrochloride (1 tablet) 3 times daily, preferably before meals. After a period of a few weeks when the desired effect has been obtained, the dosage may be gradually reduced.

As atropine-like effects are absent, Colospa 135 mg is not contra-indicated in patients with glaucoma or prostatic hypertrophy.

Store in a dry, dark place, at temperatures not exceeding 30°C. Keep out of reach of children.

Colospa is a musculotropic antispasmodic drug without atropic side-effects whose major therapeutic role is in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome. It is also indicated for treatment of gastrointestinal spasm secondary to organic disorder.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light.

Use with caution in: Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus); Life long inherited blood diseases which can cause a variety of symptoms, including mental health problems (porphyrias).

For women: Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should be used with caution during pregnancy, and only if the expected benefit to the mother is greater than any possible risk to the foetus. Seek medical advice from your doctor. There are no known harmful effects when this medicine is used by breastfeeding mothers.

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.