Common uses

This medicine 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.

Directions

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.

Cautions

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.

Possible side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect. Constipation, confusion, agitation.

For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

The safety of Colospa 135 mg in pregnancy has not been established.

If you take too much

Known symptoms of overdosage and particulars of its treatment: none known.

Drug interactions

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.

What is the shelf life of the pills?

• The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.