Colofac IBS is one of a group of medicines called antispasmodics, which are used to treat the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This a very common condition which causes spasm and pain in the gut or intestine.

The intestine is a long muscular tube. The tube squeezes rhythmically so that food can pass down it to be digested. If the intestine goes into spasm and squeezes too tightly, you get pain, and that is called IBS. The way antispasmodic medicines work is by relieving the spasm and pain.

• The main symptoms of IBS include:
• abdominal pain-and spasm
• a bloated feeling, or wind
• diarrhoea or constipation
• small, hard, pellet-like or ribbon-like stools
• mucus in the stools

You may also notice some changes in your bowel habit when you go to the lavatory.

Symptoms vary from person to person, and pain may be slight or very severe.

• Colofac IBS is best taken 20 minutes before meals as some people find their symptoms are strongest after they have eaten.
• Swallow the tablets with water: Do Not chew them

The dose for adults (including the elderly), and children over 10 years of age: one tablet three times a day.

• Colofac IBS is not recommended for children under 10 years of age.
• Do not exceed the stated dose
• If symptoms persist for more than two weeks, speak to your doctor.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If the next dose is nearly due, ignore the missed dose and carry on as normal with the next dose. Do not take two tablets to make up for the one you missed

If you, or someone else, takes too many Colofac IBS tablets, you should contact a doctor immediately or go to the nearest hospital casualty department. Take the Colofac IBS pack with you.

Before taking Colofac IBS:
If you have not suffered from IBS before, or you have developed new symptoms, or your symptoms have got worse, please see your doctor before using any IBS treatment.

If you are allergic to lactose (also found in dairy products) or any of the other tablet ingredients, please tell your pharmacist.

Even if you have had IBS before, if any of the following apply this time, please contact your doctor so that he can decide whether Colofac is the right treatment:

• you are 40 years of age or over, and your symptoms have changed, or it is some time since you last suffered from IBS;
• you have passed blood from the bowel;
• you are feeling sick or vomiting;
• you have lost your appetite, or lost weight, for no apparent reason;
• you are looking pale and feeling tired;
• you are suffering from severe constipation;
• you have a fever;
• you have recently traveled abroad;
• you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant;
• you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge;
• you have difficulty or pain when passing water.

Side-effects: Very rarely, people taking Colofac IBS may develop allergic reactions. These may include inflamed or reddened skin, itching or skin rashes. If you develop swelling of the face, lips and/or tongue, stop taking Colofac IBS and contact your doctor immediately.

If you notice any side-effects not mentioned in this leaflet, tell your doctor or a pharmacist

What else can you do to help:

Whether or not you restrict your diet depends on the way IBS affects you. If you find that certain things bring on the symptoms, then it makes sense to avoid them. A high fibre diet may help, but ask your pharmacist for more information.

Some people find that learning to relax can help to reduce their symptoms of IBS. You may find it helpful to set aside a few moments each day to relax and gently unwind.