Colpermin is available in the following sizes -

• Colpermin 20 Capsules
• Colpermin 100 Capsules

Colpermin is an antispasmodic: It can be used to relieve the spasm and cramp which occurs in the large bowel in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Colpermin prolonged release capsules are specially coated to stay intact until they reach the end of the small bowel, when they start to release peppermint oil. The oil continues to steadily release as the capsules pass along the large bowel, so relaxing the spasm of the bowel wall. This relieves pain and allows pockets of gas, which may have made you feel bloated, pass along the bowel and out of the body.

Irritable bowel syndrome is a condition in which there is pain, spasm and bloating at almost any point between the groin, the navel, and the sides, sometimes accompanied by alternating diarrhoea and constipation. These symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome may be more noticeable when you are feeling stressed and anxious.

Typical symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome are:

• Painful spasm
• Bloating
• Knotting
• Diarrhoea, constipation

Colpermin how to use: If your doctor or pharmacist has given you instructions on how to take Colpermin, do as you are directed, but remember:

• Do not chew or break the capsules. Take them whole with a glass of water.
• Do not take the capsules immediately after food.
• Do not take them at the same time as indigestion remedies as they may damage the capsules.

If you do not have instructions from your doctor or pharmacist, the following dose may be taken:

Not suitable for children under 15: There is no experience of these capsules in children under the age of 15 years, thus use cannot be recommended.

Adults and elderly:

• One Colpermin capsule should be taken three times a day with a glass of water.
• Do not take the capsules immediately after food.
• If the pain and discomfort is more severe, the dose can be increased to a maximum of two capsules three times a day.

Normally these capsules may be needed for only 1 or 2 weeks, but sometimes the discomfort may continue.

If discomfort and pain persist for more than 2 weeks, then you are advised to see your doctor to make sure there is nothing seriously wrong. Under supervision persistent symptoms may be treated for 2 - 3 months.

If you have taken too many capsules or if a child has taken your capsules, immediately inform your doctor.

If you forget to take a dose, take the next one as usual. Do not double the next dose.

Each Colpermin Prolonged Release Capsules contains the active ingredient: Peppermint Oil BP 0.2 ml

Other Ingredients: Gelatin, colloidal silica, titanium dioxide (E171), indigotine (E132), Eudragit L, Eudragit S, triethyl citrate, ammonia, monostearin, polyethylene glycol 4000, talc, purified water, beeswax, refined arachis (peanut) oil.

Before starting Colpermin Capsules: If this is the first time you have had these symptoms, consult your doctor before using any treatment.

• Colpermin capsules contain Arachis oil (peanut oil). If you are allergic to peanut or soya, do not use Colpermin.

This may not be the right treatment for you:

Do not use until after you have seen a doctor if:

• you are aged 40 years or more and it is some time since your last attack of IBS or the symptoms are different this time.
• you have passed blood from the bowel
• you are feeling sick or vomiting
• you have lost your appetite or lost weight, for no obvious cause
• you are looking pale or feeling tired
• you are suffering from severe constipation
• you have a fever
• you have recently travelled abroad
• you are pregnant, or planning to become pregnant
• you have abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge
• you have difficulty or pain passing urine

Consult your doctor if you have developed new symptoms, or if your symptoms worsen, or if they do not improve after 2 weeks of treatment.

If you are especially sensitive to menthol or peppermint oil talk to your pharmacist or doctor.

Side-Effects: Colpermin is usually well tolerated, though very occasionally heartburn and anal irritation can occur. If you have a tendency to suffer from heartburn and the capsules seem to make it worse, you should stop taking Colpermin and return to your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

If the capsules are chewed or broken before being swallowed, the peppermint oil may irritate the mouth and gullet. In very rare instances where someone is allergic to peppermint oil or menthol, rash, headache, slow pulse rate, clumsiness and shaking can occur. This may occur in association with alcoholic drink.