Kolanticon

How does it work?

This medicine contains four active ingredients, dicycloverine hydrochloride (previously known as dicyclomine in the UK), aluminium hydroxide, light magnesium oxide and simeticone. Dicycloverine is a type of medicine called an anticholinergic. It works at specific receptors, called chiolinergic (or muscarinic) receptors, located on the involuntary muscle in the walls of the gut. By binding to these receptors dicycloverine prevents certain chemicals produced by the body from interacting with these receptors. This causes the gut muscle to relax, relieving the pain of colic produced by gut muscle contraction and spasm. The antacid compounds in this medicine (aluminium hydroxide and light magnesium oxide) act by altering the acidity of the stomach's juices, by binding to excess acid. This decreases the acidity of the contents of the stomach which may in turn help to relieve the symptoms of heartburn or indigestion. Simeticone is an 'anti-foaming agent' which reduces the amount of trapped wind in the gut. It works by allowing the gas to be released as larger bubbles rather than multiple small bubbles, which are trapped among the stomach contents. This medicine helps to relieve colic pain and bloating caused by trapped wind.

What is it used for?

Excess gas in the stomach and intestines (flatulence)

Heartburn

Hiatus hernia

Inflamed stomach lining (gastritis)

Peptic ulcer

Severe fluctuating abdominal pain (colic)

Upset stomach characterised by stomach pain and burning, nausea and excess gas (dyspepsia)

Use with caution in

Decreased kidney function

Enlarged prostate gland

Glaucoma

Hiatus hernia associated with reflux oesophagitis

Low blood phosphate levels (hypophosphataemia)

Not to be used in

A loss in the ability of the gut to contract (intestinal atony)

Abnormal muscle weakness

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)

Failure of function of part of the gut causing an obstruction (paralytic ileus)

Obstruction of the urinary tract (urethra)

Severe inflammation of the bowel and back passage

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

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.

The safety of this medicine in breastfeeding and pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

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.

Blurred vision

Difficulty in passing urine (urinary retention)

Dry mouth

Constipation

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. 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.

How can this medicine affect other medicines?

Antacids may affect the absorption of other medicines from the gut. To reduce this effect there should be a two hour gap between taking this medicine and any other medicines. Aluminium hydroxide may reduce the absorption of the tetracycline antibacterials.

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