Meteospasmyl (Alverine Citrate, Simeticone)

Meteospasmyl, containing alverine citrate and simeticone, is used to manage symptoms of functional gastrointestinal disorders by targeting smooth‑muscle spasm and intestinal gas.

• Abdominal pain: reduces intensity of cramping and discomfort in the abdomen.
• Bloating: decreases abdominal distension caused by trapped gas.
• Flatulence: facilitates the elimination of excess intestinal gas.
• Irritable bowel syndrome: alleviates recurrent abdominal pain and bloating associated with IBS.
• Functional gastrointestinal disorders: improves overall symptom control in conditions characterized by spasms and gas buildup.

• Alverine citrate acts as a smooth‑muscle relaxant by inhibiting calcium influx in gastrointestinal smooth muscle cells, which diminishes tonic and phasic contractions. Simeticone is a non‑systemic surfactant that lowers the surface tension of gas bubbles in the intestinal lumen, causing coalescence of small bubbles into larger ones that can be more easily expelled. The combined actions provide relief from spasm‑related pain and excessive gas.

Meteospasmyl may cause adverse reactions, which are generally mild and reversible.

Common Side Effects

• Nausea: mild feeling of sickness that may resolve without treatment.
• Headache: transient head discomfort often relieved with rest or analgesics.
• Dizziness: light‑headed sensation that usually subsides when standing still.
• Dry mouth: reduced salivation causing a dry feeling in the mouth.
• Abdominal discomfort: mild cramping or tenderness in the stomach area.
• Diarrhoea: loose, watery stools that are typically self‑limiting.

Serious or Rare Side Effects

• Allergic reaction: rash, itching, swelling, or hives indicating hypersensitivity.
• Angioedema: rapid swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat that may affect breathing.
• Severe skin eruption: conditions such as Stevens‑Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis requiring urgent care.
• Hepatic dysfunction: abnormal liver enzymes, jaundice or hepatitis‑like symptoms.

Before using Meteospasmyl, consider the following precautions to ensure safe and effective therapy.

• Pregnancy: consult a healthcare professional as safety data are limited.
• Breastfeeding: discuss potential risks with a physician before use.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: use with caution and monitor organ function regularly.
• Concomitant medications: review all current drugs for possible interactions with alverine or simeticone.
• Age considerations: safety in children and the elderly has not been fully established.
• Store at ambient temperature: keep below 25 °C, in the original packaging, protected from moisture and light.

Meteospasmyl can interact with other medicines; awareness of major and moderate interactions helps avoid adverse outcomes.

Major Interactions (Avoid)

• Anticholinergic agents: may enhance antispasmodic effects leading to excessive smooth‑muscle relaxation.
• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs): risk of heightened gastrointestinal side effects.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely)

• Other antispasmodics: additive effect on smooth‑muscle tone may increase risk of constipation.
• Antacids containing aluminium or magnesium: may affect absorption of alverine, altering its efficacy.
• CYP450 substrates: alverine is metabolised by CYP3A4, potentially altering plasma levels of co‑administered drugs.
• Herbal preparations with anticholinergic properties: monitor for increased antispasmodic activity.