Trimebutine is an antispasmodic that is used to relieve abdominal pain and help restore normal bowel function in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome or paralytic ileus after abdominal surgery. Trimebutine is not an FDA approved medicine and is not available in the United States, but it is available in Canada, Mexico, France, and several other countries.

Trimebutine is pronounced try-meh-BYOU-teen. The brand name in Canada is Modulon.

How does trimebutine work?

Trimebutine regulates intestinal movement by acting on multiple targets in the digestive system. It activates mu-opioid receptors and triggers the release of gut hormones like motilin. It controls calcium flow into intestinal muscle cells which helps coordinate normal contractions while preventing painful spasms. This speeds up stomach emptying and improves coordinated gut movements, making it useful for treating digestive motility disorders.

Trimebutine belongs to the drug class called antimuscarinic antispasmodics. It may also be called a spasmolytic or a prokinetic agent.

Side effects

The most common side effects of trimebutine are:

• dry mouth
• heartburn
• nausea
• diarrhea or constipation
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• tiredness
• headache.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any serious side effects such as:

• difficulty urinating
• painful enlargement of the breast
• hearing trouble.

Serious allergic reactions to this drug are rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing.

The medication can cause dizziness or drowsiness, which alcohol or marijuana may make worse. Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Before taking

Before taking trimebutine, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions including if you:

• have any allergies to trimebutine or other medications
• have liver disease
• take any medications or supplements
• are pregnant or intending to become pregnant
• are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed.

Pregnancy

Trimebutine should not be used during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. If you become pregnant while taking it, contact your doctor immediately.

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Breastfeeding

The medication may pass into breast milk, so consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

How do I take trimebutine?

• Take trimebutine 3 times a day, before food.
• Use trimebutine regularly to get the most benefit from it.
• To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Trimebutine is rapidly absorbed and peak plasma concentration levels are reached within 1 hour. You should expect symptom relief within 1 hour.

What is the dose of trimebutine?

Dose of trimebutine for irritable bowel syndrome or paralytic ileus after abdominal surgery:

• 200 mg 3 times a day before food.
• Lower dosages of 100 mg 3 times a day may be used in some people.

Is trimebutine available in the U.S.?

Trimebutine is not FDA-approved and is not available in the United States. There is no equivalent of trimebutine in the U.S..

Other antispasmodics available in the U.S. include peppermint oil, hyoscyamine, and dicyclomine.

What countries is trimebutine available in?

Trimebutine is available in Canada and the following other countries:

• Argentina
• Bangladesh
• Brazil
• Canada
• Chile
• China
• Colombia
• Egypt
• France
• Georgia
• Greece
• Hong Kong
• India
• Lebanon
• Mexico
• Pakistan
• Paraguay
• Philippines
• Poland
• Portugal
• Romania
• Singapore.

What are some brand names for trimebutine?

Brand names for trimebutine include:

• Antinime
• Cineprac
• Colixane
• Colospasmyl
• Colypan
• Crolipsa
• Debricol
• Debridat
• Eumotil
• Eumotrix
• Eutransil
• Fastpep
• Foldox
• Garapepsin
• Gismotal
• Ibutin
• Ircolon
• Libertrim
• Miopropan
• Modulon
• Newbutin SR
• Orudis
• Tempas
• Tidomel
• Timotor
• Trimesher
• Trimotil
• Trimspa
• Yuan Sheng Li Wei.

Synonyms of trimebutine include:

• Trimebutinum (Latin)
• Trimebutin (German)
• Trimébutine (French)
• Trimebutina (Spanish).

References

• Trimebutine. DrugBank. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09089
• Delvaux, M., & Wingate, D. (1997). Trimebutine: mechanism of action, effects on gastrointestinal function, and clinical results. The Journal of international medical research, 25(5), 225–246. https://doi.org/10.1177/030006059702500501
• Trimebutine MedBroadcast https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/trimebutine
• Trimebutine My Health.Alberta.ca https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/medications/Pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=fdb8090#fdb8090-03
• Trimebutine Maleate and Pinaverium Bromide for Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A Review of the Clinical Effectiveness, Safety and Guidelines [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2015 Nov 30. SUMMARY OF EVIDENCE. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK350048/

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