trimebutine

General

Canada-Approved Medicine

This monograph describes a medication approved for use in Canada by the Therapeutic Products Directorate, a division of Health Canada’s Health Products and Food Branch. The medication is not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration; however, a similar formulation carrying a different generic or brand name might be available in the US.

Pronunciation:
try-meh-boo-teen

Trade Name(s)

  • Modulon Canadian Trade name

Ther. Class.

lower gastrointestinal tract motility regulators

spasmolytics

Indications

  • Symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
  • Treatment of postoperative paralytic ileus.

Action

Acts as a spasmolytic.

Therapeutic Effect(s):

  • ↓ symptoms of IBS.
  • Resumption of intestinal transit following abdominal surgical procedures.

Pharmacokinetics

Absorption: Rapidly absorbed following oral administration.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism and Excretion: Extensively metabolized, <2.4% excreted unchanged in urine.

Half-life: 2.7–3.1 hr.

TIME/ACTION PROFILE (symptom relief)

ROUTEONSETPEAKDURATION
POwithin 3 days–2 wk1 hr (blood level)>1 wk (following discontinuation)

Contraindication/Precautions

Contraindicated in:

  • Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

  • OB:  Not recommended for use;
  • Pedi:   Children <12 yr (safety and effectiveness not established).

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

CNS: dizziness, drowsiness, fatigue, headache

GI: diarrhea, dry mouth, dysguesia, dyspepsia, epigastric pain, nausea

Derm: hot/cold sensation, rash

* CAPITALS indicate life-threatening.
Underline indicate most frequent.

Interactions

Drug-Drug

None known

Route/Dosage

PO (Adults): 200 mg 3 times daily.

Availability

Tablets: 100 mg, 200 mg

Assessment

  • Assess for symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (cramping, constipation and diarrhea, mucus in stools).
  • Assess for abdominal distention and assess bowel sounds.
  • Monitor intake and output and record.

Potential Diagnoses

Implementation

  • PO Administer three times daily before meals.

Patient/Family Teaching

  • Instruct patient to take trimebutine as directed.
  • Advise female patient to inform health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breast feeding.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

Decrease signs and symptoms of irritable bowel disease.