Colpermin IBS

If you suffer from IBS symptoms like bloating, cramping, gas, and unpredictable bowel movements, you’ve probably come across Colpermin as a potential solution. Marketed as a peppermint oil capsule for IBS relief, Colpermin is often recommended for easing abdominal pain and cramping. But while it may provide temporary relief, is it really the best way to manage IBS in the long run?

Many people turn to over-the-counter IBS medications like Colpermin, Buscopan, or Colofac in the hope of controlling their symptoms. However, these treatments don’t address the root cause of IBS – they simply mask symptoms for a short period. For those looking for a long-term solution, tackling gut imbalances, food sensitivities, and lifestyle factors may be far more effective than relying on medication alone. If you would like to understand more how a nutritionist can help you, we offer a free 15-minute preliminary chat with an online nutritionist.

In this article, we’ll explore what Colpermin does, how it compares to other IBS treatments, and why it might not be the ideal solution for managing IBS long term. We’ll also discuss how working with a functional medicine practitioner or nutritionist can help you get to the root of your digestive issues, leading to more sustainable relief. If you have other family members with gut health symptoms, you may like to read our article Is IBS Hereditary?

What Is Colpermin and How Does It Work?

Colpermin is an over-the-counter IBS treatment that contains peppermint oil, a natural ingredient reputed for its ability to relax the muscles in the gut. It is designed to relieve abdominal pain and cramping, bloating, and digestive discomfort associated with IBS and other digestive issues. The capsules are enteric-coated, meaning they pass through the stomach without breaking down, allowing the peppermint oil to be released in the intestines, where it is most effective.

Peppermint oil has antispasmodic properties, meaning it helps reduce gut spasms and cramping, which are common in IBS. This can lead to temporary relief for those who experience bloating, trapped gas, and irregular bowel movements. However, while Colpermin can ease symptoms, it does not treat the root causes of IBS, meaning symptoms can return once the medication wears off.

Is Colpermin Any Good for IBS?

Colpermin is widely used by IBS sufferers because peppermint oil has been shown to relax the muscles in the gut, reduce bloating, and relieve cramping [1]. Some people find it helps ease discomfort during IBS flare-ups, especially those who experience pain and digestive spasms.

However, the effectiveness of Colpermin depends on the individual. Some users report significant symptom relief, while others find it only provides mild or short-term improvement. Because it doesn’t address underlying causes such as food intolerances, gut bacteria imbalances, or stress-related IBS triggers, it may not work for everyone.

In contrast to long-term gut health strategies like nutritional therapy, stress management, and microbiome support, Colpermin acts more like a temporary fix rather than a true treatment for IBS.

How Long Does Colpermin Take to Work?

Colpermin is designed to start working within a few hours after taking a dose, though the exact timing depends on individual digestion and metabolism. Some people notice an improvement in cramping and bloating within 30 minutes to 2 hours, while others may need to take it consistently for a few days before feeling significant relief.

The enteric coating on Colpermin capsules ensures that the peppermint oil is released in the intestines, rather than the stomach, which can delay its effects slightly compared to other IBS relief medications like Buscopan or Colofac.

While Colpermin may help relieve symptoms relatively quickly, it does not prevent future IBS flare-ups, meaning symptoms may return once the medication wears off.

Does Colpermin Make You Poop?

Colpermin does not function as a laxative, but because peppermint oil can relax the muscles in the gut, some people experience an increase in bowel movements after taking it. This is especially common in those with IBS-C (constipation-predominant IBS), as relaxing the intestinal muscles may encourage stool to pass more easily but does not directly stimulate bowel movements.

For others, Colpermin may not have any noticeable effect on bowel movements at all. If IBS symptoms are related to gut motility issues, bacterial imbalances, or food intolerances, Colpermin alone may not be enough to regulate digestion.

For those with IBS-C, Colpermin may provide mild relief from discomfort associated with constipation, but it is not an effective treatment for chronic constipation. Other approaches, such as increasing fibre intake, adjusting diet, and improving gut health, may be more effective in addressing long-term digestive health issues.

Colpermin vs Other IBS Treatments – How Does It Compare?

There are many IBS relief options available, from medications like Buscopan and Colofac to natural remedies such as Buscomint, Fybocalm, and Silicol Gel. While Colpermin is a popular choice due to its peppermint oil formula, its effectiveness depends on the type of IBS symptoms you experience. Below, we compare Colpermin to other common IBS treatments to see how it stacks up.

Which Is Better – Colpermin or Buscopan?

Colpermin and Buscopan are both designed to relieve IBS-related cramping and abdominal pain, but they work in different ways.

Colpermin contains peppermint oil, which relaxes the muscles in the gut and helps reduce bloating and trapped gas. It is best suited for mild to moderate IBS symptoms, especially for those who suffer from bloating and cramping.
Buscopan contains hyoscine butylbromide, an antispasmodic drug that directly reduces involuntary muscle contractions in the digestive tract. It tends to work more quickly than Colpermin and may be better for sudden, intense cramping and IBS flare-ups.

For those with frequent cramping and sharp abdominal pain, Buscopan may provide faster and stronger relief. However, it doesn’t help with bloating or trapped gas, which is where Colpermin may be more beneficial.

Comparing Colpermin to Other IBS Treatments: Buscomint, Colofac, and More

There are several IBS treatments on the market, each with different mechanisms of action. Here’s how Colpermin compares to other common options:

Buscomint – Like Colpermin, Buscomint contains peppermint oil and works in a similar way. Some users find it more effective, as it contains a higher concentration of peppermint oil than Colpermin.
Colofac (Mebeverine) – Colofac is another antispasmodic drug, but unlike Buscopan, it targets the gut muscles without affecting the nervous system. It is often recommended for chronic IBS symptoms, whereas Colpermin is typically used for milder, occasional relief.
Gaviscon Advance Aniseed – While Gaviscon is primarily used for acid reflux and indigestion, some IBS sufferers find it helps with gut discomfort and bloating caused by excess stomach acid. However, it does not address IBS symptoms like cramping or diarrhoea.

Overall, Colpermin is best suited for those experiencing bloating, gas, and mild cramping, while Buscopan and Colofac may be better choices for severe IBS spasms and persistent pain. Discuss which medicine is best suited to your needs with your GP or pharmacist, and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Natural Alternatives to Colpermin – Fybocalm, WindSetlers, and Silicol Gel

For those looking for natural IBS relief, several products claim to ease symptoms without the need for pharmaceutical medications. Here’s how they compare to Colpermin:

Fybocalm – Designed to support digestion and relieve bloating, Fybocalm contains a mix of natural fibres and plant extracts that help regulate bowel movements. Unlike Colpermin, which focuses on muscle relaxation, Fybocalm may be more beneficial for constipation-related IBS symptoms.
WindSetlers – These gel capsules are specifically formulated to reduce trapped wind and bloating by breaking down gas bubbles in the stomach. While they do not directly address IBS cramping, they can provide relief for those experiencing excess gas and discomfort.
Silicol Gel – A natural digestive aid that coats the stomach lining and soothes irritation. Some people with IBS find that it helps reduce bloating, stomach discomfort, and mild digestive distress, but it does not target cramping or spasms in the way Colpermin does.

If bloating and excess gas are the main issues, WindSetlers and Silicol Gel may be good alternatives. If IBS symptoms include both bloating and irregular bowel movements, Fybocalm may be a more holistic approach.

While Colpermin can provide temporary relief from IBS symptoms, it is not necessarily the best option for everyone. Buscopan and Colofac may be better suited for severe cramping, while natural remedies like Fybocalm and Silicol Gel may help with bloating and gut discomfort.

Colpermin IBS Relief Side Effects – What You Need to Know

While peppermint oil is generally considered safe, Colpermin can cause side effects, particularly for those with sensitive digestion or pre-existing gut conditions. Some of the most common side effects include:

Heartburn and acid reflux – The relaxing effect of peppermint oil on the gut can also relax the lower oesophageal sphincter, allowing stomach acid to rise and trigger heartburn or indigestion. This makes Colpermin a poor choice for those who already suffer from reflux or GERD.
Irritation of the stomach lining – In some cases, peppermint oil can cause irritation, nausea, or discomfort, particularly when taken on an empty stomach.
Increased bowel urgency – While Colpermin is not a laxative, it may speed up gut motility for some people, leading to looser stools or unexpected urgency.
Allergic reactions – Though rare, some people experience itching, rashes, or breathing difficulties due to an allergic reaction to peppermint oil.

These side effects highlight that Colpermin is not a one-size-fits-all solution for IBS and that long-term reliance on it may lead to new digestive issues rather than solving the existing ones.

Ultimately, treating IBS at the root cause – rather than just managing symptoms with over-the-counter medications – may offer a more sustainable, long-term solution. Working with a functional medicine practitioner or nutritionist can help uncover triggers like food intolerances, gut imbalances, and lifestyle factors, leading to a more personalised and effective approach to IBS management.

Addressing IBS at the Root Cause – A Better Approach

For many IBS sufferers, over-the-counter medications like Colpermin provide only temporary relief. While they may ease symptoms in the short term, they don’t address the underlying causes of IBS.

Instead of managing flare-ups as they happen, a more effective long-term approach is to identify and treat what’s actually triggering IBS symptoms. By working with a functional medicine practitioner and making targeted nutrition and lifestyle changes, it’s possible to achieve better digestive health without relying on medication.

How a Functional Medicine Practitioner Can Help IBS Sufferers

A functional medicine approach to IBS focuses on understanding why symptoms occur rather than just treating them when they appear. Instead of masking issues with medications, functional medicine practitioners take a root-cause approach by identifying triggers such as food intolerances, gut bacteria imbalances, or stress-related digestive dysfunction.

Through advanced gut health testing, a practitioner can assess factors such as:

Food sensitivities and intolerances
Gut microbiome imbalances, including small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO)
Digestive enzyme deficiencies
Chronic inflammation in the gut
The impact of stress and nervous system dysfunction on digestion

By getting a clearer picture of what’s driving IBS symptoms, functional medicine practitioners create personalised treatment plans that focus on healing the gut rather than just managing symptoms.

How Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes Can Reduce IBS Symptoms

One of the biggest factors in IBS is diet [2]. Certain foods trigger bloating, gas, and cramping, while others support gut health and digestion. Unlike medications that simply suppress symptoms, nutrition-based approaches help the digestive system function properly in the long term.

For many IBS sufferers, reducing or eliminating high-FODMAP foods can ease bloating and discomfort [3]. Keeping a food diary can also help identify specific intolerances, such as dairy, gluten, or artificial sweeteners, which may be contributing to symptoms.

Beyond diet, lifestyle changes play a significant role in IBS management. Stress is a major trigger for many people [4]. Techniques such as mindfulness, gut-directed hypnotherapy, and gentle movement like yoga can help regulate digestion by reducing gut sensitivity to stress. Sleep quality and hydration also impact gut function [5], making them important factors in an IBS management plan.

Why Treating Gut Imbalances Is More Effective Than Medication Alone

Many people with IBS have underlying gut imbalances that medications like Colpermin don’t address. Issues such as dysbiosis, where there is an overgrowth of harmful bacteria in the gut, can contribute to symptoms like bloating, diarrhoea, and cramping. Functional medicine practitioners use microbiome testing to identify imbalances and create treatment plans that focus on restoring gut health.

Supporting the gut microbiome through probiotics, prebiotics, and dietary adjustments can help regulate digestion naturally, reducing the need for symptom-based medications. For those with persistent symptoms, targeted treatments for SIBO or leaky gut may be needed to bring the digestive system back into balance.

Rather than relying on short-term fixes, addressing the root cause of IBS allows for long-term symptom relief, better digestion, and improved overall health. For those looking for a more sustainable approach, working with a specialist who understands gut health and functional medicine can provide lasting results.

Where to Get Expert Support for IBS Treatment

Managing IBS effectively often requires professional guidance, especially when symptoms persist despite dietary and lifestyle changes. A functional medicine practitioner, nutritionist, or gut health specialist can help uncover the root causes of IBS and create a plan tailored to each individual.

At IBS Clinics, our team of experts provides in-depth assessments, gut health testing, and personalised treatment plans designed to support long-term relief. Whether symptoms are driven by food intolerances, bacterial imbalances, or stress-related digestive dysfunction, our specialists can help identify solutions that go beyond medication.

For those looking for a lasting approach to IBS relief, expert support can provide the tools and knowledge needed to regain control of digestive health. If IBS is affecting your quality of life, seeking professional guidance may be the key to achieving long-term improvement.

Conclusion: Taking Control of IBS with the Right Approach

IBS can be frustrating, unpredictable, and disruptive to daily life. While medications like Colpermin may offer temporary relief from bloating and cramping, they don’t address the root causes of IBS. Relying on short-term fixes often leads to recurring symptoms, leaving many people stuck in a cycle of discomfort.

A more effective, long-term solution involves identifying personal triggers, improving gut health, and making targeted dietary and lifestyle changes. Addressing factors like food intolerances, gut microbiome imbalances, and stress-related digestive dysfunction can lead to lasting relief – without the need for ongoing medication.

At IBS Clinics, we take a personalised approach to IBS treatment, helping clients uncover the underlying causes of their symptoms. Our team of functional medicine practitioners and gut health specialists uses advanced diagnostic testing, tailored nutrition plans, and evidence-based strategies to provide real, sustainable results.

If you’re tired of managing IBS with short-term solutions and want a more effective, lasting approach, visit IBS Clinics to learn more or book a consultation today.

References

Chumpitazi et al. (2018) Review article: the physiological effects and safety of peppermint oil and its efficacy in irritable bowel syndrome and other functional disorders. Alimentary pharmacology & therapeutics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29372567/
Pasta et al. (2024) Food Intolerances, Food Allergies and IBS: Lights and Shadows. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38257158/
Altobelli et al. (2017) Low-FODMAP Diet Improves Irritable Bowel Syndrome Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28846594/
Qin et al. (2014) Impact of psychological stress on irritable bowel syndrome. World journal of gastroenterology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25339801/
Mandy Ferreira (2018) How to Reset Your Gut in 3 Days. healthline.com. https://www.healthline.com/health/digestive-health/3-day-gut-reset

Author – Tracey Randell

At IBS Clinics, Tracey Randell, a renowned Nutritional Therapist and one of the few IFM Certified Practitioners in the UK, extends her specialised knowledge and unique approach to managing and treating IBS and other gut-related conditions effectively.

Tracey’s profound understanding of Functional Medicine allows her to connect the dots for complex health conditions, identifying and addressing the root causes to curate personalised and comprehensive health plans for her patients. Her holistic approach focuses on resolving underlying imbalances and optimising gut health, enabling the body to correct other issues and attain overall well-being.

At IBS Clinics, we are dedicated to being your partner in navigating your gut-related health concerns, offering expert care and individualised treatment plans to alleviate your IBS symptoms and enhance your quality of life.

DISCLAIMER: The information provided in this article is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The products and methods mentioned are not a substitute for professional medical advice from a trained healthcare specialist. Always seek the guidance of your doctor or other qualified health professional with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. Use of the information and products discussed is at your own risk.