How does Kolanticon work?
Kolanticon targets multiple symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The four main active ingredients work on different symptoms associated with IBS at the same time. Together they provide a broad-spectrum approach to IBS management.
Reduces abdominal pain
Dicycloverine hydrochloride is an antispasmodic agent that tackles the abdominal pain, discomfort and cramping that many patients with IBS experience. Dicycloverine does this by helping the muscle walls of the stomach and intestines to relax. Some of the side effects of Kolanticon are due to these positive effects of dicycloverine.
Decreases excess wind
Simethicone, an antiflatulent agent, helps reduce the pressure caused by excess intestinal gas and thereby eases bloating and flatulence. Simethicone does this by increasing the size of bubbles of gas trapped inside the large bowel, which make them easier to escape and brings about rapid relief. Simethicone should not cause any significant side effects because it is not absorbed by the body.
Combats acid indigestion
Around one quarter to one half of all people with IBS are thought to experience heartburn, otherwise known as acid indigestion. Kolanticon contains two antacids, aluminium hydroxide and magnesium oxide, that help neutralise excess acid in the stomach. This in turn helps reduce the chest pain caused by acid rising up from the stomach and into the oesophagus and causing inflammation.
If used alone, aluminium hydroxide can cause mild constipation and magnesium oxide can cause mild diarrhoea. However, when used together in Kolanticon the effects of these two ingredients balance each other. This means that there should be no overall effect on constipation or diarrhoea as a result of these two ingredients.
Table comparing the main antispasmodic treatments given to sufferers of IBS
N.B. All of the above medications are anti-spasmodic and relieve abdominal discomfort by relaxing the smooth muscles in the gut; as a consequence this may also help to improve symptoms such as bloating and flatulence. Kolanticon is the only medication which directly targets excess wind using a separate active ingredient called Simeticone.