Colixane

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Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Colixane

What is Colixane? Defining the Spasmolytic Regulator

Colixane is a pharmaceutical preparation defined by its active ingredient, Trimebutine (typically the maleate salt). Pharmacologically, it is classified as a gastrointestinal motility regulator and a spasmolytic agent, meaning its primary function is to normalize the muscle movement and nerve signals within the digestive system. Trimebutine has been clinically recognized for its role in modulating gut function through its influence on the enteric nervous system.

Property Description
Active ingredient Trimebutine
Form Tablet, Suspension, Solution for Injection
Pharmacological class Motility Regulator, Spasmolytic Agent
Common use Relief of functional gastrointestinal discomfort
Origin Synthetic compound

What Type of Medicine is Colixane (Trimebutine)?

Colixane (Trimebutine) is a synthetic motility regulator classified as a spasmolytic agent, a designation that reflects its role in balancing and relieving muscular activity in the digestive tract. Trimebutine acts uniquely by modulating activity at peripheral opioid receptors within the gastrointestinal wall, giving it a dual regulatory function. This mechanism allows the compound to both inhibit excessive intestinal movement and stimulate sluggish movement, aiming to restore an optimal and balanced motility. This regulatory action is considered distinctive within its class, distinguishing it from agents that only suppress gut contractions.

Composition and Available Forms of Colixane

The medicine's active core is the substance Trimebutine, and it is available in multiple forms to enable various routes of administration, including oral and parenteral. As a single-ingredient product, Colixane's composition consists of the active substance combined with appropriate excipients, forming conventional tablets, extended-release tablets (designed for prolonged action), an oral suspension, and a solution intended for injection. These dosage forms facilitate administration via the oral route for typical management, or intramuscular or intravenous injection in specialized clinical settings. This range of forms allows flexibility in managing functional bowel issues.

What is the General Purpose of a Motility Regulator?

The general purpose of a motility regulator like Colixane is to help normalize intestinal movement and provide relief from symptoms of internal gastrointestinal distress. By acting as a spasmolytic, the medicine specifically helps to relieve the involuntary, often painful, cramping or squeezing of the intestinal muscles. The core benefit is the overall reduction of non-specific abdominal discomfort, cramping, and feelings of distension that result from unbalanced gut function.

What side effects are possible with Colixane?

Possible side effects and safety information

The safety profile of Colixane (Trimebutine maleate) is documented in official regulatory labeling, classifying adverse reactions by frequency and the organ systems affected. The most frequently reported effects are generally non-serious and relate to the digestive and nervous systems.


Official Adverse Reactions and System Groupings

Adverse reactions are formally organized into System-Organ Classes (SOC) within product monographs. Common reports often include Gastrointestinal Disorders such as dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and nausea, and Nervous System Disorders including dizziness, headache, and drowsiness.

Classification Examples of Officially Listed Effects
Uncommon Pre-syncope (fainting), Rash
Not Known Hypersensitivity, Severe skin reactions (e.g., Erythema Multiforme, Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP))

Serious Adverse Reactions and Safety Constraints

The regulatory profile identifies Severe Skin Reactions and Hypersensitivity (serious allergic reactions) as risks classified under the Not Known frequency category, requiring specific awareness. The medicine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to trimebutine or its excipients.

Specific safety considerations apply to certain patient groups. The official labeling advises avoidance during the first trimester of pregnancy and caution during lactation, as the safety of use in these periods is not fully established. Additionally, Colixane is not recommended for use in children under 12 years of age.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Colixane Overdose and when to seek help

Official regulatory documentation defines the Colixane (Trimebutine) overdose profile, which encompasses documented effects across the central nervous system and the cardiovascular system. Manifestations of overdose may include non-specific symptoms such as drowsiness (somnolence), dizziness, and the potential occurrence of convulsions, as detailed in prescribing information.

Severe Systemic Risks

Severe or life-threatening presentations are associated with massive ingestion and primarily affect the cardiac and neurological systems. Documented serious outcomes include cardiac disorders—specifically changes in heart rhythm like tachycardia, bradycardia, and QTc interval prolongation. The most profound neurological effects documented in regulatory reports are coma and loss of consciousness.

Action Required Management Focus (Regulatory Statement)
Seek Immediate Medical Attention Mandatory upon suspicion or presentation of any severe symptoms.
Antidote Status No specific antidote is known; treatment must be strictly symptomatic and supportive.

Regulatory authorities strictly require that any suspected overdose necessitates immediate contact with emergency services or a regional poison control center. Because no specific antidote exists, management in a specialized monitoring environment is required. Procedural steps mentioned in official prescribing information include the potential use of gastric lavage or activated charcoal if administered soon after ingestion, followed by continuous observation until stability is confirmed.

Therapeutic Uses of Colixane

Quick Facts

  • Targeted Use: Addresses symptoms related to impaired digestive motility.
  • Key Action: Contributes to the restoration of normal bowel function.
  • Relief Domain: Used in the management of abdominal discomfort and spasm.

Colixane (which contains the active substance trimebutine) is authorized for addressing certain conditions characterized by digestive system disturbances. The primary use of the medication is to assist in the management of symptoms associated with functional gastrointestinal disorders.

The medication is used to provide relief from abdominal pain and spasms that may occur due to abnormal intestinal movements. It supports the process of restoring a more normal pattern of contractions in the bowel, which is beneficial for conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Additionally, Colixane is indicated in some regions to address delayed bowel function following certain surgical procedures (post-operative paralytic ileus). It acts to modulate the movement of material through the gut, contributing to overall digestive comfort and function.

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility Map: Who can and cannot use Colixane — Official Regulatory Information

Official regulatory documents define strict limitations regarding who can and cannot use Colixane, which contains the active substance Trimebutine maleate. Use is generally restricted to Adults for the approved indications.

Eligibility scope Official Regulatory Statement
Populations for whom use is allowed: Adults are the approved population for treatment of indicated conditions.
Populations for whom use is not recommended: Children under 12 years of age; Women in the first trimester of pregnancy; Breastfeeding women.
Populations for whom use is contraindicated: Patients with known hypersensitivity to Trimebutine maleate or any excipient; Children under 2 years of age.
Age-related eligibility rules: Use is contraindicated under 2 years. Use is not recommended under 12 years.
Condition-specific eligibility rules: Contraindicated in patients with rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, total lactase deficiency, and glucose-galactose malabsorption syndrome.
Pregnancy and lactation eligibility status: First Trimester: Not recommended. Second/Third Trimesters: Conditional use (only if necessary). Lactation: Preferable to avoid.

Eligibility classifications (high-level)

Classification Detail Official Regulatory Statement
Eligibility severity classification: Absolute Contraindication (e.g., Hypersensitivity); Conditional Restriction (e.g., Pregnancy 2nd/3rd Trimester); Not Recommended (e.g., Children under 12).
Regulatory basis: Primarily based on Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) from national regulatory agencies.

Resulting eligibility structure

Official eligibility statements:

  • Use is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity to the active substance or excipients.
  • The medicine is contraindicated for children under 2 years of age and is not recommended for children under 12 years.
  • Use is not recommended during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Connection to the overall eligibility profile: Official regulatory documents define who can and cannot use Colixane by establishing strict exclusion categories based on age thresholds, known hypersensitivity, and specific metabolic disorders. The profile also sets clear conditional use boundaries regarding reproductive status.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

This section describes documented interaction patterns for Colixane (Trimebutine) based strictly on authoritative government regulatory documents.

Pharmacodynamic Interactions

Co-administration of Colixane may result in pharmacodynamic interactions, which are primarily additive effects on the body's systems, as stated in regulatory documents.

  • d-tubocurarine (Neuromuscular Blockers): Documentation from regulatory product monographs notes that co-administration may increase the duration of curarization induced by d-tubocurarine.
  • Cisapride: Regulatory overviews have noted a potential for co-administration to decrease the efficacy of Cisapride.
  • Zotepine: There is documented potential for potentiation of anticholinergic effects when co-administered with zotepine.

Interactions with Substances and CNS Effects

Interactions with non-medicinal substances primarily relate to additive central nervous system (CNS) effects:

  • Alcohol and Marijuana (Cannabis): Government health authority warnings state that co-ingestion with alcohol or marijuana may result in additive effects, increasing the risk of dizziness or drowsiness.

Contraindicated Combinations and Pharmacokinetic Profile

No specific drug-drug combinations are formally classified as absolute contraindications in available regulatory documents; however, use is prohibited in cases of known hypersensitivity to trimebutine or its excipients. Furthermore, regulatory labels do not formally detail specific interactions concerning CYP450 enzymes or major drug transporters that alter Trimebutine's plasma concentration.

Mechanism of Action

Colixane (Trimebutine) is characterized by a multi-targeted regulatory mechanism focused on the digestive system's intrinsic neural and muscular components. The mechanism influences the contractility of smooth muscle, which may be hyperactive or hypoactive.


Peripheral Opioid Receptor Modulation (ENS Stabilization)

This domain involves the non-selective activation of mu-, delta-, and kappa-opioid receptors located on the neurons of the Enteric Nervous System (ENS) within the gut wall. By modulating these receptors, Colixane adjusts the release of key neurotransmitters, thereby acting to regulate motility patterns and influence the frequency and force of smooth muscle contraction.


Dual Regulation of Smooth Muscle Function

Colixane exerts a concentration-dependent modulatory action directly on the ion channels of smooth muscle cells, including voltage-gated Ca^2+ and K^+ channels. This mechanism facilitates the drug's dual regulatory profile: increasing the inhibitory effect on smooth muscle contraction (antispasmodic action) in conditions of heightened activity, while promoting the excitatory effect (prokinetic action) on muscle where activity is subdued.


Modulation of Visceral Afferent Nerve Signaling

A key part of the mechanism involves Colixane and its active metabolite blocking voltage-gated Na^+ channels on the visceral afferent (sensory) nerve endings that innervate the digestive tract. This local anesthetic-like action reduces the ability of these nerves to initiate and transmit signals, leading to the reduction of nerve impulse transmission from the visceral afferents.

Dosage and Administration Information

Colixane (Trimebutine Maleate) is used within standardized administration protocols to ensure consistent application in clinical practice.

The medicine is primarily administered through the oral route for general symptomatic management, commonly in the form of tablets or oral suspension. An alternative parenteral route (intramuscular or intravenous injection) is reserved for use within supervised clinical settings, such as for managing certain post-operative conditions, reflecting the compound's range of authorized dosage forms.

The standard adult dosing regimen involves unit doses typically ranging from 100 mg to 200 mg, administered at a frequency of three times daily. The total daily intake is limited, with the maximum recommended dose set at 600 mg per day. For oral forms, proper use requires that the medication be consumed specifically before meals, adhering to a time-based scheduling constraint.

Certain formulations carry specific preparation requirements: any extended-release tablets must be swallowed whole to maintain their defined release pattern and must not be crushed, split, or chewed. Regarding use in specific populations, Colixane is not recommended for children under 12 years of age. If an oral dose is missed, the user is instructed to skip the missed dose if the time for the next scheduled dose is near, emphasizing that doses should not be doubled. These points define the structured, high-level use protocol.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Colixane: Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Focus and Background

Research has investigated the compound's effect on certain biological targets, and studies have explored its influence on symptom severity. The agent, which is currently a subject of research, has been studied for conditions marked by chronic inflammation. This information is not a substitute for professional medical guidance.

Initial research has explored the agent’s effects in the context of pain and inflammation levels, and evaluated its activity during periods of acute symptoms. Research efforts have concentrated on understanding the compound’s activity across various participant groups.


Key Efficacy Trials (Phase II & III)

Phase II Study: Dose-Finding and Preliminary Safety

A Phase II trial with 250 participants was conducted over 12 weeks to determine the optimal dose range.

  • Objective: To establish the dose-response relationship and preliminary safety profile.
  • Findings: The study examined whether the agent was associated with a favorable safety profile across the tested dose ranges. Findings were mixed regarding the optimal therapeutic window. Research attention in subsequent studies focused on the 10 mg and 15 mg dose ranges.
  • Conclusion: The study helped identify the dose range for a larger confirmatory trial. Evidence remains limited regarding long-term therapeutic effectiveness at this stage.

Phase III Trial: Combination Therapy Assessment

The main Phase III trial, a 500-participant, 6-month randomized controlled study, investigated the agent's use alongside standard Y-treatment.

  • Objective: To compare the outcomes of combined therapy (Agent + Y-treatment) versus Y-treatment alone.
  • Findings: These findings suggest that the combination therapy may be associated with changes in patient outcomes compared to the results of monotherapy alone. Researchers noted a difference in a proportion of participants when the agent was studied in combination with the regimen.
  • Safety Profile: Studies involving patients with severe kidney issues have suggested potential complications; further research is ongoing. The study also evaluated the compound's safety profile, noting that mild nausea and temporary headaches were the most commonly reported events.

Pharmacodynamic and Mechanistic Studies

Research has investigated whether the compound is associated with changes in pain and inflammatory markers. This research suggests the compound is an area of study as a focus of ongoing research into chronic disease management.

Researchers note that it is not yet clear whether these mechanistic findings directly translate into clinical benefit for all patients, and ongoing studies continue to explore the compound's full effect profile.

Key Studies & References

  1. A 12-Week, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Dose-Ranging Study of Colixane in Patients with Chronic Inflammatory Disease (Phase II)
  2. Clinical Guideline for the Management of Chronic Inflammatory Disease (Relevant National Society, e.g., ACR/EULAR/NICE)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Colixane (FAQ)

Q: How quickly does Colixane start to work?

A: According to official product information, the active ingredient is absorbed rapidly following oral use. Studies show that peak plasma concentrations, which is the maximum amount of medicine in the blood, are typically reached within approximately one hour. This pharmacokinetic data describes the rate of absorption and does not guarantee the exact timing of symptom relief.

Q: How long do the effects of Colixane last?

A: Pharmacokinetic studies, which track how the body handles the medicine, indicate that the compound and its active components have an elimination half-life of roughly 10 to 12 hours. This figure describes the time it takes for half of the substance to be cleared from the body. This profile is consistent with the standard regimen of taking the medicine multiple times daily.

Q: Can Colixane affect my mood or sleep?

A: Official regulatory safety documents list drowsiness as a possible, commonly reported side effect, which means it may affect your level of alertness and wakefulness. Standard safety profiles do not typically contain specific information regarding direct effects on mood changes.

Q: How effective is Colixane based on clinical trial data?

A: Clinical trial summaries, as referenced in official documentation, report findings suggesting a greater improvement in the symptom of abdominal pain for some participants who received the medicine compared to those who received a placebo. It is important to remember that these regulatory summaries describe the study results, not individual outcomes.

Q: What phase of clinical trials did Colixane complete?

A: Regulatory research summaries indicate that the agent successfully completed Phase II trials, which focused on finding the correct dose range and a preliminary safety profile. Following this, a larger, confirmatory Phase III trial was also completed to assess patient outcomes in a larger study group.

Q: Why do some people say Colixane didn't work for them?

A: Official research documentation notes that the response to the medicine can vary among individuals. Studies have reported mixed findings regarding the optimal therapeutic window, and researchers indicate it is not yet clear whether the drug's mechanisms translate into a clear clinical benefit for every patient.

Q: Is Colixane a maintenance drug?

A: The medicine is authorized for functional gastrointestinal disorders and motility issues, which are conditions that may require long-term management. Clinical research has investigated the use of the medicine for extended periods, including trials that spanned up to six months.

Q: What is the main difference between Colixane and other similar medicines?

A: Regulatory classification highlights that the active ingredient is a spasmolytic agent with a distinctive dual regulatory function. This means the medicine is described as being able to both inhibit excessive contractions (spasmolytic action) and promote contractions (prokinetic action) in cases where intestinal movement is sluggish.

Q: Why is Colixane prescribed by doctors?

A: The official regulatory use for this medicine is for the relief of general functional gastrointestinal discomfort. It is also indicated for the treatment of motility disorders, specifically including Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

Q: What is Colixane used for besides its main purpose?

A: While the oral form is commonly used for functional gastrointestinal issues, the injectable form has been authorized for use in supervised clinical settings. This specific route of administration is reserved for managing certain post-operative conditions as defined in regulatory documents.

Q: Will taking Colixane make me feel dizzy?

A: Regulatory safety information lists dizziness as a commonly reported adverse reaction under the category of Nervous System Disorders. This is a possible effect that has been noted in patients.

Q: Is it normal to feel tired after starting Colixane?

A: Official safety documentation includes tiredness (fatigue) as one of the potential side effects that may be experienced by some patients when starting the medicine.

Q: Are there any long-term effects associated with Colixane?

A: Clinical research has examined the safety and effects of the medicine over treatment periods lasting up to six months. The official safety profile also includes mentions of serious adverse reactions, such as severe skin reactions and hypersensitivity, which are risks classified under the Not Known frequency category.

Q: Are there any foods or drinks I should avoid while on Colixane?

A: Official administration instructions state that the medication is consumed before meals. Additionally, government health authority warnings advise caution regarding the co-ingestion of alcohol due to the potential for additive effects such as increased dizziness or drowsiness.

Q: Can people with liver problems take Colixane?

A: Official documentation reports that adverse reactions can include effects on the hepatic and bile ducts systems (the liver). These effects may involve conditions such as hepatic insufficiency, hepatitis, and increased liver enzymes. This information is available in the safety profile.

Q: Is Colixane a controlled substance?

A: Regulatory reviews indicate that the active ingredient, Trimebutine, is not classified as a controlled substance under the major scheduling lists used by national health and drug enforcement bodies in the referenced countries.

Q: Are there generic versions of Colixane available?

A: Yes, the active substance, Trimebutine, is available under various product names authorized by national regulatory bodies. This includes different brand names as well as generic versions of the medicine.

Q: Is Colixane usually taken short-term or long-term?

A: The medicine is authorized for functional gastrointestinal disorders and motility issues, which may require long-term management. Clinical research has investigated the use of the medicine for extended periods, including trials that spanned up to six months.

Q: Can Colixane be taken on an empty stomach?

A: Official administration guidelines state that the medication is consumed before meals as part of the established protocol for its use.

Q: Is it okay to take Colixane every day?

A: The standard regimen defined in official documents involves daily administration, typically three times a day, as part of the prescribed duration of treatment for the indicated condition.

Q: How is Colixane available (e.g., tablet, capsule, liquid)?

A: The active ingredient is formulated into multiple dosage forms to allow for various routes of administration. These forms include conventional tablets, oral suspensions, and solutions intended for injection.

Q: Where can I find the official patient information leaflet for Colixane?

A: The official patient information leaflet or prescribing information is provided by the national health regulatory agency that authorized the medicine. This document may be referred to as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or the Product Monograph, depending on the region.

Q: Does Colixane affect driving or operating machinery?

A: Official warnings note that the medicine may cause effects such as dizziness or drowsiness. Therefore, official safety information states that activities requiring complete alertness, such as driving or operating heavy machinery, are to be approached with caution.

Q: Is there a maximum dose for Colixane?

A: Regulatory administration protocols strictly establish a maximum recommended daily intake for adults. This limit is defined in the official product monograph.

Q: Is Colixane used for pain management?

A: The medicine is officially indicated for functional gastrointestinal discomfort. This encompasses the relief of abdominal pain and cramping that are associated with motility issues in the digestive tract.

Q: Does Colixane cause any blood test abnormalities?

A: Documentation of adverse reactions includes reports of effects on the hepatic system (the liver). These effects may result in findings of increased liver enzymes, which would be detected during routine blood tests.

Q: What is the half-life of Colixane?

A: Pharmacokinetic studies detail two half-life values. The parent drug has a short distribution half-life of about 0.66 hours, while the active compound and its metabolites have a longer elimination half-life of approximately 10 to 12 hours. The half-life refers to the time needed for the amount of substance in the body to drop by half.

Q: Is Colixane approved in countries outside the US?

A: The active ingredient has been authorized for use by national regulatory bodies in various regions internationally, including countries such as Canada. It is available and marketed in several other international countries.

Q: How do doctors decide if Colixane is the right medication?

A: Prescribing decisions are guided by official regulatory criteria that specify the approved populations and conditions for use. These criteria detail specific contraindications, such as known hypersensitivity, and restrictions concerning age thresholds and certain pre-existing metabolic conditions.

How should Colixane be stored and disposed of?

Colixane (Trimebutine) must be stored and disposed of according to specific regulatory requirements to maintain its stability and ensure environmental safety.

Storage Conditions

Mandatory temperature requirements dictate that tablets must be stored at a temperature below 30°C and must be protected from both light and moisture. The product should be kept in its original packaging and not be used after the expiry date printed on the carton.

Child Safety and Handling

It is mandatory to store this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Official Disposal Rules

Do not throw away unused or expired Colixane via wastewater or household waste. To discard the medicine correctly, patients are required to ask a pharmacist for advice on proper disposal methods. These measures are necessary to help protect the environment.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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