Colpermin IBS Relief Capsules
Sustained-release peppermint oil 0.2ml capsules for the symptoms of IBS — cramping, bloating and wind.
- Releases in the colon, not the stomach, where the spasm happens
- Natural antispasmodic — relaxes bowel muscle
- One capsule three times a day, swallowed whole
- Adults and children over 15
- Contains arachis (peanut) oil — not for peanut or soya allergy
£6.89 – £26.00
Colpermin IBS Relief capsules contain peppermint oil 0.2ml in a special sustained-release coating. That coating is the whole point: it carries the peppermint oil past the stomach so it is released in the colon, where the cramping happens, rather than being absorbed too early.
What Colpermin is used for
Colpermin is licensed for the relief of the symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) — principally the abdominal cramping, spasm, bloating and wind that come with it. Peppermint oil is an antispasmodic: it relaxes the smooth muscle of the bowel wall, which eases the painful contractions that drive IBS discomfort.
It treats the symptoms, not the underlying condition. IBS is usually managed long term with a combination of diet, stress management and symptomatic treatment.
How to take Colpermin
- Adults and children over 15: one capsule three times a day.
- For more severe discomfort this may be increased to two capsules three times a day.
- Continue for up to one to two weeks, or until symptoms settle.
Two rules matter more than most people realise:
- Swallow the capsules whole — never chew or break them. Breaking the capsule destroys the coating, releases the peppermint oil in the stomach, and the usual result is heartburn rather than relief.
- Do not take them immediately after food. A full stomach can cause the capsule to release its contents too early. Taking them between meals, on a relatively empty stomach, is the sensible approach.
Avoid taking indigestion remedies (antacids) at the same time as Colpermin, for the same reason — they change stomach acidity and can make the coating dissolve early. Leave a gap between the two.
Who should not take Colpermin
Colpermin capsules contain arachis (peanut) oil. Do not take them if you are allergic to peanuts or soya. This is the single most important check before buying.
Also avoid Colpermin if you are allergic to peppermint oil or any other ingredient. If you already suffer from heartburn or reflux, be aware that peppermint oil can make it worse — stop if it does.
Colpermin is not recommended in pregnancy unless a doctor judges the benefit outweighs the risk, and it is not known whether it passes into breast milk. There is no experience of its use in children under 15.
When to see a doctor rather than self-treat
IBS should be diagnosed by a doctor before you self-treat. Speak to your GP first, and do not simply rely on Colpermin, if you have any of the following:
- You are over 40 and your usual symptoms have changed or come back after a gap
- Blood in your stool
- Vomiting, fever, or unexplained weight loss
- Severe constipation, or pallor and tiredness suggesting anaemia
- Symptoms that have not improved after two weeks, or that are getting worse
These features are not typical of IBS and need proper assessment.
Managing IBS alongside Colpermin
Antispasmodics work best as part of a wider approach. Regular meals, adequate fluid, limiting caffeine and alcohol, and identifying trigger foods all help. If cramping is your main problem you may also want to consider Buscopan IBS Relief, which works differently — it blocks the nerve signals that trigger the spasm. If diarrhoea is the dominant symptom, Imodium Plus targets that instead. You can browse the full range on our stomach and bowel page, and our pharmacist is happy to advise on which is the better fit.
Always read the label and the patient information leaflet before use.
Medically reviewed by Hassan Khan, MPharm, Independent Prescriber — Superintendent Pharmacist, Bury Healthcare Online (GPhC-registered pharmacy 1126145). Last reviewed: July 2026.
Colpermin: frequently asked questions
How long does Colpermin take to work?
Many people notice an easing of cramping within a few hours of the first few doses, because peppermint oil relaxes bowel muscle fairly quickly once released. For the fuller benefit, give it a week or two of regular dosing. If there is no improvement after two weeks, or symptoms are worsening, stop and speak to your doctor.
Can you take Colpermin before bed?
Yes. There is no restriction on taking a dose in the evening, and if your cramping is worse at night it makes sense to. The one caution is reflux: lying down soon after a dose can make heartburn more likely, so try to take it a while before you lie flat, and not straight after your evening meal.
What happens if you take Colpermin after food?
The capsule’s coating is designed to survive the stomach and release peppermint oil further down in the colon. Taking it immediately after eating can cause it to release too early, so you get heartburn and a peppermint taste instead of the antispasmodic effect where you need it. Take the capsules between meals rather than straight after them.
Does Colpermin make you poo?
It is not a laxative and is not intended to make you open your bowels. Colpermin relaxes bowel spasm, so if your IBS involves cramping and difficulty passing stool, easing the spasm can make things move more comfortably. If constipation is your main problem, Colpermin is not the right treatment on its own — ask our pharmacist.
Can I chew or open Colpermin capsules?
No. Swallow them whole with water. Chewing or breaking a capsule destroys the coating that carries the peppermint oil to the colon, which both removes the benefit and commonly causes heartburn and belching.
Can I take Colpermin if I have a peanut allergy?
No. Colpermin capsules contain arachis (peanut) oil, so they must be avoided by anyone allergic to peanuts or soya. Speak to our pharmacist about an alternative antispasmodic that does not contain arachis oil.
How many Colpermin can I take a day?
The usual dose is one capsule three times daily. If discomfort is severe this can be increased to two capsules three times daily — a maximum of six capsules in 24 hours. Do not exceed that, and do not continue beyond two weeks without medical advice.
Can I take Colpermin with indigestion tablets?
Not at the same time. Antacids and other indigestion remedies change the acidity in your stomach, which can make the capsule coating break down early. Leave a good gap between taking an antacid and taking Colpermin.
Can you take Colpermin in pregnancy?
It is not recommended during pregnancy unless a doctor decides the benefit outweighs the possible risk, and it is not known whether peppermint oil passes into breast milk. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, speak to your midwife, GP or our pharmacist before taking it.
Is Colpermin the same as peppermint tea or peppermint capsules?
No. Colpermin is a licensed medicine with a measured 0.2ml dose of peppermint oil in a sustained-release capsule designed to release in the colon. Peppermint tea and unlicensed peppermint supplements deliver an uncontrolled dose in the stomach, which is why they do not have the same evidence behind them for IBS.
