September 2026. Volume 22. Number 3

When the labelling effect exceeds that of the drug (mebeverine) in functional gastrointestinal disorders

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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AVC | Critically appraised articles

Rexwinkel R, Vermeijden NK, Zeevenhooven J, Kelder J, Groeneweg M, Hummel T, et al. Mebeverine and the Influence of Labeling in Adolescents With Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Functional Abdominal Pain Not Otherwise Specified: A 2 × 2 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology. 2025;169:94-103.

Reviewers: Balado Insunza MN1, Llerena Santa Cruz E2.
1Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro. Vigo. Pontevedra. España.
2Pediatra. CAP La Torrassa. L´Hospitalet de Llobregat. Barcelona. Hospital Joan XXIII. Tarragona. España.
Correspondence: María de las Nieves Balado Insunza. Email: nbalins@gmail.com
Reception date: 08/06/2026
Acceptance date: 19/06/2026
Publication date: 08/07/2026

Abstract

Authors´ conclusions: mebeverine was ineffective in treatment of pediatric irritable bowel syndrome and functional abdominal pain not otherwise specified. However, a positive drug label significantly enhanced treatment outcomes compared with a blinded trial label.

Reviewers´ commentary: mebeverine did not show efficacy compared to placebo in functional abdominal pain in adolescents, whereas positive labelling did produce a clinically relevant effect. These results are applicable to pediatric practice and reinforce the importance of expectations and therapeutic communication in the management of functional abdominal pain.

How to cite this article

Balado Insunza MN, Llerena Santa Cruz E. Cuando el efecto del etiquetado supera al del fármaco (mebeverina) en el trastorno gastrointestinal funcional. Evid Pediatr. 2026;22:24.

AVC | Critically appraised articles

Rexwinkel R, Vermeijden NK, Zeevenhooven J, Kelder J, Groeneweg M, Hummel T, et al. Mebeverine and the Influence of Labeling in Adolescents With Irritable Bowel Syndrome or Functional Abdominal Pain Not Otherwise Specified: A 2 × 2 Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial. Gastroenterology. 2025;169:94-103.

Reviewers: Balado Insunza MN1, Llerena Santa Cruz E2.
1Servicio de Pediatría. Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro. Vigo. Pontevedra. España.
2Pediatra. CAP La Torrassa. L´Hospitalet de Llobregat. Barcelona. Hospital Joan XXIII. Tarragona. España.
Correspondence: María de las Nieves Balado Insunza. Email: nbalins@gmail.com
Reception date: 08/06/2026
Acceptance date: 19/06/2026
Publication date: 08/07/2026

How to cite this article

Balado Insunza MN, Llerena Santa Cruz E. Cuando el efecto del etiquetado supera al del fármaco (mebeverina) en el trastorno gastrointestinal funcional. Evid Pediatr. 2026;22:24.

08/07/2026

Linked Comment

Methodological note