What is Drotaverine?
Drotaverine (also known as Drotaverine) is an antispasmodic drug similar to papaverine in structure. The medication relieves pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome, headache, and menstrual periods and is also used to relieve cervical spasms during labor.
Drotaverine, derived from benzylisoquinoline, is a synthetic pharmaceutical classified within the hydroisoquinolone drug class. Primarily composed of drotaverine, a benzylisoquinoline derivative, it acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE4).
Uses of Drotaverine:
- Treating twitches or spasms of smooth muscles in the stomach and heart.
- Alleviating pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
- Relieving headaches.
- Easing menstrual period pain.
- Reducing cervical spasms during childbirth.
- Managing stomach pain.
- Addressing chest pain.
- Assisting in the treatment of gallstones.
- Alleviating kidney pain.
- Relieving renal colic pain.
It is essential to inform your doctor about any medications you're taking before starting Drotaverine, as it may interact with certain drugs.
Secure your health with a second opinion. Make informed decisions and book your appointment today!
Get A Second OpinionDrotaverine Side Effects
Some of the common and severe side effects of Drotaverine are:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Change in pulse rate
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Difficulty in breathing
- Skin allergic
- Swelling of face, lips, eyelids and tongue
- Fall in Blood pressure
- Vertigo
- Constipation
- Sleep disorders
- Dermatitis
Precautions to Follow
- Inform your doctor if you are allergic to Drotaverine or any other medications.
- Some inactive ingredients in the product may cause severe allergic reactions.
- Discuss with your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease
- Use caution in patients with genetic disorders of the skin and blood.
- Avoid Drotaverine if you're experiencing allergic reactions or if you're pregnant or breastfeeding.
How to take Drotaverine?
- Available as oral medication.
- Take it with or without food.
- For adults: 40-80 mg three times a day (dosage may vary).
- For children (1-6 years): 20 mg three to four times daily.
- For children (over six years): Start with a 40 mg dosage.
- Helps restore the balance of cyclic AMP and calcium ions in smooth muscles.
- Inhibits phosphodiesterase-IV enzymes.
Missed Dose:
- Skipping one or two doses of Drotaverine poses no harm.
- However, timely intake is crucial for effectiveness.
- Consult your doctor for advice on missed doses; take it as soon as possible if recommended.
Overdose:
- Consult a doctor immediately if an overdose occurs.
- Symptoms may include restlessness, confusion, and dizziness.
- Severe cases may require gastric lavage.
Warnings for Serious Health Conditions:
Liver Disease:
- Use with caution in patients with liver function impairment.
- Adjustments in dosage and safety monitoring are advised, especially in severe impairment.
Pregnancy:
- Avoid unless benefits outweigh risks.
- Consult your doctor before use.
Breastfeeding:
- Not recommended due to potential adverse effects on the baby.
- Consult your doctor regarding risks associated with use during breastfeeding
Storage of Drotaverine :
-
Protect from heat, air, and light to prevent damage.
Keep it in a safe place, out of children’s reach.
Store at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Drotaverine vs Dicyclomine
| Drotaverine | Dicyclomine |
|---|---|
| Drotaverine (INN, also known as drotaverine) is an antispasmodic drug similar to papaverine in structure. Drotaverine is a phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor that has no anticholinergic properties. | Dicyclomine oral tablet is a prescription medicine. It's available as a brand-name Bentyl drug. |
| Drotaverine is an important treatment for twitches or spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach and heart. | Dicyclomine is used to treat symptoms such as stomach spasms caused by intestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome. |
Some of the common and serious side effects of Drotaverine are:
|
Some of the common and serious side effects of Dicyclomine are:
|
Ready to take control of your health journey? Book your appointment now and start your path towards wellness today!
Book an AppointmentFrequently Asked Questions
Drotaverine is an important treatment for twitches or spasms of the smooth muscles of the stomach and heart. It relieves pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome, headaches, menstrual periods, and cervical spasm throughout childbirth.
Drotaverine inhibits PDE4 in smooth muscle cells, rendering it a spasmolytic agent. Drotaverine inhibits phosphodiesterases that hydrolyze cAMP, resulting in an increase in cAMP concentration, a decrease in cell Ca uptake, and a shift in calcium distribution among cells.
Drotaverine can be taken with or without food but it’s better to take at the same time every day for better results.
Drotin DS Tablets contain Drotaverine, a pain reliever that helps with spasms. It's used to treat stomach and pelvic pain, as well as cramps, spasms, and menstrual distress.
Drotaverine is given in pregnancy to shorten the active period of labor by hastening cervical dilatation, particularly in multigravida.
