Drotaverine
About Drotaverine
Drotaverine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents used to reduce and relieve smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and gall bladder.
Drotaverine contains 'Drotaverine', which works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, and urinary tract. Thereby, helps in relieving pain.
In some cases, Drotaverine may cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, and vertigo (a spinning sensation). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Do not take Drotaverine if you are breastfeeding. Drotaverine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Avoid consuming alcohol with Drotaverine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Drotaverine
• Pain Relief: Drotaverine is commonly used to manage moderate to severe pain, including abdominal cramps and menstrual pain.
• Muscle Relaxation: Drotaverine helps relax smooth muscles, making it effective in relieving pain caused by muscle spasms.
• Gastrointestinal Disorders: Drotaverine provides relief from symptoms of gastrointestinal issues, such as cramping or spasms in the digestive tract.
• Menstrual Discomfort: Drotaverine is frequently prescribed to alleviate severe menstrual cramps, offering significant relief during menstruation for women experiencing intense period pain.
• Supportive Therapy: Drotaverine is often included in treatment plans that aim to reduce smooth muscle contractions, enhancing overall comfort during recovery or ongoing treatment.
Medicinal Benefits
Drotaverine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents. It is used to treat smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and gall bladder. Drotaverine works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the abdomen.
Directions for Use
- Drotaverine can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor.
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Swallow Drotaverine as a whole with a glass of water.
- Do not crush, break, or chew it.
Storage
Side Effects of Drotaverine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Drotaverine if you are allergic to any of its components. Inform your doctor if you have heart problems, liver or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor if you have low blood pressure or are taking levodopa. Consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Do not take Drotaverine if you are breastfeeding. Drotaverine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Drotaverine should not be given to children below one year as the safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Drotaverine as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inform your doctor if you are taking anti-Parkinson (levodopa), painkillers, anti-muscarinic drugs, or benzodiazepines.
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have porphyria, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Drotaverine as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
consult your doctorPlease consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended to use Drotaverine while breastfeeding as it may harm your infant. If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor before taking Drotaverine.
Driving
cautionDrotaverine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert after taking this medicine.
Liver
cautionDrotaverine is not recommended in patients with severe liver disease. If you have mild to moderate liver problems, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Kidney
cautionDrotaverine is not recommended in patients with severe kidney disease. If you have kidney problems, inform your doctor before taking this medicine.
Children
safe if prescribedDrotaverine can be given to children above 1 year if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps stretch muscles, making them less likely to spasm, tear, or sprain. Mild exercises, such as jogging and walking, are particularly helpful for muscle stretching.
- Massages can also be helpful.
- Avoid freezing and hot temperatures.
- Avoid wearing tight-fitting clothes; instead, wear loose garments.
- Rest well, and get plenty of sleep.
- To avoid developing pressure sores, change your position every two hours.
- Hot or cold therapy can help treat muscle spasms. Apply an ice pack or hot pack on the muscle for 15-20 minutes.
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Muscle spasms: Muscle spasms are sudden, involuntary muscle contractions which can be painful and uncomfortable. When the nerve impulses that control the muscle movements are damaged or interrupted, it could lead to muscle spasms. The common causes of abdominal spasms include muscle strain, fatigue, dehydration, gas, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, gastritis, and drug or alcohol use. Symptoms of abdominal muscle spasms include pain, swelling, bloating, changes in bowel habits, heartburn, nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation.
FAQs
Drotaverine is used to reduce and relieve smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, and gall bladder.
Drotaverine works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the abdomen.
Drotaverine may cause low blood pressure and should be taken with caution if you have hypotension. Consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you have low blood pressure. Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is advised while taking Drotaverine.
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Drotaverine for as long as prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Drotaverine.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Drotaverine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might stimulate saliva and prevent drying of the mouth.
Consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine along with levodopa, as Drotaverine may reduce the effects of levodopa, leading to worsening of tremors and rigidity.
Vertigo might be a side-effect of Drotaverine. Consult your doctor if you experience spinning sensations or loss of balance.
