Drotaverine

Drotaverine – Full Introduction

Drotaverine is a smooth muscle antispasmodic drug used to relieve spasmodic pain associated with the gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and gynecological systems. It is a non-anticholinergic agent and is commonly prescribed for colicky pain and menstrual cramps.

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Drug Class

• Antispasmodic

• Phosphodiesterase (PDE-4) inhibitor

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Mechanism of Action

Drotaverine works by:

• Inhibiting phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4)

• Increasing intracellular cAMP levels

• Reducing calcium influx into smooth muscle cells

• Causing relaxation of smooth muscle

Unlike anticholinergic antispasmodics, drotaverine does not block muscarinic receptors, so it has fewer anticholinergic side effects.

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Therapeutic Uses

• Abdominal colic

• Intestinal spasms

• Biliary colic

• Renal colic

• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual pain)

• Spasm-related pain in GI and genitourinary disorders

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Benefits

• Effective relief of spasmodic pain

• No significant anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision)

• Can be safely combined with analgesics like paracetamol or NSAIDs

• Suitable for short-term use

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Common Side Effects

• Nausea

• Dizziness

• Headache

• Flushing

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Serious but Rare Side Effects

• Hypotension

• Palpitations

• Allergic reactions

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Contraindications & Precautions

• Severe hepatic, renal, or cardiac disease

• Hypersensitivity to drotaverine

• Use cautiously in hypotensive patients

• Limited data in pregnancy (use only if prescribed)

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Dosage & Administration

• Adults: 40–80 mg, 2–3 times daily

• Children: Dose adjusted according to age and weight

• Available forms: tablet, injection

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Conclusion

Drotaverine is a safe and effective antispasmodic for treating pain caused by smooth muscle spasms. Its non-anticholinergic nature makes it better tolerated than traditional antispasmodics, especially for gastrointestinal and gynecological conditions.