Drotaverine

Antispasmodic & Anticholinergic · Antispasmodic

Indications

Control and prevention of pain and dysfunction caused by smooth muscle spasm.

Dosage

INJECTION: Adults: 1-2 amp slowly by IV 1-3 time daily. Can also be administered intramuscularly and intra-arterially in peripheral arterial disease. Children: Not recommended. TABLET: Adults: Initially 80 mg followed by 40-80 mg three times daily. Children: Not recommended.

Adverse Effects

Constipation, transient bradycardia (followed by tachycardia, palpitation and arrhythmias), reduced bronchial secretions, urinary urgency and retention, dilatation of the pupils with loss of accommodation, photophobia, dry mouth, flushing and dryness of the skin. Side-effects that occur occasionally include confusion (particularly in the elderly), nausea, vomiting and giddiness. Very rarely, angle-closure glaucoma may occur.

Risk Factor (Pregnancy/Lactation)

Pregnancy: Contraindicated in pregnancy. Lactation: Caution advised or effect undetermined. Contraindications: Antimuscarinics are contra-indicated in Myasthaenia gravis (but may be used to decrease muscarinic side-effects of anticholinesterases), paralytic ileus, pyloric stenosis, toxic megacolon and prostatic enlargement. Precautions: Antimuscarinics should be used with caution in Down's syndrome, in children and in the elderly; they should also be used with caution in gastro-esophageal reflux disease, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, autonomic neuropathy, acute myocardial infarction, hypertension, conditions characterised by tachycardia (including hyperthyroidism, cardiac insufficiency, cardiac surgery), pyrexia and in individuals susceptible to angle-closure glaucoma.

Interactions

Amantadine, atenolol, digoxin, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants.

Advice to Patient

Take with or without meals.

Pharmacokinetics

Metabolism: Hepatic. Bioavailability: Highly variable (approx. 65%). Half-life elimination: 7-12 hrs. Time to peak, serum: 45-60 mins. Excretion: Urine (>50%). Bile (approx. 30%).

Brands with this active ingredient

Compiled by Healify Pharmacy from published drug references. How we compile it →

Always consult a pharmacist or doctor.