Drotaverine
About
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 (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 for pregnancy. 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
Medicinal Benefits
Drotaverine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents. Drotaverine 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
Storage
Side Effects of Drotaverine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
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: Drotaverine may interact with anti-Parkinson (levodopa), painkillers, anti-muscarinic drugs, and 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
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended to use Drotaverine while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDrotaverine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor before taking Drotaverine if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
safe if prescribedDrotaverine can be given to children above 1year if prescribed by the doctor.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching so that they are less likely to spasm, tear and sprain. Mild exercises such as jogging and walking are 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 15-20minutes.
- Stay hydrated, drink plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Muscle spasms: Muscle spasm is the 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 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.
