Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid
About
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is a combination medicine used to treat abdominal pain, muscle pain, migraine headache, functional bowel disorders, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), heavy bleeding during periods, renal colic pain, and pain after surgery. Pain is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, which can be painful and uncomfortable.
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is a combination of two drugs: Drotaverine (anti-spasmodic) and Mefenamic acid (NSAID). Drotaverine works by reducing calcium reuptake by the cells, thereby correcting the body's calcium levels and relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles. Mefenamic acid works by blocking the effect of chemical messengers that cause pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Together, Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid helps in relieving pain.
You are advised to take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side-effects such as gastrointestinal disturbances, feeling thirsty, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, dry mouth, rashes and itching. Most of these side-effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side-effects persistently.
Inform your doctor if you have/had asthma, peptic ulcers, porphyria, or bleeding problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid may cause dizziness, so drive with caution. Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid should not be given to children as safety and efficacy have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness; it might also increase stomach bleeding risk. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid
Medicinal Benefits
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is a combination of two drugs, namely: Drotaverine and Mefenamic acid. Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is used to treat abdominal pain, muscle pain, migraine headache, functional bowel disorders, dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps), heavy bleeding during periods, renal colic pain, and pain after surgery. Drotaverine is an antispasmodic that reduces calcium reuptake by the cells, thereby correcting the calcium levels in the body and relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles. Mefenamic acid is an NSAID which works by blocking the effect of a chemical messenger in the body, known as cyclo-oxygenase (COX) enzymes that make other chemical prostaglandins. Prostaglandins are produced at injury sites and cause pain and swelling. By blocking COX enzymes' effect, lesser prostaglandins are produced, which reduces mild to moderate pain and inflammation at the injured or damaged site. Together, Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid helps in relieving pain.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid
- Gastrointestinal disturbances
- Feeling thirsty
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Dry mouth
- Rashes
- Itching
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid if you are allergic to any of its contents. Inform your doctor if you have severe heart failure, or have suffered bleeding problems such as bleeding from the stomach or bowels while taking any painkillers. If you have had any recent heart surgery, do not take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid unless prescribed by the doctor, as Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Inform your doctor if you have/had asthma, peptic ulcers, porphyria, bleeding problems, liver or kidney impairment. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid should not be given to children as safety has not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol as it could lead to increased drowsiness and may increase the risk of stomach bleeding. Stop taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid and consult your doctor immediately if you have stomach pain or any signs of bleeding in the intestine or stomach, such as blood in stools. Do not take any other NSAIDs for pain relief along with Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid unless prescribed.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid may interact with pain killers (aspirin, ibuprofen, celecoxib), anticoagulants (warfarin), anti-Parkinson's (levodopa), immunosuppressants (cyclosporine, tacrolimus), anti-gout (probenecid), anti-depressant (duloxetine, lithium, fluoxetine, sertraline), cardiac glycosides (digoxin), anti-rheumatoid (methotrexate), anti-HIV (zidovudine), and antiprogestational steroids (mifepristone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption while taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid as it might cause increased dizziness and risk of stomach bleeding.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have peptic ulcers, bleeding disorders, low blood pressure, diabetes, Crohn's disease, inflammatory bowel disease, heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid as it may cause increased drowsiness. It can also increase the risk of stomach bleeding.
Pregnancy
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you are pregnant or if you have any concerns regarding this; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionConsult your doctor before taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid if you are breastfeeding. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Driving
cautionDrotaverine+mefenamic Acid may cause drowsiness. Drive or operate machinery only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Kidney
cautionPlease consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Children
unsafeDrotaverine+mefenamic Acid should not be given to children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
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 at least 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
Pain: It is a symptom triggered by the nervous system, causing uncomfortable sensations in the body. Pain may be dull or sharp; it might be constant or may come and go. The common causes of pain include headache, muscle strain, cramps, cuts, bone fractures, arthritis, and stomach ache. Muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary contractions of the muscle, 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.
FAQs
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid contains Drotaverine and Mefenamic acid. Drotaverine works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the abdomen. Mefenamic acid works by blocking the action of certain chemical messengers that cause pain.
Diarrhoea might be a side-effect of Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid. Drink enough fluids and eat non-spicy food if you experience diarrhoea. Consult your doctor if you experience severe diarrhoea or if you find blood in your stools.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid. 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.
Do not take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid for longer durations as it might increase the risk of heart problems and stomach bleeding. Take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid only for as long as your doctor has prescribed it.
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is generally prescribed for short durations and can be discontinued after pain relief. However, you are advised to continue taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid for as long as your doctor has prescribed. Do not be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid.
Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid is used to treat dysmenorrhea (period pain), pain due to heavy bleeding during periods, and menstrual cramps. Take Drotaverine+mefenamic Acid only as prescribed, and do not overdose.
