According to the pharmacological effect, the drug Buscopan belongs to the group of M-anticholinergics, and their use is associated with an antispasmodic effect. The list of indications for this medicine is quite extensive, due to its versatility and relative safety. What is Buscopan used for and what is its effect associated with? What can replace this drug with?
Release form
The medicine can be purchased in the form of two variations: tablets and candles. The first form is used for oral administration, after which the active substance is absorbed into the bloodstream in the digestive tract and then exerts its effect on the receptors. Suppositories (or suppositories) are administered rectally. This ensures rapid absorption into an extensive network of blood vessels located in the rectum - the effect occurs faster than when taking pills. Price - 320-340 rubles.
How to explain the effect?
The active substance is hyoscine butyl bromide, it refers to anticholinergic blockers, that is, it suppresses the function of M-cholinergic receptors that are located on the postsynaptic membrane. As a result of binding to them, the ability of smooth muscle cells to contract is reduced, due to which an antispasmodic effect is observed. This allows you to use the medicine for a number of pathologies. An additional effect is a decrease in the secretion of glands, which occurs due to the effect of the drug on the smooth muscle cells of their ducts. There is no anticholinergic effect on the central nervous system, since the drug is a quaternary ammonium product that is not able to penetrate the blood-brain barrier. This is distinguished by "Buscopan" - analogues have a different mechanism of action.
Indications
The drug is recommended for use in pathological conditions, accompanied by spasm of smooth muscles. Among these diseases and syndromes:
- colic (intestinal, renal, biliary);
- cholecystitis;
- dyskinesia of the biliary tract, as well as the gallbladder itself;
- pylorospasm;
- exacerbation of peptic ulcer (as a component of complex treatment).
Often, doctors prescribe Buscopan tablets (analogues will help replace the medicine).
Side effects
An additional effect of the drug is associated with the effect on receptors of other anatomical formations. On the part of the sensory organs, paralysis of accommodation, expansion of the pupils (this is manifested by photophobia), as well as an increase in intraocular pressure, are observed. The tone is reduced not only of target organs, but also of others, including the bronchi expand. An unusual effect on cardiomyocytes - taking drugs of this group provokes tachycardia. In connection with a decrease in the activity of the glands, dryness of the skin and mucous membranes, including xerostomia, is observed. Frequent constipation and urinary retention.
Contraindications
Additional effects are the cause of several contraindications. These include:
- intolerance to components;
- angle-closure glaucoma;
- tachycardia;
- prostatic hyperplasia;
- pronounced xerostomia;
- pulmonary edema;
- myasthenia gravis;
- age to 6 years.
Buscopan: instructions for use
Analogs have their own characteristics and can be used in another way. Buscopan tablets are taken orally 3 times a day, washed down with plenty of water. Suppositories are injected with a pointed end into the rectum. A single dose is determined by the attending physician and depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. Typically, 1 or 2 tablets / suppositories are prescribed.
Buscopan: analogues
At the moment, there are a large number of drugs with antispasmodic action. Each of them has its own characteristics, which should be familiarized with before taking. Often there is no way to use Buscopan tablets and suppositories. Analogs can only be used after consulting a doctor.
"Spazmolitin"
The drug is actively used in gastroenterology, providing an antispasmodic effect. It is used mainly for colic. Also among additional indications: angina pectoris, sciatica, migraine and neuritis. The active substance of the drug is adifenin. It is able to block not only muscarinic (M), but also nicotine receptors, that is, it is a non-selective anticholinergic. This property expands the list of side effects. In addition, "Spazmolitin" has a pronounced effect on the central nervous system, which makes it absolutely contraindicated in glaucoma. The dosage should be adjusted by the attending physician. As a rule, 0.05-0.1 g is prescribed 3-4 times a day. Cases of overdose were recorded quite rarely and were noted by symptoms such as nausea, dizziness and headache. Due to the pronounced effect on the central nervous system, one should refrain from driving and engaging in any work that requires concentration during the period of taking the drug. An alternative is drugs that do not affect the central nervous system. For example, the famous analogue described above is Buscopan. Currently, the drug is rarely used, selective blockers are preferred.
Halidor
The basis of antispasmodics is benzyl fumarate. The drug is available in the form of tablets and a solution for injection. The advantage of the second form is the highest bioavailability. The medicine penetrates immediately into the bloodstream, due to which the antispasmodic effect occurs in the shortest possible time. In addition to reducing the tone of smooth muscle organs, there is an expansion of blood vessels. This is associated with the ability to block calcium channels, as well as with antiserotonin action. The spectrum of application of the Halidor is higher than the analog of Buscopan differs from it. This drug as an antispasmodic is used for gastrointestinal and urological diseases, accompanied by spasm of smooth muscles. The vasodilating effect allows its use in diseases of peripheral vessels - spasm, obliteration. Also, "Halidor" is often used for cerebral ischemia. The medicine has the following contraindications:
- hypersensitivity to the components;
- severe renal, respiratory or liver failure;
- epilepsy;
- recent hemorrhagic stroke;
- pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- age up to 18 years;
- severe cardiac pathologies (acute heart attack, insufficiency in the stage of decompensation, antrioventricular block).
Due to the large list of contraindications, taking the drug is allowed only with the permission of the doctor. You should not use it during pregnancy and lactation due to the lack of clinical data, despite the fact that there was no direct pathological effect on the fetus. The price is 300-400 rubles for 50 tablets.
"Papaverine"
This is another analogue of Buscopan. The antispasmodic and hypotensive effect of the drug is associated with the features of pharmacodynamics. The drug has an inhibitory effect on phosphodiesterase, due to which cAMP accumulates in the cells, and the level of calcium ions decreases. In this regard, the tone of smooth muscles of organs and blood vessels decreases. A decrease in blood pressure occurs due to the vasodilating effect. The medicine should not be used for glaucoma, antrioventricular blockade, severe liver failure. It is also contraindicated for children under 6 months. In old age, taking "Papaverine" can cause hyperthermia. There are no safety data for pregnant women.
Often patients cannot purchase Buscopan. Analogues are cheaper to solve this problem. The price of Papaverine is 50 rubles for 20 tablets.
Antispasmodics are actively used to treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system and other pathologies. Which analog to choose? Buscopan has a number of substitutes with similar properties, but they differ in instructions for use, pharmacodynamics and a list of side effects and contraindications. Before choosing any drug in this group, you should consult with a specialist.