The drug "Niaspam" is a fairly popular antispasmodic. It is widely used in modern medicine. That is why many are interested in questions about what Niaspam is. Instructions for its use, reviews of patients and doctors will be set out in the article.
The composition and properties of the drug "Niaspam"
This medicine is available in the form of sustained-release capsules. The main active ingredient is mebeverine hypochloride. Each capsule contains 200 mg of this substance. In addition, the preparation includes vegetable oil, purified talc, colloidal silicon dioxide,
microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate. The capsule shell consists of gelatin, purified water, dye,
titanium dioxide and some other components.
Niaspam tablets have antispasmodic properties. The active substance of the drug blocks calcium and sodium channels in myocytes, which disrupts the processes of depolarization of the cell membrane and interferes with the contraction of muscle fibers. Thus, under the influence of the drug, the spasm of the smooth muscles of the intestine disappears. The medicine does not affect peristalsis in any way.
In the liver tissues, the main components of the drug break down and are excreted from the body by the kidneys in the form of metabolites. The medicine is retained in the tissues and is completely excreted during the day (if we are talking about a single dose). Active substances do not enter the blood plasma, but a small amount is found in the gallbladder.
Niaspam medicine: indications for use
As already mentioned, doctors quite often prescribe this drug to patients. So what are the valuable properties of Niaspam? Pills help to quickly get rid of bowel spasm and concomitant discomfort, so they are used as first aid for any functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract. Most often, the drug is prescribed for spasm of the large intestine.
Indications for its use are organic intestinal diseases, accompanied by spasm of smooth muscles. The medicine effectively eliminates discomfort in intestinal and biliary colic. As an aid, the drug is used in the so-called "irritable bowel syndrome".
The drug "Niaspam": instructions for use
Reviews on the drug confirm that the tablets quickly relieve spasm. But only a doctor has the right to prescribe Niaspam. Instructions for use here are simple. Adults and adolescents are advised to take two capsules per day (preferably in the morning and evening).
The tablet must be swallowed completely with water. It is best to take the medicine before meals (about 20 minutes before eating).
Many patients are interested in how long they can use Niaspam. The instruction for use says that the daily dose and duration of treatment are determined by the doctor and depend on the cause of intestinal cramps and the general condition of the patient. Most often, therapy lasts from two to four weeks.
Contraindications
Like any other medicine, this drug has its limitations. To begin with, it is worth mentioning hypersensitivity - people with an allergy to any of the components are not allowed to take Niaspam. The medicine is not used to treat children under the age of twelve.
In some cases, this drug is prescribed to pregnant women. But again, in this case, the use of the drug is possible only with the permission of the doctor and only in cases where the benefits to the mother's body outweigh the potential risk to the developing fetus.
According to studies, therapeutic doses of the drug are allowed during breastfeeding, since the active component does not penetrate into breast milk. But before the reception, you should still consult with a specialist.
Are there any side effects?
It is immediately worth noting that adverse reactions when taking this medication are extremely rare. Only occasionally do patients complain of mild dizziness. In some cases, reactions from the gastrointestinal tract are possible. In particular, side effects include constipation or diarrhea.
Occasionally, in patients after taking the pills, hives, skin swelling and redness accompanied by itching and burning appear. Very rarely, the use of the drug leads to the development of Quincke's edema. But such reactions appear only in patients suffering from allergies.
When taking too much Niaspam, in some cases, the excitability of the central nervous system increases. Patients in such situations are recommended gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment.
If any of the above symptoms appear, stop taking the pills and consult a doctor as soon as possible. You may need to replace the drug. By the way, Niaspam has several analogues. In particular, the Meverin, Sparex and Duspalitin medicines provide the same therapeutic effect. All these drugs have the same active substance and are able to quickly relieve muscle spasm of the intestinal wall.
Reviews and prices for the drug "Niaspam"
In fact, reviews about this medicine are mostly positive. Both patients and doctors note the rapid onset of the therapeutic effect - the spasm, and with it the symptoms, disappears 30-60 minutes after administration. The drug relatively rarely causes adverse reactions or poor health, therefore, it is considered relatively safe for health.
Of course, each medicine has its drawbacks. The Niaspam remedy is no exception. The price of this drug (about 300 rubles) is not suitable for every patient. On the other hand, some of its counterparts are even more expensive.
In any case, it is worth remembering that it is not worth using the Niaspam medicine without first consulting a doctor. After all, a spasm of smooth muscle of the intestine can be a symptom of another, more serious and dangerous disease, and unauthorized taking of pills will only mask the main signs of the disease.