Drotaverinum hydrochloride refers to drugs with antispasmodic action. Its activity is aimed at the smooth muscles of the digestive organs, the urogenital and biliary system, as well as the smooth muscle vascular layer. Drotaverina hydrochloride (no-spa), contributing to the relaxation of the smooth muscle layer, is able to eliminate spastic pain. In addition, the drug improves tissue oxygen supply by expanding the vascular lumen. Drotaverine hydrochloride has the ability to change the potential of cell membranes and their permeability. The medication reduces the enzymatic activity of phosphodiesterase, contributes to a consistent (uniform) increase in the level of cAMP and the initial absorption of calcium ions by cells.
Drotaverinum hydrochloride is characterized by a low degree of binding to plasma proteins. Mostly it binds to beta and alpha globulins, albumin. Within forty-five to sixty minutes after oral administration, a peak concentration of the active substance appears in the blood plasma. The elimination half-life of the order of twenty two hours. Excretion in the form of metabolites is carried out mainly with urine. Withdrawal of some of the drug occurs with feces.
A medication (in the form of an injection solution and tablets) is prescribed to eliminate spastic pain and relieve spasm. Drotaverinum hydrochloride is indicated for stomach ulcers, cholecystitis, constipation of spastic etiology, smooth muscle spasms of the pyloric and cardinal gastric regions, for cystitis, nephrolithiasis, proctitis, pyelitis and urethrolithiasis. The drug is used for intestinal colic caused by gas retention and spastic colitis. The medication can also be used during diagnostic measures, including cholecystography. Drotaverin is also prescribed for vasodilatation in the detection of spasms of the vascular smooth muscle layer, for relieving headaches with spasms in cerebral vessels. Often, the drug is used for algodismenorrhea in gynecological practice. The medication is able to prevent and eliminate smooth muscle cramps in the uterus during pregnancy and in case of threatening abortion. It is also indicated during childbirth to relieve spasm and with prolonged opening of the uterine pharynx, as well as in postpartum contractions.
Drotaverine hydrochloride. Instruction
The drug in the form of tablets should be taken orally. The tablet should not be chewed or crushed, it is necessary to swallow whole, washed down with enough water. Taking the drug does not depend on the time of eating. The dosage and duration of treatment is determined individually by the attending physician.
For adolescents (over twelve years old) and adults, 1-2 tablets (40-80 mg) are prescribed twice or thrice a day to relieve spastic pain.
For children under twelve years of age, the drug is given in accordance with the doctor's prescription.
A medication in the form of an injection solution is administered intramuscularly. For patients suffering from renal or hepatic insufficiency, it is possible to administer the drug slowly intravenously. This method is permissible only after the patient has taken a horizontal position. In case of impaired peripheral circulation, which is caused by a spasm of the vascular smooth muscle layer, slow intra-arterial administration is allowed.
As a rule, patients tolerate the medication well. However, in some cases, side effects may occur. So, patients may experience nausea, impaired stool, and vomiting. CNS disorders may also occur, such as: violation of the wakefulness and rest (sleep) regimen, headache, fainting. There have been cases of disorders of the cardiovascular system, manifested by tachycardia, arrhythmia, and a decrease in pressure. Swelling of the nasal mucosa, allergic reactions, bronchospasm is also possible.