Drotaverina hydrochloride

Drotaverina hydrochloride refers to drugs that have an antispasmodic effect. Its activity is directed to the smooth muscles of the digestive organs, the urogenital and bile excretory system, as well as to the smooth muscle vascular layer. Drotaverina hydrochloride (no-shpa), helping to relax the smooth muscle layer, can eliminate spasmodic pains. In addition, the drug improves the oxygen supply of tissues due to the expansion of vascular lumens. Drotaverina hydrochloride has the ability to change the potential of cell membranes and their permeability. The medication reduces the enzymatic activity of phosphodiesterase, promotes a consistent (uniform) increase in the level of cAMP and initial absorption of calcium ions by the cells.

Drotaverina hydrochloride is characterized by a low degree of association with plasma proteins. It mainly binds to beta and alpha globulins, albumins. Within forty-five to sixty minutes after oral administration, the peak concentration of the active substance appears in the blood plasma. Half-life is about twenty-two hours. Excretion in the form of metabolites is mainly with urine. Excretion of some part of the drug occurs with feces.

The medication (in the form of an injection solution and tablets) is prescribed for the elimination of pains of a spastic nature and relief of spasm. Drotaverine hydrochloride is indicated for gastric ulcers, cholecystitis, constipation of spastic etiology, smooth muscle spasms of the pyloric and cardinal gastric department, with 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 for diagnostic measures, including cholecystography. Drotaverin is also prescribed for vasodilatation in the detection of spasms of the vascular smooth muscle layer, for the removal of headaches with spasms in the cerebral vessels. Often the drug is used for algodismenore in gynecological practice. The medication is able to prevent and eliminate smooth muscle spasms in the uterus during pregnancy and in case of threatening abortion. It is also indicated during the delivery period to relieve spasm and with prolonged opening of the uterine throat, as well as during postnatal fights.

Drotaverina hydrochloride. Instructions.

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, squeezed with water in sufficient quantity. The intake of the drug does not depend on the time of ingestion. Dosage and duration of treatment is determined individually by the attending physician.

For adolescents (over twelve years of age) and adults, 1-2 tablets (40-80 mg) are prescribed twice or thrice a day for the removal of spastic pain.

Children up to twelve years of age, the drug is given in accordance with the appointment of a doctor.

The drug 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 only permissible after taking the patient to a horizontal position. In the case of impaired peripheral circulation, which is caused by spasm of the vascular smooth muscle, slow intraarterial administration is allowed.

As a rule, patients tolerate the drug well. However, in some cases, side effects can occur. Thus, patients may experience nausea, stool, vomiting. There may be CNS disorders, such as: violation of wakefulness and rest (sleep), headache, fainting. There were cases of disorders of the cardiovascular system, manifested by tachycardia, arrhythmia, a decrease in pressure. It is also possible swelling of the nasal mucosa, allergic reactions, bronchospasm.