Drotaverine
About Drotaverine
Drotaverine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents used to treat smooth muscle spasms of the biliary tract, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract. It is also used to treat dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and severe spastic pain during labour.
Drotaverine contains 'Drotaverine', which works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder, and urinary tract. Thus, it helps in relieving pain.
In some cases, Drotaverine may cause side effects such as nausea, headache, dizziness, constipation, and vertigo (spinning sensation). Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and 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 are pregnant or planning pregnancy before taking Drotaverine. Drotaverine is not recommended during breastfeeding. Drotaverine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and medicines to rule out any side effects.
Uses of Drotaverine
Medicinal Benefits
Drotaverine is an anti-spasmodic agent that is used to treat smooth muscle spasms of the biliary tract (gall bladder), urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract (gastric/duodenal ulcer disease, spastic conditions of cardia and pylorus of stomach, irritable bowel syndrome, spastic constipation, flatulence, stomach inflammation, bowel inflammation). It is also prescribed for dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and severe spastic pain during labour. Drotaverine can also be used in uncomplicated labour during the cervical dilation phase to shorten the dilation and overall labour duration.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Drotaverine
- Nausea
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Vertigo (spinning sensation)
Drug Warnings
Do not take Drotaverine if you are allergic to any components. Inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, porphyria (blood disorder), heart problems, or liver or kidney problems. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. Drotaverine is not recommended during breastfeeding and in children. Drotaverine may cause dizziness, so drive only if you are alert. Let your doctor know if you are taking prescription/non-prescription medicines, including herbal products and supplements.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Drotaverine may interact with an anti-Parkinson agent (levodopa).
Drug-Food Interactions: No interactions found/established.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have porphyria, low blood pressure, or severe heart, kidney or liver problems.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not known if alcohol interacts with Drotaverine. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
cautionInform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy before receiving Drotaverine. Your doctor will prescribe this medicine only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIt is not recommended to use Drotaverine while breastfeeding.
Driving
cautionDrotaverine may cause dizziness. Do not drive or operate machinery after taking this medicine unless you are alert.
Liver
cautionCaution is advised for patients with hepatic impairment. Please inform your doctor if you have liver problems before taking Drotaverine.
Kidney
cautionCaution is advised for patients with renal impairment. Please inform your doctor if you have kidney problems before taking Drotaverine.
Children
unsafeDrotaverine is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Exercising regularly helps in muscle stretching, making them 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 every two hours.
- Stay hydrated, and drink plenty of water.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Smooth muscle spasms: Smooth muscle spasm is the sudden involuntary muscle contractions, 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. Symptoms include pain and cramps.
FAQs
Drotaverine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents used to treat smooth muscle spasms of the biliary tract, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract. It is also used to treat dysmenorrhea (painful periods) and severe spastic pain during labour.
Drotaverine works by relieving contractions associated with smooth muscles of the biliary tract, urinary tract, and gastrointestinal tract.
Drotaverine should be used with caution in case of hypotension (low blood pressure). Regular monitoring of blood pressure levels is advised while taking Drotaverine.
Consult your doctor if you are taking levodopa as Drotaverine may reduce the anti-Parkinsonian effects of levodopa, leading to worsening tremors and rigidity.
Vertigo might be a side-effect of Drotaverine. Consult your doctor if you experience spinning sensations or loss of balance.
Drotaverine may be indicated in the treatment of dysmenorrhea (painful periods). Consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Drotaverine is usually given if the patient is unable to take medicines by oral route or when immediate relief from smooth muscle spasms is required.
Consult your doctor to reassess your condition and to determine if different treatment is necessary. But do not self-medicate. Stomach pain can be due to various reasons including infections, food poisoning, menstruation, allergies, ulcers, etc.
No, Drotaverine is not a steroid. It is an antispasmodic medication that contains drotaverine, which helps relieve pain caused by smooth muscle spasms.
The common side effects of Drotaverine are nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and vertigo (spinning sensation). If these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
