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Drotaverine Hydrochloride

    Drotaverine Hydrochloride (No-Spa)
    Brands

    Drotaverine Hydrochloride is Cholinergic muscarinic antagonist.

    DAE Class; Rx

    Common Brand Names; NO-SPA, NO-SPA FORTE

    • Antispasmodics

    Drotaverine Hydrochloride is Cholinergic muscarinic antagonist. It is a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor used to alleviate gastrointestinal and genitourinary smooth muscle spasms.

    It is used in smooth muscle spasm and stone formation

    Drotaverine Hydrochloride is primarily used in conditions like Biliary spasm, Cholangitis, Cholecystitis, Cholecytolithiasis, Cystitis, Nephrolithiasis, Papilitis, Smooth muscle spasm, Stone formation, Ureterolithiasis, Urinary spasm, Urolithiasis, Vesical tenesmus.

    Drotaverine is contraindicated in conditions like Cardiac insufficiency, Renal insufficiency, Hepatic insufficiency, Av block of ii &iii degree. 

    The side effects of Drotaverine Hydrochloride, which give rise to further complications include Porphyria.

    The symptomatic adverse reactions produced by this medicine are more or less tolerable and if they become severe, they can be treated symptomatically, these include Dizziness, Vertigo, Headache, Nausea, Vomiting, Palpitation, Constipation, Insomnia, Dry mouth, Hypotension, Dry mouth, dizziness.

    • Discuss with your doctor if you have heart, liver, or kidney disease
    • Use caution in patients with genetic disorders of the skin and blood.
    • Avoid Drotaverine Hydrochloride if you’re experiencing allergic reactions or if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
    • Use with caution in patients with liver function impairment.
    • Adjustments in dosage and safety monitoring are advised, especially in severe impairment.

    The use of the smooth muscle relaxant drotaverine hydrochloride during pregnancy may be risky, especially during the first trimester. Some inactive substances in the product might result in serious allergic reactions or other problems. It could harm the mother or interfere with the foetal growth. Thus, in order to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio and choose the safest course of action, medical practitioners must have this information.

    Pregnancy:

    • Avoid unless benefits outweigh risks.
    • Consult your doctor before use.

    Breastfeeding:

    • Not recommended due to potential adverse effects on the baby.
    • Consult your doctor regarding risks associated with use during breastfeeding

    Adult Dosage

    20 to 80 mg  /8 hourly /IV,IM

    120 to 240 mg /3 hourly / PO

    • In children, Drotaverine Hydrochloride is given based on body weight and age.
    • 1-6 years – ¼ to ½ tablet given once or twice a day depending on the mg of the tablets.
    • Over six years: ½ to 1 tablet given daily. 

    Drotaverine Hydrochloride is available in tablet and injection dosage form

    Dosage form and strenght

    Injection: 40 mg, 40 mg/2ml,
    Tablets: 40 mg, 80 mg,

    FAQs

    Q1. Is Drotaverine Hydrochloride safe during pregnancy?

    Ans. The safety of the Drotaverine is not yet established. As per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the USA, It is classified as potentially risky. Hence, it should only be used when the benefits outweigh its risks. The medicine is given to reduce gastrointestinal and genitourinary muscle spasms during pregnancy. 

    Q2. Can I take Drotaverine Hydrochloride for stomach pain?

    Ans. It can be taken for stomach pain, as the antispasmodic effect of Drotaverine shows an incredibly relaxing effect on intestinal smooth muscle, which aids in pain relief without any anticholinergic side effects. 

    Q3. Can I take Drotaverine Hydrochloride and paracetamol together?

    Ans. Drotaverine and paracetamol can be taken together. However, talking to the doctor before combining these two medicines is advisable. Self-medication while combining these two is strictly prohibited. This is because the interaction might have a synergistic effect. 

    Q4. Is Drotaverine Hydrochloride a painkiller?

    Ans. Drotaverine HCL tablets are painkillers and work best in case of pain originating from smooth muscle. Drotaverine HCL is an antispasmodic that can relieve and alleviate spasms and cramps that might arise due to smooth muscle. 

    Q5. Is Drotaverine Hydrochloride an antibiotic?

    Ans. No, It is not an antibiotic. It is an antispasmodic drug which inhibits PDE4. Thus, averting the binding of cAMP to PDE4 results in the relaxation of the smooth muscle. Hence, it cannot stop any infections. 

    Q6. How long does Drotaverine Hydrochloride take to work?

    Ans. It usually takes 20-30 minutes to work after taking it.