Drotaverine Introduction
Drotaverine is a drug belonging to the class of spasmolytic antispasmodics. This drug is mainly used to treat abdominal cramps, colic pain, stomachache, menstrual pain and works by relaxing the muscles of the digestive tract and is widely used in adults, pediatric and elderly patients.
Drotaverine Uses
Drotaverine is used for the symptomatic treatment of abdominal pain which is caused by gastrointestinal spasms and cramping. It is also used to treat conditions such as stomach ulcer, colic pain in infants, renal colic, biliary colic and gall bladder pain.
Drotaverine Mechanism of Action
Drotaverine is a spasmolytic antispasmodic drug which works by relaxating the smooth muscles of the wall of the digestive tract. It mainly works on the anticholinergic receptors, calcium channels and constrictor mediators present on the gut wall.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Drotaverine takes around 15-30 minutes to take effect in relieving abdominal cramps and other associated pains. It can act as a fast-acting pain reliever and produce almost instant relief.
Drotaverine Absorption
Drotaverine is well-absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and reaches its peak plasma concentration within 1-2 hours after oral administration.
Drotaverine Route of Elimination
Drotaverine is mainly eliminated through the kidneys via urine in an unchanged form. It's elimination half-life is around 2 to 2.5 hours.
Drotaverine Dosage
The dose of Drotaverine depends on the condition being treated and may vary for each individual patient. The usual dose for adults is 40 - 80mg 3-4 times a day while the usual dose for pediatric patients is 0.2 - 0.4mg per kg body weight 3-4 times a day. This drug must be taken by mouth with a full glass of water or as per the directions of a doctor.
Drotaverine Administration
Drotaverine is available in tablet form and is best taken one hour before or two hours after meals. It is important that this medicine should be taken regularly as prescribed for optimal effect.
Drotaverine Side Effects
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
Drotaverine Toxicity
Drotaverine has low toxicity in humans and is only associated with mild to moderate side effects when taken in high doses.
Drotaverine Precaution
- This medicine should be used with caution in pregnant and nursing mothers.
- Patients having a history of glaucoma, heart diseases, hepatic or renal diseases should use this medicine cautiously.
- Alcohol consumption should be avoided while taking Drotaverine .
- This medication can interfere with the ability to drive or operate machinery.
Drotaverine Interaction
Drotaverine may interact with other medications such as anticoagulants, anticholinergic drugs, antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants and diuretics.
Drotaverine Disease Interaction
Drotaverine may interact with certain medical conditions such as hepatic cirrhosis, prostatic hypertrophy, pyloric stenosis, hepatic impairment, hyperthyroidism, and Parkinson’s Disease.
Drotaverine Drug Interaction
Drotaverine may interact with certain drugs such as barbiturates, narcotics, benzodiazepines, anticholinergics, phenothiazines, and MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors).
Drotaverine Food Interactions
Drotaverine should not be taken with high-fat foods as it can reduce its absorption.
Drotaverine Pregnancy Use
Drotaverine should be used with caution in pregnant women. It is recommended to take this medicine only if clearly needed during pregnancy.
Drotaverine Lactation Use
Drotaverine can pass through breast milk and can harm an infant. Therefore, it is not recommended to take it during lactation.
Drotaverine Acute Overdose
Symptoms of overdose include dizziness, drowsiness, confusion, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose.
Drotaverine Contraindication
Drotaverine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity and severe gastrointestinal obstruction.
Drotaverine Use Directions
- Take this medicine as per the directions of your doctor.
- Take Drotaverine 30 minutes before meals or 2 hours afterwards.
- Do not stop taking this medicine abruptly without informing your doctor.
- Do not increase the dose of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Drotaverine Storage Condition
Drotaverine should be stored at room temperature in an airtight container away from direct light and moisture.
Drotaverine Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution of Drotaverine is approximately 42 L/kg.
Drotaverine Half Life
The half-life of Drotaverine is approximately 2-2.5 hours.
Drotaverine Clearance
The hepatic clearance of Drotaverine is approximately 2.3 L/h/kg.
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