Drotaverine Hydrochloride

Drotaverine Hydrochloride

Drotaverine Hydrochloride or Drotaverine HCL tablets are oral medications used for spasms and cramps due to gastrointestinal, menstrual, or sometimes labour pain. Though it is practical, a person suffering from any pain or spasms must not have this medication without the doctor’s approval, as it might lead to severe damage or side effects. 

What is Drotaverine Hydrochloride?

Drotaverine Hydrochloride, also known as drotaverine, is an antispasmodic drug. It is effective in treating spasms or twitches of the smooth muscles of the gut, as well as pain caused by irritable bowel syndrome, headache, menstrual pain or cramps, cervical spasms during labour, etc. It is structurally related to papaverine but shows more significant potential than papaverine. 

Drotaverine Hydrochloride Uses

Drotaverine Hydrochloride is an antispasmodic tablet used to relieve spasms and cramps, such as menstruation pain, abdominal pain, chest pain, pain due to kidney and biliary stones, and gastrointestinal pain. Moreover, Drotaverine Hydrochloride primarily treats smooth muscle contractions, which is felt as recurrent stomach pain in the gastrointestinal tract. It also relieves pain due to irritable bowel syndrome and cervical spasms. 

Atropine, diclofenac, levodopa, and diazepam are some of the medications that might interact with Drotaverine Hydrochloride. Hence, it is advisable to seek medical attention before using the medicine. 

Drotaverine Hydrochloride Side Effects

Side effects of Drotaverine Hydrochloride are rare. Still, here are some of the symptoms that the patient might experience: 

• Gastrointestinal effects: It might cause nausea, indigestion, and constipation. 
• Nervous system effects: Rarely it might cause headache, vertigo, dizziness, and insomnia
• Cardiac effects: It might cause palpitations and hypotension (low blood pressure)
• Immune System effects: It might cause local skin swelling (lips, eyelids, and tongue), hives, rashes, itchy skin, and many more. 

It is essential to report to the doctor if there are any side effects, as mentioned above, or any new side effects. The doctor might change the medicine or alter the dosage of the drug. 

Drotaverine Hydrochloride Dosage

It is advisable to take Drotaverine HCL tablets per the doctor’s advice. However, here are some of the recommended dosages: 

• In adult patients, 1-2 tablets of 40 mg are given thrice daily. 
• 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. 

Precautions

Talking to a doctor before taking Drotaverine Hydrochloride is essential, especially if you are allergic to certain medications because of some active ingredients. It must not be taken in large doses but with a glass full of water. Also, in case of side effects, it is important to see a doctor. Moreover, seek medical attention if the symptoms are not improving, and remember not to use the medicine after expiry. 

The use of the smooth muscle relaxant drotaverine 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.

Missed Dose

In case of missed dosage, take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if the next dosage is near, you might want to wait for the next dosage and not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dosage. Remember not to miss any dosage to ensure its efficiency.

Overdose

In case of overdose, seek medical attention at the earliest if you start feeling dizzy, drowsy, and restless or have an extreme heartbeat. The severity of the symptoms can vary, but it is important to talk to a doctor about it. 

Drotaverine Hydrochloride Storage

Keep the medicine container tightly closed in a dry and well-ventilated place. Do not keep it in the sun; put it in a higher place where the children cannot reach it. 

Comparison Drotaverine Hydrochloride vs Dicyclomine

Conclusion

Drotaverine Hydrochloride relaxes smooth muscle spasms, primarily targeting stomach and intestinal cramps or biliary colic. Generally well-tolerated, it can cause headaches, nausea, and constipation. Although it's available over-the-counter in many countries, it's best to consult a doctor before use to ensure it's right for you and to discuss potential side effects and interactions.

FAQs

Q1. Is Drotaverine Hydrochloride safe during pregnancy?

Ans. The safety of the Drotaverine Hydrochloride is not yet established. As per the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) of the USA, Drotaverine Hydrochloride 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. Drotaverine Hydrochloride can be taken for stomach pain, as the antispasmodic effect of Drotaverine Hydrochloride 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 Hydrochloride 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 hydrochloride 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, Drotaverine Hydrochloride is not an antibiotic. Drotaverine Hydrochloride 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. Drotaverine Hydrochloride usually takes 20-30 minutes to work after taking it.