What is Drotapan used for?

Biliary colics and spastic conditions of the biliary tract: Cholecystolithiasis, cholecystitis, cholangitis.
Renal colics and spastic conditions of the urogenital tract: Nephrolithiasis, ureterolithiasis, pyelitis, cystitis.
Spastic conditions of the uterus: Dysmenorrhea, imminent abortion, uterine tetanus.

Therapeutic ClassView

Anticholinergics

PharmacologyView

Drotaverine has antispasmodic effect mediated via inhibition of phosphodiesterase-IV, specific for smooth muscle. It has a rapid and direct action on the smooth muscle. It acts to correct cyclic AMP and Ca imbalance at the spastic site, thereby relieving smooth muscle spasm and pain.

DosageView

Oral-

Adults: 1 to 2 tablets, 3 times daily
Children (over 6 years): 1/2 to 1 tablet, 1-2 times daily.
Children (1-6 years): 1/4 to 1/2 tablet, 1-2 times daily.

Injection-

Adults: 1 to 2 ampoules, intramuscularly or subcutaneously, 1-3 times daily.
For the management of acute stone colics: 1 or 2 ampoules by slow intravenous injection.

Side EffectsView

The common side effects are headache, dizziness, rhinitis, sinusitis, gastrointestinal upset, nausea, pharyngitis, edema and fatigue.

ContraindicationsView

Drotaverine is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the products and its constituents.

PrecautionsView

Caution should be taken for patients suffering from liver and kidney disease.

InteractionsView

May attenuate the action of levodopa. Concurrent use of analgesics, antimuscarinics or benzodiazepines. Additive beneficial effect with concurrent use of analgesics, antimuscarinics or benzodiazepines.

Pregnancy & LactationView

As with most drugs, the use of Drotaverine Hydrochloride should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation unless essential.