Drotaverine

What it is

Drotaverine is an antispasmodic that inhibits phosphodiesterase in smooth muscle, relaxing the muscular walls of the gut, biliary and urinary tracts. Relaxing that spasm relieves the cramping pain it causes. It is used for colicky abdominal pain and other spasm-related pain.

Used for

• Spasm
• Pain

What to know while taking it

It can be taken with or without food. Because the same relaxing action reaches blood vessels, it can lower blood pressure and cause dizziness or a feeling of faintness, especially when standing up quickly or when combined with blood pressure medicines or other antispasmodics. Alcohol adds to that effect. It masks pain without treating its cause, so it should not be used to sit out abdominal pain that keeps returning.

When to see a doctor

Severe or worsening abdominal pain, pain with fever, vomiting or a rigid abdomen, and fainting or persistent dizziness call for a doctor rather than another dose.

Worth knowing

• Can lower blood pressure