Drotaverine
Prescription status is set country by country — the label where you live is the one that applies.
Beta: the medication section is still being tested, and its data may contain errors. Do not rely on it for a decision about your own treatment.
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.
A usual adult range, not a national label — the dose and the timing differ by country and by product.
Approved uses differ by country — some of these may be off-label or unapproved where you live.
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.
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.
Reference information, not medical advice. Discuss any change with your doctor.