Antispasmodics - Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, and Interactions

What Are Antispasmodics?

Antispasmodics are a heterogeneous group of drugs used for the symptomatic treatment of cramping and discomfort affecting the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal, biliary, or genitourinary tract. These drugs relieve, prevent, or lower the incidence of muscle spasms, especially in the smooth muscles of the bowel wall. Antispasmodics, also called Anticholinergics, are a broad group of medicines that act on the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine.

There are two types of antispasmodics - Antimuscarinics such as Dicycloverine, Atropine, Propantheline, and Hyoscine. The other antispasmodics are Smooth muscle relaxants such as Alverine, Mebeverine, and peppermint oil.

How Do Antispasmodics Work?

Antispasmodics work by blocking the action of acetylcholine in the brain and the parasympathetic nerves. These drugs prevent the binding of acetylcholine to the neurotransmitters on the surface of the nerves, muscles, and glands. This prevents impulses from the nervous system from reaching smooth muscles and causing contractions and spasms.

Bladder spasms, also known as detrusor contractions, are involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles. These contractions can cause a sudden, strong urge to urinate and may be associated with other symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and sometimes incontinence. Medications used to treat bladder spasms typically fall into the category of antimuscarinic or anticholinergic drugs.

Anticholinergic drugs also decrease the activity of the muscles in the gut and reduce the production of sweat, saliva, digestive juices, urine, and tears. These drugs help to balance the production of dopamine neurotransmitters. And play an important role in maintaining mood, memory, and motivation.

What Are the Names of Urinary Antispasmodics Agents?

• Oxybutynin (Ditropan, Oxytrol) are available in various forms, including immediate-release tablets, extended-release tablets, and transdermal patches.

• Tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA) used as an immediate-release and extended-release formulation.

• Darifenacin (Enablex) is an extended-release medication. Solifenacin (Vesicare) is an extended-release medication.

• Trospium (Sanctura) are Available in immediate-release and extended-release forms.

• Fesoterodine (Toviaz) is also an extended-release medication.

• Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) is a different class of medication known as a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. It works by relaxing the bladder muscle.

What Are Antispasmodics Used For?

Antispasmodics are commonly used to help relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) such as spasms, bloating, and abdominal pain. They help to reduce the movement of the gastrointestinal tract. The drug also helps to reduce anxiety as it acts on the brain to produce a calming effect. Antispasmodics are used together with antacids for the treatment of peptic ulcers. They can be used to prevent nausea, vomiting, and motion sickness. Antispasmodics are indicated in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma.

How to Use Antispasmodics?

It is generally recommended to take the medicines only when necessary and as advised by the doctor. Antispasmodics should be taken at a particular time and may be taken with or without food. It is advised to take it at least two hours apart from antacids as they lower the absorption of antispasmodics. The dose should not be increased without consulting the doctor. The medication should not be stopped suddenly as there may be withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and muscle twitching.

Antispasmodics usually work within an hour after oral administration. Their effectiveness depends on the dosage and the frequency. The medication may be taken for two weeks. Antispasmodics such as Dicyclomine are given in injection form intramuscularly and should be used only for one to two days.

How to Use Antispasmodics Elixir?

Carefully read the label on the medication packaging. This will provide important information about the specific antispasmodic elixir you are using, including active ingredients, dosage instructions, and any warnings. Follow the recommended dosage instructions provided by your healthcare provider or as indicated on the product label. Dosages may vary based on age, weight, and the severity of symptoms. Antispasmodic elixirs may be in liquid form, and you may be required to measure the correct dosage using a provided dropper or measuring cup. Shake the bottle well before use if directed to do so. Take the medication as directed by your healthcare provider. Some medications may need to be taken with food, while others may be taken on an empty stomach. Follow the prescribed schedule to ensure optimal effectiveness. Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking to avoid potential interactions. Some medications may not be suitable for use together. Be aware of potential side effects associated with the specific antispasmodic elixir you are using. Common side effects may include drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, or constipation. If you experience severe or persistent side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

What Are the Antispasmodic Drugs Used For the Stomach?

Dicyclomine (Bentyl) is commonly prescribed for the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the stomach and intestines. Hyoscyamine is another antispasmodic medication that can be used to treat symptoms of gastrointestinal spasms, including those associated with IBS. Peppermint Oil is not a traditional antispasmodic drug, peppermint oil is a natural alternative that may help relax the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. It is available in enteric-coated capsules. Mebeverine is used to relieve symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and works as an antispasmodic by relaxing the smooth muscles in the gut.

What Is the Dosage of Antispasmodics?

Missed Dose:

If you miss a dose of antispasmodics, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip it. Follow your regular dosing schedule. You should avoid doubling the dose as it may lead to adverse reactions.

What Are the Precautions and Warnings for Using Antispasmodics?

Before starting the antispasmodics, it is advised to inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions:

• Allergies - It is important to inform the doctor if you have had allergic reactions to antispasmodics or other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

• Pediatric - Children sensitive to belladonna alkaloids may experience unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness, or irritability.

• Geriatrics - Antispasmodics may cause memory loss, constipation, difficulty urination, dryness of mouth, or eye pain in the elderly and should be given with caution.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding - The drug is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may harm the unborn baby. Antispasmodics pass into the breast milk and can have undesirable effects on the baby.

• Liver Disease - The medication should be used with caution in patients with impaired liver function.

• Kidney Disease - Antispasmodics should be used with caution in patients with impaired kidney function.

• Alcohol - Alcohol may increase side effects like dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating.

• Addiction - Antispasmodics should be taken with caution in patients with a history of drug abuse as it may cause addiction. Hence it should be taken as prescribed by the doctor.

Overdose:

In case of an overdose, the patient should consult a doctor immediately. It may cause restlessness, dizziness, and confusion, which may require gastric lavage.

What Are the Interactions of Antispasmodics?

With Other medicines:

• Darunavir.

• Etravirine.

• Potassium.

• Sodium oxybate.

• Ketoconazole.

• Phenobarbitone.

• Sorafenib.

• Voriconazole.

• Boceprevir.

• Rilpivirine.

With Food:

The administration of antispasmodics with grapefruit juice may delay and increase the bioavailability of the drug.

With Disease:

• Cardiovascular Disease - The intravenous administration may produce severe cardiovascular reactions such as bradycardia, and hypertension.

• Renal Dysfunction - Injectable antispasmodics are contraindicated in patients with impaired renal function due to nephrotoxic potential and preexisting acidosis and urea retention.

• Seizures - Antispasmodics should be administered with caution in patients with a history of epilepsy.

What Are the Side Effects of Antispasmodics?

The common side effects include

• Some individuals may experience constipation due to the muscle-relaxing effects of these medications.

• Decreased sweating.

• Some people may feel dizzy or lightheaded, especially when standing up quickly, as a result of these medications

• Antimuscarinic medications, a class commonly used for overactive bladder, can lead to a dry mouth, nose, throat and skin.

• In rare cases, these medications can lead to difficulty emptying the bladder, which may require medical attention.

• Antimuscarinic agents can sometimes cause confusion or memory problems, especially in older adults.

Rare side effects may include,

• A bloated feeling.

• Blurred vision.

• Headache.

• Loss of memory.

• Difficult urination.

• Decreased flow of breast milk.

• Confusion.

• Fainting.

• Blurred vision or other vision changes can occur, particularly with certain antimuscarinic agents.

Conclusion:

Antispasmodic medicines are used to treat symptoms such as stomach pain and cramps. They are more effective at relieving symptoms in certain surgical and emergency procedures. Antispasmodics are mostly available only with a doctor’s prescription and should be used judiciously and only when you have active symptoms.