Relispas
Generic composition: Drotaverine HCl
General Introduction
Relispas is Drotaverine, an antispasmodic drug, structurally related to papaverine. Drotaverine is a selective inhibitor of phosphodiesterase-4, and has no anticholinergic effects.
Therapeutic category
- Anti-spasmodic
Dosage forms available
- RELISPAS 40mg Tablets
- RELISPAS 80mg Tablets
Mechanism of action
Drotaverine inhibits phosphodiesterases-IV, specific for smooth muscle thereby increasing cAMP concentration, decreasing Ca2+ uptake of the smooth muscle cells and changing the distribution of calcium among the cells. Thus, it is a superior smooth muscle relaxant which acts specifically on spastic sites relieving smooth muscle spasm.
Pharmacokinetics
Bioavailability is highly variable, 80-95% plasmas protein binding, plasma half life is 7-12hrs, undergoes hepatic metabolism
Uses
- Renal as well as biliary colic
- Pain and dysfunction due to smooth muscle spasm like biliary spasm, cholangitis, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis,
- cystitis, ureterolithiasis, nephrolithiasis
- Spastic dysmennorhoea,
- Gastric, intestinal or pyloric spasm,
- Irritable bowel syndrome, spastic constipation
Dosage
Adult: 40-80 mg 3 times/day with or without food
Pediatric: 20 mg 3-4 times a day (1-6 yrs old) and 40 mg 3 times/day for >6yrs
Side Effects
Porphyria, dizzines, vertigo, headache, nausea, palpitation, constipation, insomnia, dry mouth, hypotension
Containdications
- Severe renal, hepatic and cardiac dysfunction.
- Porphyria
Precautions
Patients with heart/liver/kidney disease, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.