Drotaverine Hydrochloride Injection

• Type: Antispasmodic medication

• Drug Class: Isoquinoline derivative (smooth muscle relaxant)

• Form: Sterile solution for intramuscular (IM) or intravenous (IV) injection

How It Works

• Drotaverine works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase IV (PDE4) enzyme, which increases cyclic AMP levels inside smooth muscle cells.

• This leads to relaxation of smooth muscles in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, gallbladder, and blood vessels.

• It is not an anticholinergic, so it does not cause typical anticholinergic side effects (like dry mouth or blurred vision).

Common Uses

Drotaverine injection is used for quick relief of smooth muscle spasm-related pain, such as:

• Abdominal cramps (gastrointestinal colic)

• Renal colic (kidney stone pain)

• Biliary colic (gallbladder pain)

• Menstrual cramps (dysmenorrhea)

• Post-surgical or labor-related uterine spasms

• Spasmodic pain associated with irritable bowel syndrome

Advantages

• Provides rapid relief (especially via IV route)

• Does not cause sedation

• Safe for most patients, including those who cannot tolerate anticholinergics

• Can be combined with analgesics for more effective pain control

Possible Side Effects

Generally well tolerated, but may cause:

• Drop in blood pressure (especially with IV use)

• Dizziness or headache

• Flushing

• Nausea

• Local pain at injection site

Rarely:

• Allergic reactions

• Palpitations or fast heartbeat

Precautions

• Use cautiously in patients with severe liver, kidney, or heart problems

• IV administration should be done slowly to avoid sudden hypotension

• Not recommended during pregnancy unless advised by doctor (may relax uterine muscles)

• Monitor blood pressure if given in high doses or IV infusion