Drotaverine: Uses, Side Effects & Brands in Pakistan

Drotaverine is an antispasmodic. It is used for stomach cramps, kidney stone pain, gallbladder pain, irritable bowel syndrome and period cramps. In Pakistan it is available as tablets and injections, made by 3 different manufacturers. On this page you can read how it works, its common side effects and precautions, and compare the brands and prices available at Medimart.

How Drotaverine works

Drotaverine blocks an enzyme called phosphodiesterase-4 inside smooth muscle cells. This raises the level of a chemical messenger (cyclic AMP) that makes the muscle relax, easing spasm in the gut, bile ducts, urinary tract and womb. It does not have the drying, atropine-like effects of some other antispasmodics.

What is Drotaverine used for?

• Stomach cramps
• Kidney stone pain
• Gallbladder pain
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Period cramps

Drotaverine is used to relieve pain caused by spasms of smooth muscle in internal organs. It is commonly taken for stomach and intestinal cramps, irritable bowel syndrome, colicky pain from kidney or gallbladder stones, and painful periods. It eases the cramping but does not treat the stone or other underlying cause, so ongoing or severe pain still needs medical assessment.

Side effects of Drotaverine

Most people take Drotaverine without trouble; occasionally it can cause:

• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Headache
• Constipation
• Palpitations

Get urgent medical help for severe or worsening pain, pain with fever or vomiting, yellowing of the skin, blood in the urine, or signs of an allergic reaction such as swelling of the face or difficulty breathing.

Precautions and warnings

• Tell your doctor if you have heart problems, low blood pressure, or liver or kidney disease.
• It can cause dizziness, so do not drive or use machinery if you are affected.
• It may reduce the effect of levodopa used for Parkinson's disease.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take it only after medical advice.
• See a doctor if cramps keep returning or do not settle, as the cause should be found.

Frequently asked questions about Drotaverine

What is the price of Drotaverine in Pakistan?

At Medimart, Drotaverine products currently in stock range from Rs 75 to Rs 321 per pack, depending on the brand, strength and pack size. The lowest-priced option right now is Dytra 40mg Tablets at Rs 75. Prices are updated regularly, so the product list on this page always shows the latest price.

Which brands of Drotaverine are available in Pakistan?

Drotaverine is sold in Pakistan under brand names such as Relispa (Searle Company Limited), Dytra (Tabros Pharma) and Nospa (Sanofi Aventis Pakistan Limited).

Do I need a prescription for Drotaverine?

Drotaverine is generally available without a prescription. Read the leaflet before use and ask a pharmacist or doctor if you are unsure, especially for children, during pregnancy, or if you take other medicines.

Can Drotaverine be used during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, take it only after medical advice.

Are all Drotaverine brands the same?

Brands that contain the same amount of Drotaverine in the same form are expected to work in the same way, although inactive ingredients, pack sizes and prices differ. Ask your doctor or pharmacist before switching from one brand to another.

Drotaverine brands and prices in Pakistan

Medimart lists 6 products containing Drotaverine from different manufacturers. Compare strengths, pack sizes and prices below and order online with cash on delivery.

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