Introduction

An antispasmodic (synonym: spasmolytic) is a pharmaceutical drug or other agent that suppresses muscle spasms. One type of antispasmodics is used for smooth muscle relaxation, especially in tubular organs of the gastrointestinal tract. The effect is to prevent spasms of the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder. Both dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are antispasmodic due to their anticholinergic action. Both of these drugs have general side effects and can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease.

Anticholinergics are a broad group of medicines that act on the neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. They are also called antispasmodics. Pharmacotherapy may be used for acute musculoskeletal conditions when physical therapy is unavailable or has not been fully successful. Another class of antispasmodics for such treatment includes cyclobenzaprine, carisoprodol, diazepam, orphenadrine, and tizanidine.

Meprobamate is another effective antispasmodic which was first introduced for clinical usage in 1955 mainly as an anxiolytic and soon afterward became a blockbuster psychotropic drug. While clinical usage of meprobamate has largely become obsolete since the development of benzodiazepines due to its liability for developing physical dependence and severe toxicity during instances of acute overdose, it is still manufactured and available by prescription.

Mechanism of Action

The movement of food along your gut (intestines) happens because some of the muscles in the gut tense (contract) and then relax in a regular pattern throughout the length of the gut. These muscle contractions are brought about by various chemicals produced by your body which stick to special 'docking' sites (receptors) on the muscles.

However, in conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) these muscle contractions can occur too often or be painful, causing symptoms such as pain and bloating. Antimuscarinics work by attaching to the receptors and in this way stopping the chemicals from 'docking' there to make the muscle contract. Reducing the muscle contractions in this way often helps to relieve some of the symptoms caused by IBS.

Because muscarinic receptors are also found in other parts of the body, taking an antimuscarinic can have other effects. For example, muscarinic receptors also help to control the production of saliva in the mouth. Taking a medicine that blocks these receptors may cause a dry mouth.

Uses

Antispasmodics are commonly used in IBS: To help relieve some of the symptoms of IBS such as spasm (colic), bloating and tummy (abdominal) pain and To reduce the movement (motility) of the gut (intestines). Antispasmodics are also used in some other conditions such as diverticular disease.

By blocking the action of acetylcholine, anticholinergics prevent impulses from the parasympathetic nervous system from reaching smooth muscle and causing contractions, cramps or spasms. Anticholinergics are used in the treatment of some gastrointestinal and bladder conditions. They may also be used in the treatment of some respiratory or movement disorders.

Side Effects

Dizziness, drowsiness, weakness, blurred vision, dry eyes, dry mouth, nausea, constipation, and abdominal bloating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute. To relieve dry eyes, consult your pharmacist for artificial tears or other eye lubricants.

The Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” is using Editorial Tracking System to maintain quality and transparency to the author in the peer-review process. Review processing will be performed by the editorial board members of the Journal of “Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research” or by Reviewers (outside experts in the field). Two independent reviewer’s approval (Minimum reviewer’s approval) followed by editor approval is obligatory for acceptance of any manuscript excluding an editorial.

Regards

Mary Wilson

Editorial office

Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology Research

E-mail: pharmatoxicol@eclinicalsci.com