What is No-Spa (Drotaverine)? Antispasmodic for Stomach, Gastric and Biliary Pain
No-Spa 24 tablets contain the active ingredient drotaverine, an isoquinoline derivative that works as an antispasmodic by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4). This leads to elevated cAMP concentration, inactivation of myosin light chain kinase, and relaxation of smooth muscle. Drotaverine is effective in spasms of smooth muscle in the gastrointestinal tract, biliary tract, and urogenital and circulatory systems.
No-Spa Indications
No-Spa is indicated for:
- Smooth muscle spasms associated with biliary tract diseases: cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, pericholecystitis, cholangitis, papillitis
- Spasms of the urinary system smooth muscles: urolithiasis, pyelitis, cystitis, bladder tenesmus
- Shortening of the cervical dilation phase during physiological labour (for injectable forms)
As Adjuvant Therapy
- Gastrointestinal smooth muscle spasms: gastric and duodenal ulcer, gastritis, spasms of the cardia and pylorus, enteritis, colitis with constipation and flatulence
- Tension headaches (oral form)
- Gynaecological conditions (dysmenorrhoea)
- Strong labour pains (injectable form)
Dosage and Administration
The recommended daily dose for adults is 120–240 mg, taken 2–3 times per day.
For children aged 1–6 years: 40–120 mg, taken 2–3 times per day. For children over 6 years: 80–200 mg, taken in 2–5 separate administrations.
For acute colic (kidney or bile), doctors administer the drug intravenously at 40–80 mg. To shorten the cervical dilation phase during labour, a single intramuscular dose of 40 mg is administered; this may be repeated once every 2 hours if required.
Contraindications
- Severe renal insufficiency
- Severe hepatic impairment
- Severe heart failure (low cardiac output syndrome)
- Children under 1 year (tablets)
- Hypersensitivity to drotaverine or any excipient
Use with care in patients with hypotension. After intravenous administration, the patient should remain in a lying position due to the risk of collapse.
Side Effects
- Digestive system: rarely, nausea or constipation
- CNS: rarely, headache, dizziness, or insomnia
- Cardiovascular: rarely, palpitations; very rarely, hypotension
- Other: very rarely, allergic reactions
Pregnancy and Lactation
Drotaverine has not demonstrated teratogenic or embryotoxic action. However, use is recommended only after careful weighing of expected benefit against possible risk. Due to lack of clinical data, drotaverine is not recommended during breastfeeding.
Special Instructions
No-Spa tablets contain 52 mg of lactose — patients with lactase deficiency, galactosaemia, or impaired glucose/galactose absorption should not take the tablet form. At therapeutic doses, drotaverine does not affect the ability to perform potentially hazardous activities; however, after parenteral administration, refraining from driving for 1 hour is recommended.
Drug Interactions and Storage
Simultaneous use of No-Spa may reduce the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa. Store tablets in blister packs at a temperature not exceeding 30°C. Shelf life: 5 years.
Aimme –
6 Days to France.