Drotaverine Injection: Comprehensive Guide
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Difficulty breathing or swelling of the face, lips, or throat
- Severe dizziness or fainting
- Chest pain or irregular heartbeat
- Severe abdominal pain that does not improve
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Decreased urine output
- Yellowing of skin or eyes
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is drotaverin injection used for?
Drotaverine injection is a smooth muscle relaxant used to relieve spasms in conditions like biliary colic, renal colic, and gastrointestinal spasm. It works by relaxing the smooth muscles in these organs, providing pain relief.
- Generic Name: Drotaverine
- Manufacturer: Cipla Ltd
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 drotaverin injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा ड्रोटावेरिन इंजेक्शन के रूप में उपलब्ध है और यह चिकनी मांसपेशियों की ऐंठन को दूर करने के लिए इस्तेमाल की जाती है। इसका उपयोग पित्त नली की ऐंठन, गुर्दे की ऐंठन, और पेट व आंतों की ऐंठन के कारण होने वाले दर्द को कम करने के लिए किया जाता है। यह दवा मांसपेशियों को आराम देकर दर्द से राहत दिलाती है। यह केवल डॉक्टर की देखरेख में ही दी जानी चाहिए।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: इस दवा के सामान्य दुष्प्रभावों में जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, सिरदर्द, चक्कर आना, और इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर दर्द या सूजन शामिल हो सकते हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन अगर आपको सांस लेने में कठिनाई, चेहरे या गले में सूजन, त्वचा पर चकत्ते, या बहुत कम रक्तचाप महसूस हो, तो तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल योग्य स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। खुद से इंजेक्शन न लगाएं। अगर आप गर्भवती हैं, स्तनपान करा रही हैं, या कोई अन्य दवा ले रही हैं, तो डॉक्टर को बताएं। इस दवा को लेने के बाद चक्कर आ सकते हैं, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। अगर आपको ड्रोटावेरिन से एलर्जी है, तो यह दवा न लें।
💊 drotaverin injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Biliary colic","description":"Relieves pain and spasm in the bile ducts, often associated with gallstones.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Renal colic","description":"Relieves pain and spasm in the urinary tract, often due to kidney stones.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Gastrointestinal spasm","description":"Relieves spasms in the stomach and intestines, providing relief from abdominal pain.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Dysmenorrhea","description":"May help relieve menstrual cramps by relaxing uterine smooth muscle.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Labor pain management","description":"Sometimes used to relax the cervix and uterus during labor, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Primary treatment for: Smooth muscle spasm
Also treats: Biliary colic, Renal colic, Gastrointestinal spasm
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Drotaverine |
| Brand Name | Antispasmin DS 80mg Tablet |
| Manufacturer | Cipla Ltd |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitors (Smooth Muscle Relaxant) |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intravenous or intramuscular injection) |
| Storage | Store below 30°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. |
| Shelf Life | Not established from the available information. |
| WHO Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
| ICMR Guideline | Not established from the available information. |
👨⚕️ Doctor's Practical Tips
Evidence-based practical advice from experienced clinicians
🔍 Is This Medicine Right for Your Symptom?
Educational reference. Always consult a doctor for diagnosis.
🔬 How This Medicine Works (Pharmacology)
Pharmacokinetics
How It Works
Drotaverine works by inhibiting the enzyme phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), which leads to an increase in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) within smooth muscle cells. This results in relaxation of the smooth muscle. Additionally, drotaverine may block calcium channels and interfere with the action of calmodulin, further contributing to smooth muscle relaxation. It does not have significant anticholinergic effects, so it does not cause dry mouth or blurred vision typically associated with other antispasmodics.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take drotaverin injection
Strength: Injection: 40 mg/2 mL (20 mg/mL)
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose of drotaverine injection is 40-80 mg administered intramuscularly or intravenously, up to three times daily. The exact dose and frequency depend on the condition being treated and the patient's response. Dose must be individualized by a qualified clinician based on indication, age, weight, renal and hepatic function. |
| Pediatric Dosage | Pediatric dosing is not established from available information. Consult a pediatrician. |
| Elderly Dosage | Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of drotaverine, especially hypotension and dizziness. Use with caution and adjust dose as needed under medical supervision. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a clinician. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. Dose adjustment may be necessary. Consult a clinician. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum daily dose is not established from the available information. Do not exceed the dose prescribed by your doctor. |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of drotaverin injection
✅ Common Side Effects
🚨 Serious Side Effects
⚠️ Rare Side Effects
Consult your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms.
🔬 Drug Interactions
| Drug | Severity | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Levodopa | Major | |
| Antihypertensives | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Levodopa
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Antihypertensives
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Alcohol may enhance the sedative and blood pressure-lowering effects of drotaverine. It is advisable to avoid alcohol while receiving this medicine.
🔎 Check Your Other Medicines
Educational tool. Always confirm with your doctor or pharmacist.
🛡️ Safety & Warnings
🚫 Contraindications
["Hypersensitivity to drotaverine or any component of the formulation","Severe hepatic impairment","Severe renal impairment","Severe cardiac insufficiency","Atrioventricular block"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Use with caution in patients with hypotension.","Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.","Avoid in patients with known allergy to drotaverine.","May cause dizziness; avoid driving or operating machinery until effects wear off.","Not recommended for children unless prescribed by a pediatrician."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether drotaverine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before receiving this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, hypotension, and cardiac arrhythmias. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Seek immediate medical attention if overdose is suspected.
⏰ Missed Dose
Since this medicine is usually given as a single dose or as needed under medical supervision, a missed dose schedule is not typically applicable. If you are on a scheduled regimen, consult your doctor for instructions.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine should only be administered by a qualified healthcare professional. Do not self-administer. Before receiving this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Also, tell your doctor about all other medicines you are taking, especially blood thinners, as drotaverine may interact with them. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery immediately after receiving this injection, as it may cause dizziness. Do not receive this medicine if you have a known allergy to drotaverine or any of its ingredients. Use with caution if you have low blood pressure, liver or kidney problems, or heart disease. Your doctor will monitor you for any adverse reactions during and after administration.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the blood pressure-lowering effects. Monitor blood pressure closely.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning pregnancy, consult your doctor before receiving this medicine. It should be used only if clearly needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
Drotaverine may be used after surgery to relieve smooth muscle spasm, but only under medical supervision.
🦷 Dental Procedures
No specific considerations. Inform your dentist if you have received this injection recently.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after receiving this injection, especially if you feel dizzy or weak. Resume normal activities as tolerated.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This injection may cause dizziness or low blood pressure, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. It is usually given in a clinic or hospital, and you should rest until you feel normal.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine is given as a single dose or short course. Do not stop any prescribed treatment without consulting your doctor. If you experience severe side effects, seek immediate medical attention.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of drotaverine injection is not common as it is typically used for acute conditions. Prolonged use should be under medical supervision. Regular monitoring of liver and kidney function may be advised if used for extended periods.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Applying a heating pad to the abdomen may help relax muscles.
Evidence: LimitedDrinking plenty of water can help with renal colic.
Evidence: Well-established💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No specific interactions with vaccines are known. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled for vaccination.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store below 30°C
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not store in direct sunlight
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling, carry this medicine in its original packaging along with a copy of your prescription. Store it below 30°C and protect it from light. If you need to administer it during travel, ensure you have access to a healthcare professional. Check customs regulations for carrying injectable medicines.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: Drotaverine injection usually starts working within minutes after administration.
A: No, it must be given by a healthcare professional.
A: Consult your doctor; it is used only if clearly needed.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for drotaverin injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
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drospas injectionAlchemist Life Science Ltd ₹9.82 63.6% CHEAPER
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epiverin injectionTTK Healthcare Ltd ₹10.10 62.5% CHEAPER
-
drotel injectionLife Sciences Inc ₹11.68 56.7% CHEAPER
-
avacan injectionKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹14.06 47.8% CHEAPER
-
drotovin injectionLeeford Healthcare Ltd ₹15.00 44.3% CHEAPER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: Drotaverine is a general painkiller.
Fact: Drotaverine is not a general painkiller; it specifically relieves pain caused by smooth muscle spasm. - Myth: Drotaverine can be self-administered at home.
Fact: Drotaverine injection must be administered by a healthcare professional.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Drotaverine injection
Brand Alternatives
- Drotin
- Drotin-M
- Drotikind