Avacan Injection: Complete Guide to Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Clinical Reference Standards: CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation), Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP) & WHO | Last Updated: September 2026
When to Call Your Doctor IMMEDIATELY
- Severe allergic reaction (rash, itching, swelling, difficulty breathing)
- Severe hypotension (fainting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat)
- Chest pain or palpitations
- Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting blood
If experiencing severe symptoms, call emergency services immediately.
What is drotel injection used for?
This medicine contains drotaverine, a smooth muscle relaxant used to treat spasms in the gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and reproductive tracts. It is given as an injection by a healthcare professional.
- Generic Name: Drotaverine (NA)
- Manufacturer: Life Sciences Inc
- Form: Allopathy
- Pregnancy Category: Consult doctor
- Prescription Required: Yes
🇮🇳 drotel injection के बारे में (Hindi Summary)
उपयोग: यह दवा ड्रोटावेरिन नामक सक्रिय तत्व से बनी है, जो एक स्मूथ मसल रिलैक्सेंट है। यह पेट, पित्त नली, मूत्र मार्ग और गर्भाशय की मांसपेशियों में होने वाले ऐंठन को कम करने के लिए इंजेक्शन के रूप में दी जाती है। यह दवा अस्पताल में डॉक्टर या नर्स द्वारा लगाई जाती है। यह पेट दर्द, पित्त की पथरी, गुर्दे की पथरी और मासिक धर्म के दर्द में राहत देती है।
साइड इफेक्ट्स: आम दुष्प्रभावों में चक्कर आना, सिरदर्द, जी मिचलाना, उल्टी, मुँह सूखना और इंजेक्शन लगाने की जगह पर दर्द या लालिमा शामिल हैं। गंभीर दुष्प्रभाव दुर्लभ हैं, लेकिन एलर्जी, निम्न रक्तचाप, तेज़ धड़कन और सांस लेने में कठिनाई हो सकती है। किसी भी गंभीर लक्षण पर तुरंत डॉक्टर से संपर्क करें।
सुरक्षा सलाह: यह दवा केवल योग्य स्वास्थ्यकर्मी द्वारा ही दी जानी चाहिए। अपने डॉक्टर को अपनी सभी स्वास्थ्य समस्याओं, विशेषकर हृदय, यकृत या गुर्दे की बीमारी, और किसी भी एलर्जी के बारे में बताएं। इंजेक्शन लेने के बाद चक्कर आ सकते हैं, इसलिए वाहन चलाने या मशीन चलाने से बचें। गर्भावस्था या स्तनपान के दौरान बिना डॉक्टर की सलाह के इसका उपयोग न करें। शराब का सेवन न करें।
💊 drotel injection Uses & Benefits
[{"condition":"Gastrointestinal spasms","description":"Relieves spasms in the stomach and intestines, reducing abdominal pain and cramping.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Biliary colic","description":"Relaxes the smooth muscles of the biliary tract, alleviating pain from gallstones or biliary dyskinesia.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Renal colic","description":"Helps relieve spasms in the urinary tract, reducing pain associated with kidney stones.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Dysmenorrhea","description":"Relaxes uterine smooth muscle, providing relief from menstrual cramps.","evidence":"Well-established"},{"condition":"Labor pain management","description":"Used in some settings to reduce cervical spasms during labor, but evidence is limited.","evidence":"Limited"}]
Off-label uses: [{"condition":"Irritable bowel syndrome","description":"Sometimes used to relieve spasms in IBS, but not a standard treatment.","evidence":"Limited"},{"condition":"Tension headache","description":"Occasionally used for muscle tension headaches, but evidence is insufficient.","evidence":"Insufficient"}]
Primary treatment for: Smooth muscle spasms
Also treats: Gastrointestinal spasms, Biliary colic, Renal colic, Dysmenorrhea
📋 Drug Information
| Generic Name(s) | Drotaverine (NA) |
| Brand Name | drotel injection |
| Manufacturer | Life Sciences Inc |
| Packaging / Form | Varies by brand (Allopathy) |
| Therapeutic Class | GASTRO INTESTINAL |
| Action Class | Phosphodiesterase-IV inhibitors (Smooth Muscle Relaxant) |
| Route of Administration | Parenteral (intramuscular or intravenous) |
| Storage | Store below 25°C, protected from light. Do not freeze. Keep out of reach of children. |
| Shelf Life | 24 months from the date of manufacture. |
| 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 inhibits phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4), leading to increased intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in smooth muscle cells. Elevated cAMP reduces calcium availability and inhibits myosin light chain kinase, resulting in smooth muscle relaxation. This action is selective for smooth muscles, particularly in the gastrointestinal, biliary, urinary, and reproductive tracts.
Mechanism Steps
💡 How to Take drotel injection
Strength: Injection: 40 mg/2 mL (20 mg/mL)
Dosage Information
| Adult Dosage | The usual adult dose is 40 to 80 mg given intramuscularly or intravenously, up to 3 times daily. For intravenous administration, it should be given slowly over 1 to 2 minutes. 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 | Use with caution in elderly patients. Dose adjustment may be necessary based on renal and hepatic function. Consult a doctor. |
| Renal Impairment | Use with caution in patients with renal impairment. Dose adjustment may be required. Consult a doctor. |
| Hepatic Impairment | Contraindicated in severe hepatic impairment. Use with caution in mild to moderate impairment. Consult a doctor. |
| Maximum Daily Dose | The maximum recommended daily dose is 240 mg (80 mg three times daily). |
Dosage Timeline
🍽️ Food Timing Guide
⏰ What to Do If You Miss a Dose
⚠️ Side Effects of drotel 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 | |
| Anticholinergics | Major | |
| Beta-blockers | Moderate | |
| Calcium channel blockers | Moderate | |
| Alcohol | Moderate |
🚨 Major Interactions
- Levodopa
- Anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, hyoscyamine)
⚡ Moderate Interactions
- Beta-blockers
- Calcium channel blockers
🍷 Alcohol Interaction
Avoid alcohol consumption while receiving this medicine, as it may enhance central nervous system depression and hypotensive effects.
🔎 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 heart failure","Children under 12 years of age (safety not established)"]
⚠️ Warnings & Precautions
["Administer with caution in patients with hypotension or cardiovascular disease.","Avoid in patients with glaucoma or urinary retention due to anticholinergic effects.","Use with caution in elderly patients.","Do not use during pregnancy unless clearly needed.","Avoid alcohol during treatment.","Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you."]
🤱 Lactation Safety
It is not known whether drotaverine is excreted in human breast milk. Consult your doctor before using this medicine while breastfeeding.
💊 Overdose Management
Overdose may cause severe hypotension, tachycardia, and central nervous system depression. Treatment is supportive and symptomatic. There is no specific antidote. In case of overdose, seek immediate medical attention.
⏰ Missed Dose
This medicine is usually given as a single dose or as needed in a healthcare setting. If you miss a scheduled dose, contact your healthcare provider for guidance. Do not self-administer additional doses.
Additional Safety Advice
This medicine should only be given by a qualified healthcare professional. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions, especially heart, liver, or kidney problems, and any allergies. Avoid driving or operating machinery immediately after receiving this injection, as it may cause dizziness. Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding without consulting your doctor. Avoid alcohol while receiving treatment. Report any unusual symptoms promptly.
👴 Special Considerations for Elderly
💡 For Patients Above 65
Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine, especially hypotension and dizziness. Use with caution and monitor blood pressure closely.
🤰 Pregnancy Planning (TTC)
If you are planning to become pregnant, consult your doctor before using this medicine. It should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed.
🏥 Post-Surgery Considerations
This medicine may be used postoperatively to relieve smooth muscle spasms. However, consult your surgeon before use, as it may interact with other medications.
🦷 Dental Procedures
Inform your dentist if you are receiving this medicine, as it may cause dry mouth and increase the risk of dental issues. No specific precautions are required for dental procedures.
💚 Lifestyle Tips for Better Results
🏋️ Exercise Considerations
Avoid strenuous exercise immediately after receiving this injection, as it may cause dizziness. Resume normal activities as tolerated once symptoms improve.
🥗 Diet Recommendations
💼 Impact on Daily Work & Life
This medicine may cause dizziness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you. It is usually given in a healthcare setting, and you may need someone to drive you home.
🛑 When to Stop This Medicine
This medicine is typically used for short-term relief. Stop use and consult your doctor if symptoms persist or worsen, or if you experience any serious side effects. Do not stop prescribed treatment without consulting your doctor.
📅 Long-Term Use Effects
Long-term use of this medicine is not recommended. Prolonged use may increase the risk of liver toxicity and blood disorders. Regular monitoring of liver function and complete blood count may be advised if used for extended periods. Consult your doctor for alternative treatments if long-term therapy is needed.
🌿 Non-Medicine Approaches
These can complement medicine but do not replace prescribed treatment.
Oral medications like dicyclomine or hyoscine can be used for milder spasms.
Evidence: Well-establishedApplying heat to the abdomen can help relax muscles.
Evidence: LimitedFor chronic conditions, physical therapy may help manage muscle tension.
Evidence: Moderate💉 Vaccination Considerations
💉 If You're Getting Vaccinated
No known interactions with vaccines. However, consult your doctor before receiving any vaccine while on this medicine.
📦 Storage Guide
✅ DO
Store below 25°C
❌ DON'T
Do not freeze
✅ DO
Protect from light
❌ DON'T
Do not expose to direct sunlight
✅ DO
Keep in original container
❌ DON'T
Do not transfer to unmarked containers
✅ DO
Keep out of reach of children
❌ DON'T
Do not use if solution is discolored or contains particles
✈️ Traveling with This Medicine
When traveling with this medicine, carry it in its original packaging with the prescription label intact. Bring a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter explaining the medical need. Store it below 25°C and protect it from light. If traveling across time zones, consult your doctor for dose adjustments. Check customs regulations for injectable medications before travel.
💰 Cost Analysis & Savings
👥 Real Patient Stories
Educational, anonymized scenarios. Individual results may vary.
💬 Questions Patients Often Ask
A: When given intravenously, it works within minutes. When given intramuscularly, it takes about 5 to 10 minutes.
A: No, this medicine is an injection and must be administered by a healthcare professional.
A: Consult your doctor. It should be used only if clearly needed.
A: Common side effects include dizziness, headache, nausea, and injection site pain.
🤔 Common Patient Concerns
🔄 Substitutes for drotel injection
View AllAlternative brands with exact same active ingredient:
-
drospas injectionAlchemist Life Science Ltd ₹9.82 15.9% CHEAPER
-
epiverin injectionTTK Healthcare Ltd ₹10.10 13.5% CHEAPER
-
avacan injectionKhandelwal Laboratories Pvt Ltd ₹14.06 20.4% COSTLIER
-
drotovin injectionLeeford Healthcare Ltd ₹15.00 28.4% COSTLIER
-
drotaverin injectionCipla Ltd ₹26.95 130.7% COSTLIER
Medical Note: Always consult your doctor before switching medications.
🛑 Myths vs. Facts
- Myth: This medicine is a painkiller for all types of pain.
Fact: This medicine is a smooth muscle relaxant and is not effective for general pain, fever, or inflammation. - Myth: This medicine can be self-administered at home.
Fact: This medicine is an injection and must be given by a healthcare professional.
🔄 Alternative Options
Generic Alternatives
- Drotaverine injection
Brand Alternatives
- Avacan injection