Anti-spasmodics
What are Anti-Spasmodics?
Anti-spasmodics are a class of medications that are used to treat muscle spasms by inhibiting contractions of the muscles. It works by blocking the stimulation of certain nerve endings in the body. The medications also reduce pain by blocking the transmission of pain signals to the brain. Commonly known anti-spasmodics include dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, and propantheline.
Uses of Anti-Spasmodics
Anti-spasmodics are commonly used to treat various musculoskeletal disorders such as hypertonia, spasticity, and paralysis. In addition to these conditions, they are also used to treat certain gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD). Anti-spasmodics are also used to treat bladder spasms, urinary incontinence, shingles, and cluster headaches.
Common Side Effects of Anti-Spasmodics
The common side effects of anti-spasmodics include:
- Drowsiness
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Nausea
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Confusion
In addition, long-term use of these medications may cause serious side effects such as urinary retention, increased intraocular pressure, and slowing of the heart rate. Therefore, it is important to follow your doctor's recommendations and use the medication as prescribed.
Conclusion
Anti-spasmodics are a class of medications that are used to treat muscle spasms and certain gastrointestinal disorders. Commonly known anti-spasmodics include dicyclomine, hyoscyamine, and propantheline. These medications can be effective in treating conditions like hypertonia, spasticity, and paralysis. However, like all medications, they also have certain side effects that should be monitored for when using the medications. For this reason, it is important to always follow the instructions of your doctor when using anti-spasmodics.