Antispasmodics are medications used to treat cramps or spasms that occur in the stomach, intestines and bladder. Certain digestive conditions are treated with antispasmodics, including irritable bowel syndrome and urinary incontinence (the inability to control urine flow). The drugs may also be used to help prevent nausea and vomiting and motion sickness.
In some cases, antispasmodics may be used with another drug as a means of therapy. For example, antispasmodics may be used with antacids to treat peptic ulcers.
Antispasmodics are available in pill, tablet, capsule, syrup, injection and suppository form.
Patients who use these drugs should inform their physician of any medical condition they may have because certain symptoms can be worsened by using antispasmodics. For example, antispasmodics may increase a patient’s heart rate, which can aggravate symptoms for individuals with bleeding problems. In addition, the use of certain drugs can trigger undesirable side effects in some patients.
Antispasmodics should be taken carefully according to a physician’s recommendations. An overdose of some antispasmodics can lead to unconsciousness and even death. In addition, pregnant women, children and elderly people may be more vulnerable to certain side effects and must use antispasmodics with caution.
About antispasmodics
Antispasmodics are a group of medications used to treat cramps or spasms that occur in the stomach, intestines and bladder. These drugs are generally grouped with anticholinergics because they have anticholinergic properties, which means that they inhibit or block the action of acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter involved in the transmission of nerve impulses in the body) at a receptor site. Anticholinergics are used in some inhaled forms to treat allergies and asthma because they improve breathing by relaxing or dilating tissue in the bronchial tubes, which lead to the lungs.
Antispasmodics are used for certain digestive conditions. For example, they are often a first-line treatment for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) because they offer a safe, cost-effective method of relieving abdominal pain and diarrhea by preventing or slowing contractions in the bowel. Patients with urinary incontinence (inability to control urine flow) may also find that antispasmodics relax the bladder muscle and relieve spasms.
In some cases, antispasmodics may be used with another drug as a means of therapy. For example, antispasmodics may be used in conjunction with antacids to treat peptic ulcers. Antispasmodics may also be used to help prevent nausea and vomiting and motion sickness.
Antispasmodics may also be used for:
Surgery. Antispasmodics may be given before surgery to relax the patient’s gastrointestinal tract and to decrease secretions such as saliva. They may also be used to maintain a normal heartbeat during surgery, and to prevent nausea and vomiting after surgery.
Examinations. Antispasmodics may be used to relax the stomach and intestines before certain types of examinations.
Other conditions. Antispasmodics may be used to treat conditions such as cerebral palsy (characterized by congenital brain damage and developmental problems), poisoning, painful menstruation and runny nose. They may also be used to help prevent involuntary urination during sleep.
Antispasmodics are available in pill, tablet, capsule, syrup, injection and suppository form.
Patients who use antispasmodics should not stop using these medications unless they do so under the supervision of a physician. Stopping these drugs too quickly can lead to withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, sweating and dizziness.
Types and differences of antispasmodics
There are several types of antispasmodic medications. They include:
Certain health conditions raise concerns for patients taking antispasmodics. For example, antispasmodics may increase a patient’s heart rate, which can worsen symptoms for those with bleeding problems. Patients with kidney or liver disease may take longer to metabolize antispasmodics, increasing the level of the drug in the bloodstream and making side effects more likely.
In addition, antispasmodics may not be recommended for patients with the following conditions:
Colitis
Dryness of mouth
Enlarged prostate
Fever
Glaucoma (eye disease that damages the optic nerve)
Heart disease
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Intestinal problems
Chronic lung disease
Myasthenia gravis (neuromuscular disorder that causes voluntary muscle weakness)
Toxemia of pregnancy
Urinary tract blockage
Down syndrome (chromosome abnormality that results in retardation)
Overactive thyroid
Spastic paralysis in children
Potential side effects of antispasmodics
Dry mouth is the side effect most commonly associated with antispasmodics. However, larger doses of antispasmodics can also cause other side effects, including:
Blurred vision and increased sensitivity to light
Urinary retention
Constipation
Increased heartbeat
Headache
Skin flushing
Reduced ability to perspire, causing overheating
Patients experiencing these or any other unusual side effects should notify their physician.
Drug or other interactions with antispasmodics
Patients should consult their physician before taking any additional prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements or herbal medications. Taking central nervous system (CNS) depressants with antispasmodics can increase the effects of either the antispasmodic or the CNS depressant. Examples of CNS depressants include:
Tricyclic antidepressants. Used to treat depression, anxiety or obsessional problems.
Anti-anxiety drugs. Used to treat anxiety, tension and agitation.
Antihistamines. Medications used to treat allergic reactions or allergies.
Barbiturates. Drugs that produce relaxation and sleep.
Narcotic pain relievers (opioids). Drugs that relieve severe pain.
Alcohol.
Other drugs may also interact adversely with antispasmodics. Using multiple antispasmodics can change the desired effects of all drugs. Taking potassium chloride with antispasmodics may worsen gastrointestinal problems caused by potassium. Other medications of particular concern to individuals taking antispasmodics include antacids and diarrhea medicines containing kaolin or attapulgite. The antifungal drug ketaconazole can lessen the effects of antispasmodic drugs.
Lifestyle considerations with antispasmodics
Several side effects associated with antispasmodics may require patients to make adjustments to their lifestyle routines. For example, drowsiness is commonly associated with these drugs, so patients should be careful not to drive, use machines or engage in any potentially dangerous activities if they feel drowsy or dizzy. The risk of dizziness and associated fainting may be reduced by rising slowly from lying or sitting positions.
Dryness of the mouth can be relieved by eating sugarless candy or chewing sugarless gum, sucking on ice, or using a synthetic saliva substitute available at pharmacies. However, continued dryness of the mouth can increase the risk of dental problems and may require a visit to a physician.
Patients who take antispasmodics may also sweat less, causing their body temperature to rise. As a result, patients should exercise caution so they do not overheat during hot weather or while exercising. Hot baths and saunas should also be avoided.
Some patients who take antispasmodics experience blurred vision. As a result, people who begin taking these drugs should be sure that their vision is clear before they drive or undertake other tasks that require sharp vision. Sunglasses can help reduce discomfort resulting from increased sensitivity to light.
Symptoms of antispasmodic overdose
Symptoms of overdose can be similar to the medication’s side effects, but are usually more severe. They include:
Clumsiness or unsteadiness
Dizziness
Severe drowsiness
Fever
Hallucinations
Confusion
Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
Slurred speech
Unusual excitement
Nervousness, restlessness or irritability
Fast heartbeat
Unusual warmth, dryness and flushing of the skin
Patients exhibiting any of these symptoms should contact their physicians immediately. An overdose of some antispasmodics can lead to unconsciousness and even death.
Pregnancy use issues with antispasmodics
Some antispasmodics have been shown to cause birth defects and other problems in animals. Others are known to increase a human fetus’ heartbeat when injected into the expectant mother. Antispasmodics may pass into breast milk, and problems such as reduced breast milk production and breathing difficulties in nursing infants have been reported.
For these reasons, women who are pregnant, thinking of becoming pregnant or breastfeeding should consult with a physician before using antispasmodics.
Child use issues with antispasmodics
Children who use antispasmodics are more likely to experience unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness or irritability. They may also experience unusual warmth, dryness and flushing of skin. A rapid rise in body temperature can occur, especially in warm weather. Infants and children with spastic paralysis or brain damage are particularly at risk for suffering severe side effects.
Elderly use issues with antispasmodics
Older adults are more likely to experience certain side effects with antispasmodics, including dry mouth, nose, throat or skin. Other symptoms that are more common in older adults include confusion or memory loss, constipation, difficulty urinating, drowsiness, and unusual excitement, nervousness, restlessness or irritability. Eye pain in older adults using antispasmodics may indicate glaucoma (an eye disease that damages the optic nerve), though most forms of glaucoma are painless.
Questions for your doctor about antispasmodics
Preparing questions in advance can help patients to have more meaningful discussions with their physicians regarding their conditions. Patients may wish to ask their doctor the following antispasmodic-related questions:
Might I benefit from taking antispasmodics?
What are the potential side effects with the specific antispasmodic you are recommending for me? Which are likely to resolve with time?
Are there any long term side effects? Will my risk of these side effects change as I age?
Which, if any, side effects should I immediately report to you?
What lifestyle changes, if any, do you recommend to cope with potential side effects?
What should I do if I miss a dose of this medication?
What should I do if I suspect I may have taken too much of this medication?
Will the medication interfere with any other drugs I am currently taking?
Are there any over-the-counter medications or products I should avoid when taking this medication?
Should I take this medication at a particular time of day?
Should I avoid taking this medication with any type of food or beverage (e.g., grapefruit juice)?
