Spasmed – Uses, Side effects, Precautions, Interactions

It is used for the treatment of various types of pains. Spasmed is a combination of Dicyclomine and Paracetamol. Dicyclomine is an anticholinergic drug which reduces muscle contractions (spasms) and Paracetamol is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAID) drug which reduces pain

Indication

It is used for treating Irritable bowel syndrome (a condition causing pain in the stomach due to contraction of muscles in intestine). Signs and symptoms of Irritable bowel syndrome include cramping, abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea and constipation.

Various other types of pains are also treated using this drug. Below are other types of pains.

• Tooth ache
• Period pains
• Ear pain
• Intestinal pain
• Abdominal pain
• Headache
• Pain that occurs during periods due to muscle contraction. (period spasms)
• Joint pains

Dosage

Spasmed: For adults it should be taken 4 times a day.

Dicyclomine: Dose should be taken 10-20mg for 3 times a day. If it is given intramuscularly it should be given 20mg, 4 times a day for 1-2 days.

Paracetamol: Maximum daily dose should not be more than 1000mg.

Over dosage

When you take the dose more than the prescribed dose it results in dry mouth, tachycardia urination problems and skin becomes red.

Missed a dose???

• You should take the missed dose as soon as you remember.
• Don’t take the tablet if it is a nearer time of your next dose. Skip the missed dose and take them as usual dose the next day.
• Don’t take double the dose to make up for a missed dose.

Different brands of Spasmed and its manufacturers

How it acts

• It works by relaxing the muscles in the stomach and intestine and reduces the substances (prostaglandins) which cause pain.
• It also acts by increasing the blood flow to the contracted muscles.

Interactions

• It interacts with other drugs like amantadine, antacids, antihistamines, Benzodiazepines, Corticosteroids, Ketoconazole and Digoxin.
• It also interacts with tricyclic antidepressants, prokinetic drugs like metoclopramide & cisapride (used to treat disorders related to stomach disorders), Phenothiazines, Mono amino oxidase inhibitors and Teriflunomide.

Side effects

Here are some common side effects of Spasmed.

• Nausea (vomiting sensation)
• Dryness of mouth
• Dry eyes
• Blurred vision
• Sleepiness
• Weakness
• Nervousness
• Diarrhea
• Apnea (difficulty in breathing)
• Tachycardia
• Dyspepsia (indigestion)
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Hypersensitivity reactions like Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (both are dangerous skin allergic reactions)
• Chest pain
• Feeling of sickness
• Abnormalities of blood cells especially white blood cells
• Palpitations
• Anorexia (an eating disorder which causes people to obsess)

Other side effects that include when given as an injection

• Lightheadedness
• Local irritation at the injected site
• Sometimes blood coagulation may occur

Who shouldn’t use?

• If you have glaucoma (a condition in which fluid in the eye increases).
• If you have myastheniagravis (a condition that causes weakness of skeletal muscle).
• If you have hypersensitivity (allergic) reactions.
• If you have ulcerative colitis (swelling of the digestive tract).

Precautions

Before taking Spasmed tell your Doctor that

• You are using any other medications or any other over the counter medicines like vitamins, herbal supplements etc.
• You have any allergies, any previous diseases and about your health condition.
• If you have any previous heart diseases like congestive heart failure, tachycardia (increase in heart rate), tachyarrythmias (irregular heart rythms).
• If you have any thyroid problems i.e hyperthyroidism.
• If you have any liver or kidney diseases.

Pharmacokinetics

Dicyclomine

• After oral administration, it is rapidly and completely absorbed and reaches the blood circulation within 60-90 minutes.
• It is metabolized by liver enzymes 75% of the drug excreted in urine and the remaining amount in feces.
• Half of the drug is eliminated from the body within 1.8hrs.

Paracetamol

• It is rapidly and completely absorbed after oral administration and reaches the blood circulation within a short time i.e 30-60 minutes.
• It is metabolized in the liver and the active metabolites include acetylsalicylic acid and salicylic acid. These active metabolites also show its action in treating pains.
• Half of the drug is eliminated from the body within 1 to 4 hours.

FAQ’S

Q)Can anyone stop this medication if the pain is relieved??

Yes as it is used for short time and can be discontinued if the pain is relieved.

Q)What you have to do if this medicine causes dry mouth?

As this is the most common side effect it is better to take more water.

Q)What happens if anyone takes the higher dose than prescribed?

Don’t take more than the prescribed dose as it increases side effects. Ask your doctor if your pain is not relieved or if it is severe.

Q)Can a pregnant woman take this medicine?

As this drug causes adverse risks please consult your doctor before using during pregnancy.

Q)Avoid alcohol while taking this medicine?

One should not drink alcohol while taking this medicine as it increases the risk of liver damage. So it should not be used in patients with the severe liver disease.

Q)Is it safe to operate machinery and drive heavy vehicles during when taking this medication?

You should not drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery as it has side effects like drowsiness and blurred vision.

Q)Can Spasmed cause drug abuse and dependence?

Yes, if it is used for a longer period (approximately 1.5 years) for relieving pains it causes abuse and dependency because of Dicyclomine.

References

Spasmed- Summary product characteristics

Dicyclomine and Paracetamol –Medicine india

A rare case of dicyclomine abuse Elsevier – Journal List J Young Pharm v.5(3); 2013 SepPMC3812884

• Category: AntiSpasmodic