Drug reference
drotaverine
PDE-4 inhibitor, Non-anticholinergic smooth muscle antispasmodic · Antispasmodic
PDE-4 inhibitor, Non-anticholinergic smooth muscle antispasmodicAntispasmodic
CDSCO approved
EXCRETION
—
not curated
INTERACTIONS
—
none in our sources
PREGNANCY
—
not curated
Mechanism
Drotaverine is a novel non-anticholinergic smooth muscle antispasmodic which acts by inhibiting phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) selectively for smooth muscle. This leads to elevation of intracellular cAMP/cGMP, attending smooth muscle relaxation. Changes in membrane ionic fluxes and membrane potential have also been shown.
Indications
Intestinal colicBiliary colicRenal colicIrritable bowel syndromeUterine spasms
Dosing
- Adult
- 40–80 mg TDS oral; 40 mg/2 ml inj.
Side effects
Common
HeadacheDizzinessConstipationFlushing
Serious
- Fall in BP (can occur on i.v. injection)
Drug interactions
5 additional unreviewed or low-confidence interactions hidden because their provenance or source detail is insufficient.
Related guidelines
Irritable bowel syndrome
ISG · Gastroenterology · 2023
Acute coronary syndrome in chronic kidney disease
CSI · Cardiology · 2020
Empirical antimicrobial use in common syndromes
ICMR · Infectious Diseases · 2019
Coronary angiography with renal dysfunction
CSI · Cardiology · 2020
Abnormal uterine bleeding
FOGSI · Obstetrics & Gynaecology · 2016
Ask House about drotaverine
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Textbook-sourced·Sources: KD Tripathi 7e·Updated: 2026-05-10