subject: Some Facts About Antispasmodic Drugs [print this page] Antispasmodic drugs are aimed at suppressing muscle as well as skeletal spasms. Gut spasm especially affects the tubular organs in the gastrointestinal tract and can be the symptom of irritable bowel syndrome. These drugs try to smoothen muscle contraction and thus prevent spasms in the urinary bladder, intestine and stomach. But some of the drugs used to this effect are found to be having side effects.
The antispasmodic drugs used to suppress gut spasm are easily available as over the counter medications. The effects of the spasm often cause bloating of abdominal muscles, severe pain in the abdomen etc. But these drugs provide relief from the pain as well as prevent or curtail movement of the intestines. Antispasmodics cannot be relied upon to cure irritable bowel syndrome in its totality. The aim here is to cut down the discomfiture of the patient, but in some cases, they are effective in providing total cure to the ailment.
A vast network of neurons controls the movement of the smooth muscles that fines the walls of our guts. These neurons are stimulated as well as kept fast in their respective places by several chemicals produced inside the body. The stimulating and fastening action causes smooth movements of the muscle. When a person is affected by irritable bowel syndrome, the pattern of this movement is changed, which often results in severe pain.
Antispasmodics effectively prevent this by smoothening out the muscle, which in turn reduce the discomfiture. There are many such drugs available in the market these days, but it is not advisable to use one without a clear prescription from the physician. In addition, regular use is a strict no-no, because in that case, the drug may lose its potency and negative side-effects may crop up. However, the side effects normally range from dryness of mouth, flatulence, heartburn or constipation, which are not enough causes to raise an alarm.
In addition, it is advisable to read the accompanying literature to gain more insight into how the drug works and what are its ingredients. Normally, the effects of the medicine start showing only after one hour of ingestion. The hard and fast principle regarding using antispasmodics is that the correct dosage and the right medicine only on the recommendation of a doctor should be administered. In addition, pregnant women as well as breast-feeding mothers should be additionally cautious while using them. It is a good idea to consult a physician before using any type of medication.
