Antispasmodic

For spasmolytics acting on skeletal muscle, see muscle relaxant.

An antispasmodic (synonym: spasmolytic) is a drug that suppresses smooth muscle contraction, especially in tubular organs. The effect is to prevent spasms of the stomach, intestine or urinary bladder.

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Examples

Both dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are antispasmodic due to their anticholinergic action. Both of these drugs have general side effects and can worsen gastroesophageal reflux disease.^[1]

Peppermint oil has been traditionally used as an antispasmodic, and a review of studies on the topic found that it "could be efficacious for symptom relief in IBS"^[2] (as an antispasmodic) although more carefully controlled studies are needed. A later study showed it is an effective antispasmodic when test-applied topically to the intestine during endoscopy.^[3]

The flower Liatris, also called blazing star, has also been used as an antispasmodic. Another old common name for this plant is Colic Root, alluding to its medicinal use as an antispasmodic for the intestines.

See also

• Muscarinic antagonist
• Parasympatholytic

References

1. ^ Treatment of Irritable Bowel Syndrome - December 15, 2005 -- American Family Physician. Retrieved on 2007-08-14.
2. ^ Pittler MH, Ernst E (1998). "Peppermint oil for irritable bowel syndrome: a critical review and metaanalysis". Am. J. Gastroenterol. 93 (7): 1131-5. PMID 9672344.
3. ^ Hiki N, Kurosaka H, Tatsutomi Y, et al (2003). "Peppermint oil reduces gastric spasm during upper endoscopy: a randomized, double-blind, double-dummy controlled trial". Gastrointest. Endosc. 57 (4): 475-82. doi:10.1067/mge.2003.156. PMID 12665756.