Pinaverium bromide: what is it and what is this drug used for?

Irritable bowel syndrome and colitis are two gastrointestinal problems that can be very annoying. Sometimes, its severity can reach such that there is a significant impact on the lives of the people who suffer from it.

Among the most serious symptoms of these diseases are anemia and dehydration, which can cause lasting health consequences.

Fortunately, drugs have been created to treat these problems, and one of them is the one that gives its name to this article: pinaverium bromide. Let's see what this medicine is, what are its uses, adverse effects and precautions to be taken into account.

• Related article: "Digestive system: anatomy, parts and function"

What is pinaverium bromide and what is it used for?

Pinaverium bromide is a spasmolytic drug used to treat digestive system problems and receives multiple trade names: Dicetel, Verupinol, Zerpyco, Eldicet, Briomon and Blocafer. In pharmacies it can be found in the form of 50 mg and 100 mg tablets.

It is used for the symptomatic treatment of pain, intestinal transit disorders and problems such as irritable bowel syndrome and spasmodic colitis. It is also used as a treatment for bile duct problems such as biliary dyskinesis. Another of its uses is the preparation of the barium enema.

Its use for colitis is of special mention.. In this medical condition, the colon, large intestine, and rectum become inflamed, causing various digestive problems such as diarrhea and constipation. In addition, lesions can occur inside the colon that cause the stool to be accompanied by blood. Colitis involves other symptoms such as cramps and abdominal pain, fever, excess gas, weight loss, dehydration, anaemia, inflammation and pain in the joints, mouth sores, nausea, skin ulcers, lack of appetite and tiredness general.

The appearance of colitis is due to different factors, but in most cases there is a certain genetic component combined with having suffered stressful situations in recent weeks. In addition, not maintaining adequate eating habits and being exposed to environmental contamination contributes to the occurrence of this disease.

To prevent this digestive disorder from occurring, it is advisable to consume foods rich in fiber and chew them conscientiously, reduce alcohol intake and avoid smoking, in addition to exercising with frequency.

How does this medicine work?

Pinaverium bromide is a drug whose action influences the spasmodic movements of the intestines. This medicine is distributed through the digestive mucosa, reaching the smooth muscle, reducing the duration and intensity of colonic movements during colic. This drug makes it possible to treat colitis and irritable bowel symptoms through this action.

Thanks to that, allows to calm symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, gas and constipation. It also reduces the duration of intestinal transit and helps the stool to be evacuated in episodes of constipation.

The use of pinaverium bromide allows to relax the gastrointestinal tract, specifically the colon, allowing an improvement in the quality of life of patients suffering from digestive disorders.

• You may be interested in: "Pain in the left part of the stomach: possible causes and what to do"

Use in treatment

Treatment must always be indicated by a doctor, and consists of taking three 50 mg tablets of pinaverium bromide with a glass of water and always accompanied by food. The maximum recommended daily dose is 300 mg. and the period in which the drug must be consumed varies depending on the pathology for which it has been prescribed.

The consumption of this drug should be done during the day, since if it is done at night or before lying down there may be problems touching the lining of the esophagus and stomach, which may turn out to be annoying.

Side effects

Adverse reactions to this drug can be varied and do not have to manifest in all people or do so equally. The total number of cases in which this type of reaction has occurred does not reach 1%, in addition to the fact that in many cases are due to overdose and subside when following the guidelines indicated in taking the drug. drug.

These side effects include: stomach pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dry mouth, headache, sweating in the neck and face, abdominal pain, breathing difficulties and allergic reactions to the compound.

In these cases, treatment with pinaverium bromide should be discontinued and other options observed to treat the problem for which this drug was prescribed. In situations of this type a health professional should be contacted as soon as possible who has indicated the consumption of this medication.

Contraindications and precautions

It is recommended that the guidelines indicated by the doctor be followed, since pinaverium bromide has irritating abilities on the esophagus. It is very important not to chew, suck or crush the tablets. You should go carefully if there was already some kind of problem in the esophagus before.

The main precautions for pinaverium bromide are as follows.

Pregnancy and lactation

It is not recommended for pregnancy or lactation. If you are pregnant or think you are, a doctor should be consulted to assess the situation and whether or not to withdraw the drug.

children and adolescents

There is insufficient clinical research in children and adolescents to consider the administration of this drug to these age groups as appropriate or not. It has not been possible to verify its safety or efficacy in pediatric use.

At the moment, what is done is to manage it when it is considered that there is no other better or safer option, and always under medical indication.

Combined with anticholinergics

Caution is advised if these types of medications are being consumed, since they also influence intestinal spasms and the biliary tract.

Combined consumption of pinaverium bromide with anticholinergics may result in a potentiated effect on the digestive tract.

Heart, liver and kidney problems

The professional should be consulted, although in the case of liver problems it is not recommended because pinaverium bromide intervenes on the bile ducts.

Lactose intolerance

The presentation of pinaverium bromide can be accompanied by other substances to give consistency and facilitate the digestion of the tablet.

People with lactose intolerance should make sure the pinaverium bromide preparation they consume is lactose-free among the ingredients of the tablet.

problems in the esophagus

In case there is irritation in the throat, it is recommended to take the tablets with plenty of water to facilitate its passage through the esophagus and prevent further damage to the throat. It is also recommended to do it with food to avoid direct contact with the neck.

Bibliographic references:

• Christen, M.O. (1990). Action of pinaverium bromide, a calcium-antagonist, on gastrointestinal motility disorders. 21(6):pp, 821-825.
• Rodemann, J.F., Dubberke, E.R., Reske, K.A., et al. (2007). Incidence of Clostridium difficile infection in inflammatory bowel disease. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol; 5:339.