Description

Drotin-M – Strip of 10 Tablets

Drotin-M is a medication that combines Drotaverine and Mefenamic Acid, and is primarily used for pain relief, particularly in conditions associated with smooth muscle spasms and inflammation.

Key Information:

• Active Ingredients:
  • Drotaverine (40 mg): A smooth muscle relaxant, primarily used to relieve spasms in the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract, genitourinary system, and other smooth muscles.
  • Mefenamic Acid (250 mg): A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) that helps to reduce inflammation, pain, and fever.
• Quantity: Strip of 10 tablets.

Common Uses:

Drotin-M is used to treat conditions where muscle spasms and pain are present, often those that involve the digestive and reproductive systems. Its primary uses include:

1. Abdominal Pain:
   • Drotin-M is commonly prescribed for abdominal pain associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as colic, bloating, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). The drotaverine helps to relax the smooth muscles of the gut, relieving cramps and spasms.
2. Menstrual Cramps (Dysmenorrhea):
   • It is frequently used to treat painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea) by relaxing the uterine muscles and reducing menstrual cramps. Mefenamic acid helps with pain relief, while drotaverine alleviates muscle spasms.
3. Urinary Tract Spasms:
   • It can be used to relieve painful spasms in the urinary tract, which may occur in conditions like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or bladder spasms.
4. Post-Surgical Pain:
   • It may also be used after abdominal surgeries to reduce spasms and associated pain.

Mechanism of Action:

• Drotaverine works by inhibiting phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) in smooth muscles, which relaxes the muscles and alleviates spasms. It has no significant effect on the heart or skeletal muscles.
• Mefenamic Acid is a type of NSAID that works by inhibiting the cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes (COX-1 and COX-2), which are responsible for producing prostaglandins — chemicals that cause inflammation, pain, and fever. By blocking these enzymes, mefenamic acid reduces pain and inflammation.

Dosage:

• Typical dosage for Drotin-M is one tablet two to three times a day, depending on the severity of the symptoms. However, the exact dosage and duration of treatment should always be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
• It is usually recommended to take Drotin-M with food to reduce any potential gastric irritation caused by Mefenamic acid.

Side Effects:

Common side effects of Drotin-M include:

• Gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, dyspepsia, or heartburn)
• Dizziness or headache
• Diarrhea or constipation
• Abdominal discomfort or bloating
• Fatigue or weakness

Serious side effects (although rare) include:

• Stomach ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding (common with NSAIDs like Mefenamic acid, particularly with long-term use)
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling of the face, lips, or throat, difficulty breathing)
• Liver or kidney problems (unusual tiredness, yellowing of the skin/eyes, dark urine)
• Severe dizziness or fainting

If any of these serious side effects occur, medical help should be sought immediately.

Precautions:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: If you have a history of gastric ulcers, gastritis, or intestinal bleeding, NSAIDs like Mefenamic acid should be used with caution, as they can irritate the stomach lining and increase the risk of bleeding.
• Kidney or Liver Disease: Both Mefenamic acid and drotaverine should be used cautiously in individuals with liver or kidney problems, as these organs metabolize or excrete the medication.
• Pregnancy: Drotin-M is generally not recommended during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, as NSAIDs can affect fetal development. Drotaverine should be used only when clearly needed and prescribed by a doctor.
• Breastfeeding: While drotaverine is not known to pass into breast milk, mefenamic acid can, so consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding before using this medication.
• Allergies: If you have known allergies to NSAIDs or drotaverine, you should avoid taking this medication.

Interactions:

• Blood Thinners: Mefenamic acid can increase the risk of bleeding when taken with anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin), so caution is required.
• Other NSAIDs: Avoid taking other NSAIDs simultaneously, as this can increase the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.
• Antihypertensive Drugs: Mefenamic acid can interfere with blood pressure medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, diuretics), reducing their effectiveness.