An antispasmodic drug used to treat irritable bowel syndrome and forms of urinary incontinence.
Possible adverse effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, and retention of urine.
n. an *antimuscarinic drug that decreases activity of smooth muscle (see antispasmodic) and is used to treat disorders of the digestive system and (in adults) *enuresis. Side-effects include dry mouth and blurred vision.
These are antimuscarinic drugs (see ANTIMUSCARINE) which have the property of relaxing smooth muscle. Along with other antimuscarinic drugs, antispasmodics may be helpful supportive treatment for patients with non-ulcer DYSPEPSIA, IRRITABLE BOWEL SYNDROME (IBS) and DIVERTICULAR DISEASE. Examples of antispasmodic drugs are ATROPINE sulphate, dicyclomine bromide and propantheline (a synthetic antimuscarinic drug used as a treatment adjunct in gastrointestinal disorders and also for controlling urinary frequency), bromide, alverine, mebervine and peppermint oil. With the arrival of more powerful and speci?c antisecretory drugs, such as the histamine H2-receptor antagonists – examples are CIMETIDINE and RANITIDINE – the use of antispasmodics has declined.... antispasmodics
(anticholinergic) adj. inhibiting the action of *acetylcholine, the neurotransmitter that conveys information in the parasympathetic nervous system. Antimuscarinic drugs block the effects of certain (muscarinic) receptors (hence their name). The actions of these drugs include relaxation of smooth muscle, decreased secretion of saliva, sweat, and digestive juices, and dilation of the pupil of the eye. *Atropine and similar drugs have these effects; they are used in the treatment of gut spasms (e.g. *propantheline) and of parkinsonism (e.g. *trihexyphenidyl) as bronchodilators (e.g. *ipratropium), and as *mydriatics. Characteristic side-effects include dry mouth, thirst, blurred vision, dry skin, increased heart rate, and difficulty in urination.... antimuscarinic
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