Brand Name: DROSPAN
Generic Name: Drotaverine
Presentations: 40/ 80 mg Tablets
Pharmacological Categories: Antispasmodic, Selective phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor

Mechanism of Action (MOA)
Drospan (Drotaverine) selectively inhibits phosphodiesterase-4 (PDE-4) that breaks down cAMP, thereby increasing cAMP concentration. Therefore, rise in level of cAMP prevents binding of MLCK with complex of calcium-calmodulin, because of which contraction of smooth muscle does not occur. Moreover, rise in cAMP increases re-uptake of calcium ions by sarcoplasmic reticulum, which decreases duration of contraction.

Pharmacokinetics
Absorption: Bioavailability is highly variable
Bioavailability: 24.5 – 91%
Protein Binding: 80-95%
Metabolism: Hepatic
Elimination Half-life: 7-12 hours
Elimination: Non-renal route

Indications and dosage
• Functional dyspepsia
• Pain due to irritable bowel syndrome
• Recurrent abdominal pain in children
• Menstrual pain
Dose: 40 to 80 mg tid

Side Effects
Headache, heartburn, flatulence, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, vomiting, dry mouth

Contraindications
Severe renal/hepatic/cardiac dysfunction, porphyria

Warnings/ Precautions
Caution in patients with renal/hepatic/cardiac dysfunction; pregnancy, lactation

Drug interactions
• May reduce the action of levodopa.
• Additive beneficial effect with concurrent use of analgesics, antimuscarinics or benzodiazepines.

Pregnancy Category: C

Presentations
DROSPAN 40: 10 X 10’s
DROSPAN 80: 20 X 10’s