Antispasmodic Drugs Used for Interstitial Cystitis

An antispasmodic is a medication used to treat various intestinal and bladder disorders, including interstitial cystitis, which causes bladder pain and an increased need to urinate. They act as a muscle relaxant in the intestinal wall and urinary bladder, effectively preventing spasms.

Types

• According to gihealth.com, commonly prescribed antispasmodics include Anaspaz, Bentyl, Librax, LevBid, Levsin, Levsinex, NuLev, Pro-Banthine and Robinul. All are derived from the belladonna plant. They can be taken long-term under the direction of a physician or for the short-term management of symptoms.

Directions

• You should take your chosen antispasmodic at least 30 minutes prior to meals so that it will become active while your body digests the meal.

Caution

• You should not antispasmodics with alcohol, since it may increase drowsiness.

Serious Side Effects

• Most antispasmodics share the following serious side effects that, if experienced, require you to contact your physician: skin rash, unusual bleeding/bruising, confusion, tremors, blurred vision, difficult urinating, irregular or rapid pulse, difficulty breathing and severe constipation.

Other Side Effects

• Less serious side effects that may dissipate throughout the duration of treatment include (but are not limited to) dizziness; fatigue; dry mouth, nose and throat; mild constipation; sensitivity to light; decreased sweating; and slightly increase heart rate.

Warning

• Because these medications can decrease sweating, special care should be taken during hot days or when exercising since it will be very easy to overheat yourself, which can cause its own array of medical problems.