Drotaverine overdose (poisoning) - lethal dosage

“No-Shpa” is the commercial name of the popular drug Drotaverine. The drug belongs to the group of antispasmodics with pronounced analgesic properties. No-spa is used for:

• relaxation of smooth muscles;
• eliminating pain syndrome;
• vasodilation;
• improving the supply of oxygen to tissues.

The drug is quite popular, so cases of overdose with this drug are not uncommon. Let us consider in more detail whether it is possible to be poisoned by No-shpa, and what consequences this can lead to.

Main cases of overdose

Most often, an overdose of No-shpa occurs in the following cases:

1. In severe illnesses, when the maximum permissible daily or single dosage is exceeded, hoping for quick relief of pain.
2. When used for children, the dosage calculated for an adult is used.
3. Use of the drug in patients with atrioventricular block. In such situations there is even a possibility of death.
4. Use of No-shpa by patients with renal or liver failure. In this category of people, antispasmodics, even in small quantities, can cause an overdose, since the breakdown of this medication must occur in the liver and later be excreted by the kidneys. But in patients, due to a disrupted breakdown process of substances, the drug accumulates in the blood in large quantities.
5. Use of Drotaverine by allergy sufferers and asthmatics.
6. Suicidal overdose.

Drug interactions

1. Reduces the spasmogenic activity of morphine.
2. When used simultaneously, the antiparkinsonian effect of levodopa may be weakened.
3. Phenobarbital increases the severity of the antispasmodic effect of drotaverine.
4. Enhances the effect of papaverine, bendazole and other antispasmodics (including m-anticholinergics), the decrease in blood pressure caused by tricyclic antidepressants, quinidine and procainamide.

Symptoms of poisoning

The severity of the patient’s condition after poisoning depends on the amount of medication taken, the presence of kidney, heart or liver diseases, the body’s endurance and the timeliness of assistance. In this case, the first signs of an overdose will appear within 30-40 minutes after taking the drug, gradually increasing in the future.

Symptoms may vary depending on the severity of the poisoning . So, in a mild form of overdose, the following symptoms are observed:

• severe headaches;
• loss of consciousness or mental confusion;
• dizziness;
• high blood pressure;
• difficulty breathing with lack of oxygen;
• general weakness;
• increased heart rate;
• convulsions;
• constipation;
• sleep disturbance.

In severe cases of poisoning, symptoms such as:

• respiratory arrest caused by paralysis of the respiratory system;
• cardiac arrest as a result of blockade of nerve impulses.

In cases where a person has increased sensitivity to the elements that make up No-shpa, the following symptoms may be present:

Side effects

When taking Drotaverine in recommended doses, the likelihood of side effects is low. Possible:

• rash;
• flushes of blood to the face;
• decreased blood pressure;
• Quincke's edema.

In isolated cases:

• rapid heartbeat, arrhythmia;
• headache, dizziness, insomnia;
• nausea, constipation.

Very rarely:

• bronchospasm;
• swelling of the nasal mucosa.

First aid

After poisoning caused by No-shpa, it is necessary to provide assistance to the victim both on the spot and in an ambulance.

First aid measures include:

1. Preventing the process of drug absorption. To do this, induce vomiting. After which (even in cases where it was not possible to induce vomiting), the patient must take activated charcoal in the ratio of 2 tablets for every 10 kg of weight.
2. Call an ambulance.
3. Drink plenty of fluids. It is important to ensure that the victim drinks about 2 liters of water, after which it is worth inducing vomiting again.
4. If the patient loses consciousness, it is necessary to take him out into fresh air, lay him on a hard surface on his side and unfasten his clothes. If necessary, perform indirect cardiac massage or artificial respiration.

Consequences

Poisoning with Drotaverine is dangerous because it primarily affects the central nervous system. And even a minor disruption of the central nervous system can lead to serious changes in the body’s performance.

CNS depression after an overdose of an antispasmodic can affect the functioning of the heart or brain. There may also be a negative impact on the mechanisms of blood pressure regulation - it can rise to critical values.

If the maximum permissible dose of No-shpa in a particular age category is exceeded critically and the patient was not able to receive timely medical care, then the result of the overdose may become irreversible - death will occur.

This occurs as a result of the development of asystole and respiratory arrest.

Fortunately, this outcome is extremely rare, but uncontrolled use of the drug can cause significant harm to human health. The most striking consequence of No-shpa poisoning is kidney and liver failure. And in people with vascular atherosclerosis, an overdose can lead to the development of complications of the cardiovascular system.

Antispasmodic drugs, including No-shpa, are considered fairly safe drugs. But they can also be harmful to health if you do not follow the instructions for use. It is important not to exceed the established therapeutic dosage of the drug, then poisoning and possible complications will be avoided.

Drotaverine is a popular drug with antispasmodic activity. Used for many problems in the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract. However, if used incorrectly, it can lead to intoxication. How does Drotaverine poisoning occur?

Storage conditions and shelf life

In accordance with the instructions, Drotaverine must be stored in a well-ventilated place, protected from light, dry and out of reach of children, at a temperature not exceeding 25 ºС.

The shelf life of the drug, subject to the basic recommendations of the manufacturer, is three years.

Why are Drotaverine tablets prescribed: instructions and reviews - tips and recommendations on News4Health.ru

Life in the modern world is replete with many factors that negatively affect human health. The main ones are poor ecology, questionable quality of food, contaminated drinking water, poor quality medical care, as well as stressful situations and bad habits. Therefore, it is so important to pay attention to regular healing of the body using various methods and means. Be sure to consult a specialist so as not to harm your health!

About the drug

Drotaverine is a medicine that helps cope with the manifestation of spasms of the smooth muscles of the digestive organs and blood vessels.

The action is similar to Papaverine. The main compound is Drotaverine hydrochloride. Additionally, milk sugar, talc, and magnesium stearate are present. There are two forms of release:

• Pills. One piece contains forty milligrams of the active substance. The package contains up to fifty tablets. Absorption of the drug begins five minutes after administration, the maximum amount in the blood is reached after an hour.
• Ampoules with solution for injection. One milliliter contains 20 mg of active compound. It is used intravenously or intramuscularly to obtain a quick effect.

The drug does not affect the heart and nervous system. It is excreted from the body along with urine.

When is Drotaverine prescribed?

In what cases is the use of Drotaverine recommended? The medicine helps to cope with many diseases.

• inflammation in the bladder;
• disruption of intestinal function in the form of constipation;
• ulcerative lesions of the gastric mucosa;
• gastritis;
• inflammatory processes in the intestines;
• gallbladder disease;
• spasmodic manifestations in the digestive tract;
• menstruation accompanied by painful sensations;
• migraine;
• spasms of the heart muscle.

Drotaverine can be used before specific examinations that require relaxation of the muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. However, taking the medicine is not allowed in all cases. There are a number of contraindications in which it is better to refuse treatment with Drotaverine.

1. renal and liver failure;
2. angle-closure glaucoma;
3. low blood pressure (pills are prohibited);
4. prostate adenoma;
5. chronic heart failure;
6. intolerance to components;
7. breastfeeding period.

10Duration of treatment

The duration of the treatment course depends on the form of the prescribed drug.
When administered intramuscularly, the drug is used for 1-2 weeks. When taken orally in the acute period, treatment lasts no more than 3 days, otherwise it risks the development of complications.12 Overdose If the drug is not taken in appropriate therapeutic doses, an increase in side symptoms is observed. Nausea, vomiting, and constipation appear. In more severe cases, cardioventricular conduction develops, the excitability of the heart muscle decreases, the heart stops, or paralysis of the respiratory center occurs. In such cases, discontinuation of the drug, gastric lavage and symptomatic treatment are required.

Can pregnant women take drotaverine?

Is it possible to take pills during pregnancy? The medication is often used in gynecology - it is prescribed for increased uterine tone and an increased risk of premature birth. The medicine crosses the placenta, but does not harm the unborn baby. Use in early pregnancy is not recommended to avoid negative consequences.

Drotaverine is not prohibited for pregnant women. However, it is better to use it if the positive effect of treatment is higher than the negative manifestations.

How can you be poisoned by the drug?

Intoxication with Drotaverine occurs when more than 240 mg per day (six tablets) is consumed. In children, the dangerous dosage is two times lower and equal to three tablets. Particular care must be taken when giving medicine to young children.

Why is poisoning possible with such a drug? There are several reasons.

Causes of poisoning:

1. Independently exceeding the prescribed dosage in case of severe pain.
2. Accidental use of a large number of tablets (Drotaverine Forte contains 80 mg of the substance - this is twice as much as in the usual form). Older people often forget how much medicine they took and may take too much.
3. In children, poisoning occurs as a result of the carelessness of parents who leave the medicine in an accessible place.

Thus, poisoning occurs as a result of improper use of the drug. You must carefully follow the instructions and not use the drug for self-treatment.

Drug overdose is included in the International Classification of Diseases and has a code according to ICD 10 - T36-T50 Poisoning with drugs, medications and biological substances.

Symptoms of drotaverine overdose

How does poisoning manifest itself? The first symptoms according to the ICD appear within an hour after taking a dangerous amount. Symptoms:

• weakness;
• disruptions in the functioning of the heart muscle;
• nausea, vomiting;
• unclear consciousness;
• headaches, migraines;
• decreased blood pressure;
• trembling of limbs;
• convulsive manifestations;
• dry mouth;
• sleep problems;
• slow reactions to what is happening;
• disturbance of the respiratory process due to paralysis;
• heart failure.

Allergic reactions on the skin and Quincke's edema may occur. In people with bronchial asthma, paralysis of the respiratory muscles is possible. In case of severe poisoning, the patient loses consciousness within an hour and a half.

special instructions

Patients usually tolerate the drug well. Only sometimes individual side effects appear in the form of:

• fainting, sweating, sleep disturbances;
• tachycardia, arrhythmias, changes in blood pressure;
• bronchospasm or slight irritation of the nasal mucosa;
• itching, Quincke's edema, skin rashes, allergic inflammation.

In case of overdose the following are observed:

• pale skin;
• nausea and vomiting;
• AV block;
• respiratory paralysis;
• decreased activity of the heart muscle;
• heart failure.

The drug activates the action of antispasmodics, Bendazole, Papaverine, but reduces the spasmogenic effect of Morphine. Simultaneous use with Levodopa reduces the effect of the latter.

Within about a week, signs indicating liver damage may appear. To prevent negative consequences, do gastric lavage and take saline solutions. Consulting a doctor in such cases is mandatory.

Additional Information. Treatment with the drug in question affects the speed of psychomotor reactions, therefore, while taking the medication, you should avoid driving vehicles and performing other work that requires utmost attention.

Drotaverine hydrochloride solution is traditionally used in situations where acute conditions are observed or the patient cannot take pills.

In the normal state, injections are not resorted to, and the patient takes the medicine orally. In addition, people sensitive to sodium pyrosulfite should be treated with the drug in tablet form.

The injection method of administration in such situations often leads to serious allergic reactions and can cause anaphylactic shock.

It is possible to treat gastric or duodenal ulcers with Drotaverine, but in combination with antiulcer medications such as:

• De-Nola;
• Ranitidine;
• Omeprazole.

Sometimes patients and doctors are faced with a choice: how to treat diseases - Drotaverine or Papaverine. Both medications belong to antispasmodics, that is, they belong to the same group.

However, you need to remember which medicine is used for what - Drotaverine is more suitable for long-term treatment, while Papaverine is used to relieve acute conditions.

Each ailment is specific, and therefore to get rid of it you need to know the medicinal properties of the chosen medicine. Only such knowledge will help you apply it correctly and achieve effect.

Lethal dosage

It is difficult to determine a dangerous dosage of a medication due to the fact that each person is individual.

Taking 40 to 60 tablets is believed to be fatal . This amount is equal to 2.4 g of the active substance, but for an adult, the lethal dosage is considered to be 1.6 g of the compound.

Death from Drotaverine poisoning occurs after three hours, because the medicine is quickly absorbed into the gastrointestinal tract and spreads throughout the body.

Consequences of overdose

The consequences of Drotaverine poisoning depend on the number of tablets taken and the patient’s condition. Diseases of the kidneys, liver, and heart may occur. After poisoning, exacerbation of various chronic diseases often occurs. It is possible to avoid intoxication if you follow preventive measures:

• Do not increase the dosage yourself;
• do not use without a doctor's prescription;
• do not store in places accessible to children;
• If you notice any unpleasant symptoms, visit the hospital.

An overdose of Drotaverine is unsafe for human health. Death occurs quite quickly, so when the first signs appear, it is necessary to quickly assist the patient and begin treatment.

Contraindications for use

Drotaverine has virtually no contraindications, which makes it very convenient to use. The following patient conditions can be identified as contraindications to the use of the drug:

• individual sensitivity to the active components of the product;
• heart failure in a severe stage;
• arterial hypotension;
• acute renal failure;
• acute liver failure;
• lactase deficiency;
• children's age up to 12 years.