12 Examples of Anticholinergic Antispasmodics

The naturally occurring leaf of the plant (Atropa belladonna) is widely used still to-day in the form of Tincture Belladonna and Extract Belladonna Siccum.

Its main active principle (ingredient) is the alkaloid, Atropine.

1. belladonna—The naturally occurring leaf of the plant (Atropa belladonna) is widely used still to-day in the form of Tincture Belladonna and Extract Belladonna Siccum.

Its main active principle (ingredient) is the alkaloid, Atropine.

As an antispasmodic, it was most commonly used in peptic ulcer (for relieving the pylorospasm and also to diminish the acid secretion of the stomach), in gastro-intestinal upsets, earlier also was used in bronchial asthma occasionally along with other therapeutic agents.

Main disadvantages are dryness of mouth and sometimes blurring of vision.

2. aropine—It is the main alkaloid of Belladonna. The therapeutic effectiveness of other anticholinergic antispasmodics are usually expressed in terms of Atropine. It is used as Atropine sulphate. As an antispasmodic. Atropine is widely used both orally and parenterally (by I.M. Injection).

The main disadvantages are dryness of mouth and sometimes blurring of vision.

3. hyoscyamus—The naturally occurring leaf of the plant (Hyoscyamus niger) is also used in therapeutics usually as Tincture Hyoscyami.

Its main active principle (ingredient) is the alkaloid, Hyoscyamine.

In therapeutics, it is most commonly used to relieve the spasm and irritation associated with diseases of the urinary tract e.g., renal calculus (or stone in the urinary tract), cystitis (or inflammation of the urinary bladder) etc.

4. stramonium—The naturally occurring leaf of the plant (Datura stramonium) was also used in therapeutics usually as Tincture Stramonii. As an antispasmodic, it was sometimes used in bronchial asthma along with other therapeutic agents.

5. atropine methylnitrate—It is a synthetic preparation which is relatively free from the side-effects often met with Atropine.

In clinical practice it is generally used for the conservative treatment and pre-operative preparation of congenital hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in infants.

6. homatropine—Its antispasmodic effect is said to be insignificant. It is generally used in ophthalmic practice as a mydriatic [i.e., pupillary dilator).

7. homatropine methylbromide—As an antispasmodic agent it is less potent than Atropine but is more potent than Homatropine.

8. hyoscine hydrobromide (scopolamine)—In addition to the usual anti-cholinergic effects, it also possesses some depressant effect on the central nervous system producing calmness, forgetfulness and sleep.

In selective cases, these effects (atropine like effect+central depression) will be found helpful therapeutically.

9. hyoscine methylbromide—In comparison to Hyoscine hydrobromide, its anti-spasmodic effect is more and the depressant effect on the central nervous system is far less.

10. propantheline (viz., ‘Probanthine’ of Searle)—It is a synthetic anticholinergic drug belonging to the quarternary ammonium compounds.

It is a useful drug in peptic ulcer, spastic colon, colonic diverticulitis, hyperhidrosis (i.e., excessive sweating) etc. In peptic ulcer it was claimed to be an ideal anticholinergic drug for decreasing the acid gastric secretion and relief of pylorospasm. It is claimed to be superior to Atropine in these respects and side effects occur less commonly in therapeutic doses. Likely side effects and precautions are same as with anticholinergic group in general.

11. oxyphenonium (viz., ‘Antrenyl’ of Ciba)—It is a synthetic anticholinergic drug belonging to the quarternary ammonium compounds.

It is also claimed to be an ideal anticholinergic drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer. Side effects in therapeutic doses are less common. But the possible side effects and precautions are same as with anticholinergic group in general.

12. penthienate bromide (viz., ‘Monodral’ of Wander Lab.)— This is also an anticholinergic drug belonging to the quarternary ammonium compounds.

Though claimed to be an ideal anti-cholinergic drug for the treatment of peptic ulcer, it often causes marked dryness of the mouth. Possible side-effects and precautions are similar to those of other anti-cholinergic drugs.