Espasmo Siligas

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Espasmo Siligas

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Medically reviewed

Rosario Oropesa

Last updated on 22/12/2025

This page provides general, reference-level information compiled from official medical sources. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For decisions about your health, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.

Overview of Espasmo Siligas

What is Espasmo Siligas?

Espasmo Siligas is a combination pharmaceutical product designed to address gastrointestinal discomfort. It contains two primary active ingredients that work through different mechanisms to manage symptoms related to gas and smooth muscle spasms in the digestive tract.

Composition and Active Ingredients

The effectiveness of Espasmo Siligas is derived from its dual-action formula:

  • Simethicone: An anti-foaming agent that acts as a surfactant. It works by breaking down the surface tension of gas bubbles within the stomach and intestines, allowing smaller bubbles to coalesce into larger ones that are more easily expelled from the body.
  • Antispasmodic Component: Typically containing an ingredient such as dicycloverine (dicyclomine) or a similar agent, this component works by relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal tract. This relaxation helps to reduce cramping and involuntary muscle contractions.

Therapeutic Intent

This medication is primarily used to provide symptomatic relief for conditions characterized by functional digestive disturbances. By combining a gas-relieving agent with a muscle relaxant, the formulation targets the physical pressure caused by trapped air as well as the pain associated with intestinal spasms. It is commonly utilized for individuals experiencing bloating, flatulence, and abdominal cramping associated with various digestive sensitivities.

Regulatory References

  1. Simethicone (DailyMed/NIH)

What side effects are possible with Espasmo Siligas?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of this fixed-dose combination, containing the systemic antispasmodic Papaverine and the non-systemic antiflatulent Simethicone, is dominated by the documented systemic effects of Papaverine as stated in official regulatory documents. Simethicone is characterized by minimal systemic absorption and a high tolerability profile.

Adverse reactions are classified into System-Organ Classes (SOC) and frequency categories. The most frequently documented systemic effects are typically related to Papaverine's action, affecting the following systems:

  • Nervous System Disorders: Includes drowsiness, dizziness, and headache.
  • Vascular and Cardiac Disorders: Includes flushing of the skin and increased heart rate (tachycardia).
  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: May include nausea, abdominal discomfort, and constipation.

Serious Adverse Reactions and Population Constraints

Official prescribing information for the systemic component highlights potential for rare, serious adverse events. Hepatic hypersensitivity leading to changes in liver function tests has been documented and requires the treatment to be discontinued if signs of liver injury appear. The label also notes the risk of cardiac conduction depression with high doses.

Safety constraints apply to specific populations and pre-existing conditions. Caution is officially advised for use in individuals with severe hepatic impairment, certain cardiovascular conditions such as complete heart block (which is a contraindication), and glaucoma. These constraints ensure the medicine is used within the established boundaries of its regulatory safety profile.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and When to Seek Help

The overdose profile for Espasmo Siligas is determined primarily by the systemic effects of the Papaverine component, as documented in government regulatory sources. Overdose with this systemic component can be serious and is considered an emergency.

Documented Overdose Manifestations

Symptoms and signs documented in regulatory labeling include Gastrointestinal distress (Nausea, Vomiting), Systemic/Neurological effects (Weakness, Dizziness, CNS depression), and specific Ocular changes such as Nystagmus (involuntary eye movement) and Diplopia (double vision).

Severe manifestations may include Metabolic Acidosis, profound Hypotension, life-threatening Tachyarrhythmias (rapid, abnormal heart rhythms), and Seizures (Convulsions).


Emergency Actions Required

Immediate medical attention must be sought for any suspected overdose. Regulatory documents explicitly state that a Poison Control Center should be contacted immediately.

Urgent medical help is required if any documented manifestations are observed, particularly signs such as severe weakness, fast heartbeats, uncontrolled eye movement, or drowsiness.

No specific chemical antidote for Papaverine overdose is listed in the official prescribing information. Management is purely supportive, focusing on monitoring blood gases, vital signs, and treating complications such as seizures with appropriate agents.

Therapeutic Uses of Espasmo Siligas

Espasmo Siligas is a combination formulation generally used for managing acute discomfort within the digestive tract, addressing symptoms that interfere with daily functioning. The components of this formulation contribute to easing symptomatic burdens associated with GI distress.


Easing Acute Pain and Distress

This medication is relevant for easing painful cramping, involuntary muscle spasms, and the associated symptoms of bloating, fullness, and internal pressure due to excess gas. It is applicable within clinical settings that involve acute or disruptive symptom patterns, such as infantile colic, which is a condition characterized by periods of heightened symptoms. This supportive therapeutic relief may assist patients in coping more steadily with difficult episodes of acute abdominal pain and distension.

The formulation is used for managing symptom clusters that may become disruptive, often during phases when symptoms become more noticeable. This dual-action support is commonly used in conditions presenting with acute episodes in infants, children, teenagers, and adults. It contributes to easing the overall symptom load and supports patients during difficult episodes by easing distress.


Quick Fact: Supports management of Combined Spasm and Bloating

Regulatory References

  1. Health Canada Monograph on Antiflatulents (Simethicone)

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Eligibility and Contraindications

The information regarding who can and cannot use Espasmo Siligas is primarily defined by its official regulatory status as a prescription-only medicine (RX). This classification means the medication is legally restricted and can only be used by individuals who have received a valid medical prescription from a qualified healthcare professional.

Eligibility Classification Official Regulatory Status
Availability Prescription Only (Venta bajo fórmula médica)
Use Authorization Requires a medical prescription

Specific, comprehensive details on absolute contraindications (conditions or patient groups where the medicine must not be used) are governed by the full regulatory document, such as the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) or the FDA-approved label. While these documents typically contain restrictions related to known hypersensitivity, age limits, or certain underlying organ conditions (like severe hepatic or renal impairment), these explicit patient-specific constraints are not always present in public summaries.

Patients should always consult the official patient information leaflet or their prescribing doctor for the definitive list of who should not take this medicine, as eligibility may be restricted based on individual health history or clinical state.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

Interactions with other medicines and products

The interaction profile for Espasmo Siligas is defined by the properties of its two active components, encompassing systemic pharmacological risks and localized physical effects.

Formal Regulatory Restrictions

Co-administration is formally contraindicated with specific medications that prolong the QTc interval, including agents such as Pimozide, Cisapride, and Dronedarone, as specified in regulatory information. The product's use is also restricted in patients taking Levodopa for Parkinson's disease, as the spasmolytic component may block Levodopa’s therapeutic effect. There are currently no mandatory timing rules documented that require dose separation by a specific number of hours.

Pharmacodynamic and Exposure Interactions

Official labeling indicates that concurrent use with other CNS depressants (e.g., sedatives, anxiolytics) may result in enhanced sedation or additive central effects. A risk of increased hypotensive activities is also documented when the Papaverine component is combined with antihypertensive agents. The non-systemic component (Simethicone) may alter the absorption of certain co-administered drugs. Regulatory data notes the potential for Levothyroxine absorption to be affected, and there is documentation regarding a potential for increased serum levels and toxicity when taken with Carbamazepine.

Substance and Population Considerations

The combination of Espasmo Siligas with the herbal product Ginkgo is associated with a possible increased risk of specific adverse effects. Population-specific caution related to interaction severity is noted for patients with hepatic impairment, due to the potential for the Papaverine component to cause hepatic hypersensitivity.

Mechanism of Action

The primary mechanism of action of Papaverine involves the non-selective inhibition of Phosphodiesterase (PDE) enzymes. This molecular action causes the levels of the essential cellular messengers, cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate ( cAMP) and cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate ( cGMP), to rise. This increase initiates a cascade that leads to a subsequent reduction in intracellular calcium availability, the requirement for smooth muscle contraction. This physiological modulation leads directly to the relaxation of the gastrointestinal muscle tissue, resulting in a state of reduced muscle tone.

Concurrently, the mechanism of Simethicone is purely physical and acts locally within the digestive tract, without systemic absorption or interaction with biological targets. It functions as a surfactant to lower the surface tension of the liquid films that stabilize gas bubbles (foam). This physical effect causes small bubbles to become unstable and coalesce into larger, free gas pockets, allowing their natural elimination and reducing the physical presence of intra-luminal foam volume.

Dosage and Administration Information

How to Use Espasmo Siligas

This section outlines the general principles of how Espasmo Siligas (Papaverine and Simethicone oral solution) is used in clinical practice, adhering to standardized usage patterns.


Administration and Scheduling

The approved route of administration for this combination product is strictly oral intake, utilizing the liquid solution, drops, or suspension form. The medication is not intended for continuous daily use but follows an intermittent, as-needed (PRN) schedule to manage acute symptoms. Administration is generally structured around mealtimes and sleep, often specified as dosing after meals and at bedtime. The maximum permitted course duration is short-term, limited to managing acute episodes.


Official Dosing Constraints and Preparation

Precise dosing is critical for the correct use of Espasmo Siligas due to its fixed-dose combination structure. The volume must be measured accurately using the calibrated dropper or measuring device supplied with the product. Prior to measuring a dose, the liquid must be shaken well to ensure the uniform suspension of the active ingredients. Standard instructions allow for the dose to be mixed with a small volume of cool water, infant formula, or juice immediately before being given.

Population-Specific Use

Official guidelines enforce population-specific adjustments based on age or weight. Dosing and maximum daily intake limits for the Simethicone component are tiered; for instance, infants under two years of age have a lower maximum threshold compared to children over two years and adults. A primary constraint on use is the explicit instruction to not exceed the maximum daily dose specified for the patient's applicable age group.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Espasmo Siligas: Recent Clinical Evidence

Evidence for Functional Abdominal Discomfort and Bloating

This section summarizes the structure of the controlled clinical trials and comparative studies that have evaluated the dual-action approach (antispasmodic plus antiflatulent agent) for symptoms related to chronic functional bowel disorders in adults. It details the types of outcomes measured in these studies, such as abdominal pain and bloating scores.

Research examining this dual approach often employed short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled trials. The studies explored outcomes related to physical discomfort by using validated scales to examine weekly abdominal pain severity, as well as scores for bloating and abdominal distension. The evidence landscape primarily includes combination products using Papaverine-derived compounds (such as alverine citrate) paired with simethicone. Some comparative studies described varying outcomes, with some reports detailing no statistical difference in key patient-reported outcomes compared to placebo in the observed populations.

Research Evidence for Symptoms of Infantile Colic

This section reviews the randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and systematic analyses that have examined patterns in the acute crying episodes and gaseous distress characteristic of infantile colic. It focuses on the specific endpoints studied, such as daily crying duration and frequency.

The research here has included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences in infants typically between the ages of 2 weeks and 4 months. The main outcomes monitored were the daily duration and frequency of inconsolable crying episodes. However, the findings were mixed, as systematic reviews described that high-quality RCTs of the Simethicone component in isolation did not demonstrate a difference in the primary outcome of crying duration when compared directly to a placebo. This suggests that the certainty remains low regarding the study outcomes related to a central symptom of colic.

Studies on Long-Term Outcomes and Follow-up Duration

The majority of research exploring short-term symptom changes has involved limited follow-up durations, typically ranging from 4 to 12 weeks of active observation. These follow-up durations were limited, meaning that evidence contributes to understanding symptom patterns only over defined time intervals. As a result, long-term effects are not fully established. Research is ongoing, but evidence derived from settings with varying symptom burdens provides limited insight into durability of observed patterns or changes over extended periods.

Key Studies & References Antiflatulents - Labelling Standard (Health Canada)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Espasmo Siligas (FAQ)


Q: Is Espasmo Siligas the same as other commonly known medications for the same condition?

Official drug classification describes Espasmo Siligas as a fixed-dose combination medication containing an antispasmodic and an antiflatulent. This dual-action approach addresses both muscle spasm and gas pressure, which sets it apart from single-ingredient treatments.


Q: Is Espasmo Siligas considered a long-term or short-term treatment?

Official usage patterns define this medication as a short-term treatment. It is intended for an intermittent, as-needed (PRN) schedule to manage acute symptoms rather than continuous daily use.


Q: Is Espasmo Siligas safe to use while breastfeeding is described in regulatory documents?

Official regulatory documents generally state that consultation with a health professional is advised before use if a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. While the Simethicone component is not systemically absorbed, information about the systemic component (Papaverine) often notes a lack of adequate data to fully determine the risk to an infant during breastfeeding.


Q: Can teenagers use Espasmo Siligas for the approved purpose?

Official labels enforce strict population-specific adjustments and maximum daily dose limits based on age or weight. Specific guidance is provided for the Simethicone component for adults and children 12 years and older. Individual eligibility for the full combination product is governed by the full prescription label.


Q: Does Espasmo Siligas interact with alcohol?

Official product labeling indicates that combining the medication with Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants may result in enhanced sedation or additive central effects. Substances like alcohol can fall under this category of depressants.


Q: What is the maximum duration of use mentioned in official sources for Espasmo Siligas?

Official product information states that the maximum permitted course duration is short-term. The permitted use of this medication is restricted to managing acute episodes of discomfort.


Q: Can Espasmo Siligas interact with common over-the-counter vitamins or minerals?

General regulatory guidance suggests discussing the use of any dietary supplements, including vitamins and minerals, with a healthcare professional. Although not all interactions are specifically listed, one component (Simethicone) is known to potentially alter the absorption of certain co-administered drugs.


Q: What information is available regarding Espasmo Siligas and pregnancy?

Official regulatory documents state that consultation with a healthcare professional is advised before use if a patient is pregnant or breastfeeding. This consultation is necessary to review the available data and determine the appropriate course of action.


Q: Is it necessary to take Espasmo Siligas with food?

Official administration guidelines structure dosing around mealtimes and sleep. Specifically, it is often specified as dosing after meals and at bedtime.


Q: Can Espasmo Siligas be used by individuals with kidney concerns?

The antiflatulent component, Simethicone, acts locally in the gut and is not systemically absorbed, meaning it does not rely on kidney function for elimination. However, official caution related to underlying organ conditions, including certain renal and hepatic impairments, is included in regulatory documents for the systemic component.


Q: Does Espasmo Siligas affect blood pressure readings?

Official documents indicate that the systemic component, Papaverine, is classified as a vasodilator. Regulatory documents also note a risk of increased hypotensive activities when the medication is combined with certain antihypertensive agents.


Q: Why do some people experience mild stomach upset with Espasmo Siligas?

Official product documents list common adverse reactions under Gastrointestinal Disorders. These documented effects include nausea, general abdominal discomfort, and constipation, which are known elements of the medicine's safety profile.


Q: Is Espasmo Siligas known to interact with herbal supplements?

Official regulatory information explicitly notes an interaction with the herbal product Ginkgo. The combination of Espasmo Siligas with Ginkgo is associated with a reported potential for an increased risk of specific adverse effects.


Q: Does the time of day when Espasmo Siligas is taken matter?

Official administration guidelines structure the timing of the dose to correspond with meals and sleep patterns. It is generally specified as dosing after meals and at bedtime.


Q: Do people typically take Espasmo Siligas every day?

Official guidance defines the medication for an intermittent, as-needed (PRN) schedule to manage acute symptoms, and its use is typically not continuous.


Q: Does Espasmo Siligas affect sleep patterns?

The official safety profile for the systemic component lists drowsiness as a frequently documented effect under Nervous System Disorders. This reported side effect indicates a potential impact on alertness or sleep-related symptoms.


Q: Are there any known drug interactions that can change the effectiveness of Espasmo Siligas?

Regulatory documents explicitly restrict its use with Levodopa, as the antispasmodic component may block Levodopa’s therapeutic effect and therefore reduce its effectiveness. Furthermore, the Simethicone component may alter the absorption of other co-administered drugs.

How should Espasmo Siligas be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Disposal Requirements

The storage of Espasmo Siligas (Papaverine/Simethicone oral liquid) must adhere strictly to regulatory conditions to maintain product stability and safety.

Condition Requirement
Temperature Store at Controlled Room Temperature, typically 20 C to 25 C.
Protection Keep the medicine protected from light, heat, and moisture. Do not freeze the oral suspension.
Accessibility The product must be kept out of the sight and reach of children to prevent accidental ingestion.
Container Store in the original, tightly closed container until the expiry date.

Unused or expired Espasmo Siligas must be managed according to official waste guidelines. Do not dispose of the medicine by flushing it down a toilet or pouring it down a drain. The preferred method of disposal is returning the product to a drug take-back program or consulting a pharmacist for local pharmaceutical waste instructions.

Attention! Always consult to a doctor or pharmacist before using pills or medicines.

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