Spasmopriv

Quick links to important sections

Spasmopriv

Treatment option:

Medically reviewed

Marina Burgos

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 Spasmopriv

Quick Facts

Property Description
Active ingredient Fenoverine
Form Capsule, Tablet (Oral)
Pharmacological class Antispasmodic (Spasmolytic)
General purpose Smooth muscle relaxation
Origin Synthetic (Phenothiazine derivative)

Identity, Origin, and Pharmacological Class

Spasmopriv is an orally active pharmaceutical entity whose single active ingredient is the compound Fenoverine. This molecule is classified as a synthetic compound, structurally identified as a phenothiazine derivative. Its primary designation is an antispasmodic, or spasmolytic, agent, meaning its function is to relieve or prevent the involuntary tightening of smooth muscles. This classification is recognized by the World Health Organization's Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical (ATC) system, where Fenoverine is listed under A03AX05, classifying it among the Other drugs for functional gastrointestinal disorders. Pharmacological observations support Fenoverine's role in modulating smooth muscle tone.


Mechanism of Action and General Therapeutic Purpose

Fenoverine is functionally recognized as a specialized calcium channel blocker that operates by regulating the flow of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells. The compound acts as a smooth muscle motor synchronizer, which helps modulate erratic contraction patterns. This indicates the medicine works by correcting abnormal muscle tension. The general therapeutic purpose of this action is to provide focused smooth muscle relaxation, a property recognized for its benefit in managing discomfort where excessive, uncoordinated smooth muscle activity is present. As an oral preparation, Spasmopriv is typically formulated as a capsule or tablet, facilitating systemic delivery of the antispasmodic agent.

What side effects are possible with Spasmopriv?

Possible Side Effects and Safety Information

The safety profile of Spasmopriv (Fenoverine) is established through official regulatory documentation, which classifies potential adverse reactions by the body systems affected and outlines specific safety constraints.

Documented Adverse Reactions

Adverse reactions listed in regulatory summaries are commonly grouped into three main system-organ classes:

  • Gastrointestinal Disorders: These effects include dry mouth, constipation, and general stomach upset.
  • Cardiac Disorders: Officially documented effects include an increase in heart rate (tachycardia), palpitations, and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats).
  • Musculoskeletal and Connective Tissue Disorders: These include generalized muscle pain.

Serious Safety Considerations

The most significant, though rare, serious adverse reaction documented in official medical safety literature is Rhabdomyolysis. This condition involves severe muscle breakdown and is noted for its potential to lead to serious complications, such as acute renal failure.

Population-Specific Safety Constraints

The official label defines specific limitations for use in certain patient groups:

  • Contraindicated Use: Spasmopriv is contraindicated in patients with pre-existing conditions such as severe liver disease, severe heart disease, and a history of hyperthermia.
  • Use in Specific Populations: The medicine is not recommended for use in individuals with severe renal impairment or older adults, and its safety and effectiveness have not been established in children.

Caution is also required when the medicine is used with certain lipid-lowering drugs, as this combination is a documented predisposing factor that may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis.

Overdose and Emergency Response

Overdose and when to seek help

This information summarizes the official regulatory guidance concerning a suspected overdose of Spasmopriv (Fenoverine) and the required actions to take.

Overdose Scope

Field Official Regulatory Statement Summary
Documented Overdose Presentations No specific clinical signs or symptoms of overdose for Fenoverine are explicitly documented in readily available government prescribing information.
Physiological Systems Affected Not specified; no particular physiological systems are formally described as affected in overdose situations within official labeling.
Dose-Related Factors Not specified; no specific dose level or set of circumstances associated with overdose risk is explicitly listed in official labeling.
Population-Specific Overdose Notes Not documented; no explicit considerations regarding overdose severity in vulnerable populations are listed in official labeling.

Emergency Action and Management

Field Official Regulatory Statement Summary
When Immediate Medical Help Is Required Seek immediate medical attention following any suspected overdose or accidental ingestion of an amount greater than the prescribed dose.
Emergency Response Contact a poison control center or emergency services is mandated for advice and immediate professional intervention.
Antidote and Treatment Treatment is officially guided by symptomatic and supportive measures, as no specific antidote is documented in the official prescribing information.

Official Overdose Profile Summary

The regulatory overdose profile for Spasmopriv is characterized by the lack of explicit documentation detailing specific overdose manifestations or severe outcomes. For this reason, official instructions dictate that any suspected overdose must be addressed by seeking immediate medical attention. Management will rely on supportive treatment, consistent with regulatory procedures for medicines where a specific antidote is not known or documented.

Therapeutic Uses of Spasmopriv

Main Therapeutic Uses

Spasmopriv is a medication primarily indicated for the symptomatic treatment of pain and discomfort associated with functional disorders of the digestive tract. Its active mechanism is specifically designed to target the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system.

Relief of Gastrointestinal Spasms

The primary use of Spasmopriv is to alleviate abdominal pain caused by spasms. These spasms occur when the muscles in the gut contract involuntarily and excessively. By acting as a musculotropic antispasmodic, the medication helps to relax these muscles directly, restoring a more natural rhythm to digestive transit.

Management of Functional Bowel Disorders

Spasmopriv is frequently used in the management of symptoms related to functional bowel disorders, such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). It addresses several common manifestations of these conditions, including:

  • Abdominal cramping: Reducing the intensity and frequency of localized muscle contractions.
  • Bloating and distension: Assisting in the relief of discomfort caused by trapped gas and irregular intestinal movement.
  • Altered transit discomfort: Easing the pain that often accompanies changes in bowel habits.

Key Benefits

Targeted Action

Unlike some systemic medications, Spasmopriv focuses its activity on the smooth muscle cells of the digestive tract. This targeted approach allows for the management of localized pain without significantly affecting other bodily systems.

Improvement of Daily Comfort

By reducing the severity of digestive spasms, the medication helps to decrease the daily physical burden of chronic gastrointestinal sensitivity. The reduction in cramping and bloating contributes to an overall improvement in digestive comfort and functional well-being during symptomatic episodes.

Regulatory References

  1. Health Canada Product Monograph

Eligibility and Restrictions for Use

Who can and cannot use Spasmopriv?

This section describes the population eligibility and non-eligibility for Fenoverine (Spasmopriv) as documented in official government regulatory sources.


Contraindications and Restricted Use

Spasmopriv is contraindicated and must not be used by patients who have a known hypersensitivity or allergy to Fenoverine or its components. Use is strictly prohibited for patients with severe liver function impairment and those with a history of high fever during or after anesthesia or following physical effort.

Age and Physiological Restrictions

Use is not recommended for children under 18 years of age because the safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been established in the pediatric population. Similarly, the medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless its use is considered absolutely essential by a healthcare professional.

Condition-Based Limitations

Caution is required when administering Spasmopriv to patients with pre-existing kidney diseases or less severe liver diseases. In these populations, close monitoring of organ function is advised by regulatory authorities.

What should I know about interactions with other medicines?

The official regulatory profile for Fenoverine (Spasmopriv) is characterized by an absence of specifically cited drug-drug, drug-food, or drug-substance interaction entities in publicly accessible major international regulatory documentation. This profile means that official government sources do not formally detail specific interaction patterns across major pharmacological categories.


Officially Documented Interaction Status

Interaction Category Documented Status in Major Regulatory Sources
Contraindicated Combinations None explicitly listed. No specific drug combination is formally classified as contraindicated due to interaction risk.
Pharmacokinetic Interactions None documented. No specific mechanisms involving Cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes or drug transporters are formally detailed.
Pharmacodynamic Interactions None documented. No additive or synergistic effects with co-administered substances are formally described.
Timing & Separation Rules None documented. No mandatory timing requirements or dose separation rules are established for co-administration.
Dietary & Substance Restrictions None documented. No formal restrictions or known interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are detailed in the official interaction profile.

The overall interaction profile is defined by this lack of specific, verifiable interaction statements. Publicly available government documents do not detail substances that formally alter the plasma exposure of Fenoverine, nor do they formally establish procedural constraints based on interaction risk. Consequently, the regulatory documentation does not classify interaction severity, reflecting the limited specific information provided in the product's official labels.

Mechanism of Action

The final output text is below

Cellular Calcium Channel Blockade

Fenoverine, the active ingredient, functions as a direct musculotropic agent by acting as a non-competitive blocker of Voltage-Dependent L-type Ca^2+ Channels (VDCCs) on the smooth muscle cell membrane. This action limits the influx of extracellular calcium ions ( Ca^2+), the primary signal required to initiate the contractile process. Fenoverine also modulates the mobilization of Ca^2+ from the internal sarcoplasmic reticulum stores, regulating the ion's concentration gradient within the cell.

Decoupling Excitation from Contraction

By restricting intracellular calcium availability, the drug interrupts the Excitation-Contraction Coupling (ECC) pathway. This cascade prevents the full activation of key enzymes, such as Myosin Light Chain Kinase, which reduces the potential for muscle fiber shortening. The mechanism exhibits a use-dependent profile, meaning its inhibitory effect is stronger against rapid signaling patterns than against basal activity. This targeted action results in the physiological consequence of smooth muscle relaxation by selectively moderating contractile tension and regulating motor synchronization patterns.

Dosage and Administration Information

Spasmopriv is intended for oral administration using the 100 mg capsule or tablet dosage form. The general principle of use follows a set regimen, with the daily dose divided into equal parts to maintain consistency of administration.

The standard adult dosing pattern involves taking a single 100 mg dose. This administration is repeated three times a day (TID), setting the upper limit for the total daily intake at a maximum of 300 mg over a 24-hour period. The medicine is to be taken at mealtimes, and each dose should be ingested with a small quantity of water.

A fundamental procedural requirement for the capsule formulation is that it must be swallowed whole and should not be chewed or crushed. This instruction is necessary to preserve the intended release characteristics of the active ingredient, Fenoverine. The administration pattern for Spasmopriv generally aligns with short-term or intermittent courses of use, reflecting its application in managing acute or episodic manifestations. Dosage adjustments for specific populations, such as older adults or those with renal or hepatic impairment, are not universally defined; therefore, the standard adult regimen is described.

Recent Clinical Evidence

Research Evidence / Overview of Studies for Spasmopriv (Fenoverine)

This section provides an overview of the clinical research conducted on Fenoverine, the active ingredient in Spasmopriv. It describes the types of studies that have been conducted, what outcomes were monitored, and where scientific uncertainties or research limitations currently exist.


Evidence for Use in Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

Research for the compound Fenoverine was conducted primarily using Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) to evaluate its effects in adult patients diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). These studies were applied in research contexts involving fluctuating or unstable symptoms, such as abdominal pain and discomfort. Some of this research was conducted as non-inferiority trials, meaning the studies were designed to see if outcomes monitored for Fenoverine were comparable to those of other existing prescription treatments.

Study Focus: Pain and Symptom Measurement

The main focus of the trials was to observe and record changes in specific patient-reported outcomes describing perceived discomfort. The primary measure for many studies was the proportion of patients in whom researchers monitored a predefined level of change in their abdominal pain or discomfort scores. Research also examined secondary outcomes related to systemic or functional imbalance, including changes in bloating, frequency of diarrhea, and constipation, as well as patient-reported outcomes describing overall satisfaction measured during the study period.


Comparison of Fenoverine Research to Other Treatments

The trials that compared Fenoverine to other antispasmodic treatments for IBS studies explored whether symptom patterns evolved similarly across both groups over the defined study period. These comparative studies data show patterns related to the primary outcomes being similar between Fenoverine and the active agent used for comparison. These findings contribute to the broader evidence landscape by documenting the outcomes when Fenoverine was compared to established therapeutic agents.


Evidence for Use in Other Spasmodic Conditions

Fenoverine was studied for its application in other conditions characterized by fluctuating or episodic manifestations involving smooth muscle activity, outside of core IBS indications.

Research in Primary Dysmenorrhea

Comparative clinical evaluations examined outcomes in women with primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation). In these research scenarios, the studies monitored outcomes describing episodic or acute changes, focusing on measuring pain intensity and observing responses over short, defined time intervals.


Long-term Studies and Follow-up Duration

The core randomized controlled trials investigating the medicine for IBS applied in studies examining patient-reported experiences typically limited the follow-up and efficacy measurement to a duration of approximately eight weeks. While the research highlights changes measured during the study period, the long-term effects are not fully established. Therefore, there is limited information for long-term outcomes that fully characterizes the patterns of symptom recurrence or the maintenance of effect extending beyond the short duration of the primary clinical trials.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about Spasmopriv (FAQ)


Q: Can Spasmopriv interact with common over-the-counter pain relievers?

Official regulatory documents indicate a general absence of specifically cited drug-drug interaction entities. Consequently, no formal details are provided regarding specific interaction patterns between Fenoverine (Spasmopriv's active ingredient) and common over-the-counter pain relievers. The regulatory profile is characterized by a lack of specific, verifiable interaction statements across major pharmacological categories.


Q: Are there certain foods or drinks I should avoid while taking Spasmopriv?

According to the official product information, no formal restrictions or known interactions with food, alcohol, or herbal products are detailed. The product information states the medicine is to be taken at mealtimes, a key contextual instruction designed to standardize use conditions.


Q: Can I take Spasmopriv before or after a meal?

The use conditions described in official documents establish that the medicine is to be taken at mealtimes. Each dose is typically ingested with a small quantity of water to facilitate standard administration.


Q: Is Spasmopriv effective for all types of spasms or only specific ones?

Fenoverine, the active ingredient, has a general therapeutic purpose of focused smooth muscle relaxation. The primary clinical research conducted on Fenoverine examined outcomes related to symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Primary Dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation).


Q: What types of prescription drugs are known to interact with Spasmopriv?

Official safety constraints note that caution is required when Fenoverine is used with certain lipid-lowering drugs. This combination is noted as a documented predisposing factor that may increase the risk of rhabdomyolysis, a rare condition involving severe muscle breakdown.


Q: Is Spasmopriv considered a new or established treatment?

Spasmopriv contains Fenoverine, which is classified as a synthetic compound derived from phenothiazine. The medicine's use is documented through Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs), and these studies often compared its outcomes to those of other existing therapeutic agents, which contributes to the broader evidence landscape.


Q: Is Spasmopriv the same type of medicine as others used for similar conditions?

Spasmopriv's active ingredient, Fenoverine, is formally classified as an antispasmodic or spasmolytic agent. Its mechanism of action is described as functioning as a specialized calcium channel blocker that regulates the flow of calcium ions into smooth muscle cells.


Q: Do people typically take Spasmopriv long-term or short-term?

The administration pattern for Spasmopriv is described in official documents as generally aligning with short-term or intermittent courses of use. This is consistent with its application in managing acute or episodic manifestations.


Q: Does Spasmopriv lose its effectiveness over time?

The core randomized controlled trials investigating the medicine typically limited the follow-up and efficacy measurement to a duration of approximately eight weeks. The official documentation notes that the long-term effects are not fully established and there is limited information characterizing outcomes extending beyond that short duration.


Q: Does Spasmopriv affect birth control pills?

Official regulatory documents indicate an absence of specifically cited drug-drug interaction entities across major pharmacological categories. No specific interaction with birth control pills is formally detailed in the official product information for Fenoverine.


Q: Can I take Spasmopriv if I have a history of heart problems?

Official safety constraints indicate that Spasmopriv is contraindicated for patients with pre-existing conditions such as severe heart disease. It is also documented that cardiac disorders like tachycardia (increased heart rate), palpitations, and arrhythmia are listed as documented adverse reactions.


Q: Are there different forms of Spasmopriv available (tablet, liquid, extended release)?

Spasmopriv is an orally active medicine that is typically formulated as a capsule or a tablet. Official regulatory information does not detail the availability of liquid or extended-release forms.


Q: Are there specific patient groups where Spasmopriv has been less studied?

Official safety constraints state that the safety and effectiveness of the medicine have not been established in the pediatric population (children). Furthermore, the core randomized controlled trials typically limited the follow-up duration for efficacy measurement to approximately eight weeks.

How should Spasmopriv be stored and disposed of?

Storage and Handling Requirements

Spasmopriv (Fenoverine) must be stored strictly according to the conditions defined by regulatory authorities to ensure product stability.

Condition Regulatory Requirement
Temperature Store at a temperature not exceeding 30°C (86°F).
Protection Keep protected from moisture and direct sunlight.
Packaging Keep the medicine in its original package and keep the container tightly closed.
Child Safety Keep out of the sight and reach of children at all times.

Official Disposal Instructions

Discard unused or expired Spasmopriv following official governmental guidelines. Do not flush the medication down the toilet or sink, as it is not on the U.S. FDA's flush list. The preferred method for disposal is to utilize an official drug take-back program. If a take-back option is unavailable, the medicine can be mixed with an unappealing substance (like dirt or coffee grounds) in a sealed bag and discarded in the household trash.

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

Available in countries:

Equivalent of Spasmopriv found in:

A-Z Index: