Printal: Its Uses, Dosage, and Side Effects
An overview of Printal (pinaverium bromide), a spasmolytic that acts on intestinal smooth muscle to manage discomfort from functional bowel disorders.
Printal is the brand name for the prescription drug pinaverium bromide. It is a medication used to address functional issues within the digestive system and is categorized as a treatment for gastrointestinal disorders. The information provided here is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Medical Uses of Printal
Printal is prescribed for the treatment and relief of symptoms associated with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This medication helps manage abdominal pain, intestinal discomfort, and spasms common to this disorder of the large intestine. The medication also addresses issues like bloating and altered bowel function that are characteristic of IBS. By calming the digestive tract, it helps regulate bowel movements and reduce the feeling of fullness or pressure in the abdomen. Its application extends to other functional disorders of the biliary tract, which involves the gallbladder and bile ducts.
How Printal Works
The medication functions as a spasmolytic, an agent that relaxes muscles. It specifically targets the smooth muscles found in the walls of the colon and intestines. This targeted action makes it suitable for treating gastrointestinal disorders without significantly affecting other muscle systems, like those of the heart or blood vessels.
Printal’s mechanism of action involves blocking calcium channels on these specific muscle cells. Calcium ions are necessary for muscle contraction; by inhibiting their movement into the cells, the drug prevents the intestinal muscles from contracting too forcefully. This reduction in excessive contractions alleviates the cramping and pain associated with conditions like IBS.
Proper Dosage and Administration
The administration of Printal requires adherence to a doctor’s instructions. It is recommended to swallow the tablet whole, without crushing or chewing it, as doing so can cause irritation in the mouth and esophagus. Taking the tablet with a full glass of water during a meal also helps prevent irritation to the gastrointestinal tract.
Dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on the specific condition and the patient’s needs. A common schedule might involve taking the medication three times a day, but this can vary. If a dose is missed, the advice is to take it as soon as remembered, unless it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped to avoid taking a double amount.
Potential Side Effects and Warnings
Patients may experience some side effects while taking this medication. Common, milder reactions can include:
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Minor skin rashes
More significant digestive issues like diarrhea or stomach pain have also been reported.
Certain warnings and precautions are associated with Printal. Individuals with a known allergy to pinaverium bromide should not take this medication. Its safety for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding has not been fully established, making a consultation with a doctor necessary. It is also important for patients to inform their doctor of their complete medical history and any other medications they are taking. This medication is not approved for use by the FDA in the United States, though it is available in more than 60 other countries.