What it means
A group of drugs that calm cramping in hollow organs. Dicyclomine and hyoscyamine are used for bowel cramping such as in irritable bowel syndromeIR-ih-tuh-bul BOW-ul SIN-dromeA long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.Full entry , and oxybutynin for an overactive bladder. Most work by blocking acetylcholine (anticholinergic effects), so dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, trouble urinating and confusion are common side effects. Drugs that relax skeletal muscle spasms, such as cyclobenzaprine, are usually called muscle relaxants.
For the nurse
Watch older adults for confusion, falls and urinary retention, since many of these drugs are on the Beers list. Teach sugar-free gum or sips of water for dry mouth.
At a glance
| Drug class | antispasmodic (most are anticholinergic) |
|---|---|
| Spanish | antiespasmódico |
| Also written | antispasmodics |
Related terms
smooth muscle
Muscle that works without conscious control and lines hollow organs such as the stomach, intestines, bladder, airways and blood vessels.
irritable bowel syndrome
A long-term bowel condition with belly pain and changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea, constipation or both.
involuntary muscle
Muscle that works without a person's conscious control, such as smooth muscle and heart muscle.