Dapasmart

Dapasmart represents a significant advancement in the management of functional gastrointestinal disorders characterized by spasms and dysmotility. As a prescription medication containing the active ingredient Dicyclomine Hydrochloride, it operates as an antispasmodic and anticholinergic agent, specifically targeting the smooth muscle of the gastrointestinal tract. Its formulation is designed to provide predictable and effective relief, making it a cornerstone in therapeutic regimens for conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). This product card provides a comprehensive, evidence-based overview for healthcare professionals to ensure informed prescribing and optimal patient outcomes.

Features

• Active Ingredient: Dicyclomine Hydrochloride 10mg per capsule
• Pharmacological Class: Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic
• Mechanism of Action: Competitive antagonism of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to a direct relaxant effect on gastrointestinal smooth muscle
• Formulation: Oral, immediate-release hard gelatin capsules
• Bioavailability: Approximately 90% following oral administration
• Peak Plasma Concentration (Tmax): Reached within 60-90 minutes post-dose
• Elimination Half-life: Approximately 9-10 hours in healthy adults
• Metabolism: Hepatic, primarily via cytochrome P450 enzymes
• Excretion: Primarily renal (80%) with some fecal elimination

Benefits

• Rapid and Targeted Symptom Control: Effectively reduces the frequency and intensity of painful intestinal spasms and cramping, providing patients with significant symptomatic relief.
• Improved Quality of Life: By alleviating primary symptoms like abdominal pain and bloating, it enables patients to resume daily activities with reduced discomfort and anxiety related to their condition.
• Predictable Pharmacokinetic Profile: Its consistent absorption and half-life allow for reliable dosing schedules and stable plasma concentrations throughout the day.
• Adjunct to a Comprehensive Management Plan: Serves as an effective pharmacological component within a broader treatment strategy that includes dietary modification and stress management.

Common use

Dapasmart is indicated for the treatment of functional bowel/irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). It is specifically prescribed for the relief of symptoms associated with these conditions, which may include:

• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Bloating and feelings of fullness
• Altered bowel habits (diarrhea-predominant symptoms)

It is intended for use in patients where a confirmed diagnosis has been made and where non-pharmacological interventions have provided insufficient relief.

Dosage and direction

The dosage of Dapasmart must be individualized based on symptom severity and patient response, under strict medical supervision.

• Initial Adult Dosage: 10mg (one capsule) four times daily.
• Titration: Depending on clinical response and tolerability, the dosage may be increased to 20mg (two capsules) four times daily. The maximum recommended daily dose is 160mg.
• Administration: Capsules should be taken orally with a full glass of water.
• Timing: To minimize potential anticholinergic side effects, it is often advised to take doses 30 minutes to 1 hour before meals and at bedtime.
• Duration: Use should be for the shortest duration necessary to achieve symptomatic control. Long-term use requires periodic re-evaluation of the patient’s condition.

Precautions

• Use with caution in patients with mild to moderate hepatic or renal impairment; dosage adjustment may be necessary. It is not recommended in severe impairment.
• May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Patients should be advised against operating machinery, driving, or engaging in activities requiring mental alertness until they know how Dapasmart affects them.
• May suppress salivary flow, contributing to dental caries, periodontal disease, oral candidiasis, and discomfort.
• Use with caution in patients with autonomic neuropathy, hyperthyroidism, coronary heart disease, congestive heart failure, cardiac arrhythmias, or hypertension.
• May increase the risk of heat prostration (fever and heat stroke due to decreased sweating) in hot environments.

Contraindications

Dapasmart is contraindicated in patients with:

• Known hypersensitivity to Dicyclomine Hydrochloride or any component of the formulation.
• Obstructive uropathy (e.g., bladder neck obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy).
• Obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., paralytic ileus, pyloroduodenal stenosis).
• Severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
• Unstable cardiovascular status in acute hemorrhage.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Glaucoma (angle-closure).
• Infants less than 6 months of age.

Possible side effect

Like all medications, Dapasmart can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Common side effects (>1/100) are primarily related to its anticholinergic properties and may include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Blurred vision
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Constipation
• Difficulty urination
• Decreased sweating

Less common side effects may include vomiting, headache, nervousness, weakness, insomnia, impotence, and suppression of lactation. Patients should be instructed to report any severe or persistent side effects.

Drug interaction

Dapasmart has the potential to interact with several other medications:

• Other Anticholinergic Agents: Concurrent use with other drugs possessing anticholinergic activity (e.g., antihistamines, phenothiazines, tricyclic antidepressants, anti-Parkinson’s drugs) may intensify side effects.
• CNS Depressants: May have additive sedative effects with alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, and other sedative-hypnotics.
• Medications Affected by Altered GI Motility: May affect the absorption of other orally administered drugs due to its effect on gastrointestinal transit time.
• Amantadine: May enhance the anticholinergic side effects of amantadine.
• Ketoconazole: Anticholinergics may decrease ketoconazole absorption; administer at least 2 hours apart.
• Metoclopramide: Dicyclomine may antagonize the effects of metoclopramide on gastrointestinal motility.

A comprehensive review of the patient’s medication list is essential prior to initiation.

Missed dose

If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered. However, if it is almost time for the next scheduled dose, the missed dose should be skipped. The patient should not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten one. Maintaining a regular dosing schedule is important for consistent symptom control.

Overdose

Overdosage with anticholinergics like Dapasmart can be fatal, with symptoms ranging from intensification of common side effects to severe CNS disturbances.

• Signs and Symptoms: May include headache; nausea; vomiting; blurred vision; dilated pupils; hot, dry skin; dizziness; dryness of the mouth; difficulty in swallowing; CNS stimulation (restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, euphoria); followed by CNS depression (respiratory depression, circulatory collapse, coma).
• Management: Treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Gastric lavage may be indicated. In severe cases, the specific antidote Physostigmine may be administered by medical professionals in a controlled setting. Dialysis is not likely to be of benefit.

Storage

• Store at room temperature between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
• Protect from light and moisture.
• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date printed on the packaging.

Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals and is a summary of product characteristics. It is not exhaustive. Please refer to the full local prescribing information before initiating treatment. The prescriber must exercise independent professional judgment in diagnosing and treating patients. The efficacy and safety profile should be weighed against the individual patient’s needs and medical history.

Reviews

• “Dapasmart has been a reliable tool in my gastroenterology practice for managing moderate IBS symptoms. Its predictable effect on cramping allows for effective patient titration.” – Gastroenterologist, 15 years experience
• “I find it most effective for patients with diarrhea-predominant IBS who experience significant postprandial pain. The key is starting low and educating patients on the expected side effects.” – Internal Medicine Specialist
• “Clinical trials consistently show its superiority over placebo in reducing abdominal pain scores. It remains a first-line pharmacological option in many international guidelines for IBS management.” – Clinical Pharmacologist