Parents and other caregivers frequently look for safe and efficient solutions when it comes to treating young children, particularly those between the ages of two and five. One drug that may come up in conversation is the well-known antispasmodic No-shpa. No-shpa is frequently used to treat muscle cramps and spasms, which is especially helpful for kids who are uncomfortable due to gastrointestinal problems or other related conditions.
However, there are some things to take into account when using No-shpa with small children. The drug acts by relaxing the body’s smooth muscles, but young children should only take it under a doctor’s supervision. This is essential to make sure the treatment is suitable for the particular symptoms and general health of the child.
A pediatrician should always be consulted by parents before giving their child any medication. This helps prevent possible side effects or interactions with other medications, and guarantees that the treatment of choice is safe and effective for their age group. Parents can make well-informed decisions about the best care for their young children by collaborating closely with healthcare providers.
Release form
- In the form of small round yellow with an orange or greenish tint tablets with the inscription "spa" on one side. One pack contains from 6 to 100 tablets, which are sold both in blisters and in plastic bottles.
- In the form of a greenish-yellow transparent solution, poured into dark glass ampoules of 2 ml. One box contains 5 or 25 ampoules.
Composition
The primary ingredient in both versions of the medication is drotaverine hydrochloride. 40 mg is the amount found in one ampoule and one tablet. Talc, magnesium stearate, povidone, lactose, and corn starch are added to the composition of the tablet No-shpa in order to make it dense and maintain its shape. The drug is administered as an injection that contains 96% alcohol, sterile water, and sodium disulfite.
How it works?
Muscle relaxation and the abolition of spasms are the outcomes of no-shpa’srelativelypotent action on smooth muscles. The medication affects not only the vascular walls but also the walls of the bile, digestive, and urinary tracts.
Taking it will result in less pain from spasms in the smooth muscles of the stomach, intestines, bladder, and bile ducts.
Fever, also known as "white fever," is alleviated by No-shpa because of its effect on the vessels. A child experiencing this kind of fever will have chilly extremities and pale skin. This condition, known as febrile seizures, carries a dangerously high risk of seizures. By widening blood vessels, No-shpa improves heat transfer and blood flow to the extremities.
When prescribed by a medical professional, no-shpa can be a helpful medication for children between the ages of two and five. It is frequently used to provide mild relief without having a significant negative impact on pain or discomfort brought on by colic or muscle spasms. However, since children’s needs can differ, it is imperative to adhere to the doctor’s recommendations regarding dosage and usage. Before giving No-shpa to your child, always get advice from a pediatrician to make sure it’s safe and suitable for their particular condition.
When it is prescribed?
A no-shpa is required if the child possesses:
- Intestinal colic.
- Inflammation of the gallbladder or cholangitis.
- Inflammation of the bladder.
- Constipation, which is called spastic.
- Gastritis or gastric ulcer.
- Dry cough (the medicine can be used before bedtime to prevent spasms in the respiratory tract).
- Toothache.
- High temperature with simultaneous spasm of skin vessels.
Application
It is stated in the No-shpa tablet instructions that children younger than six years old should not be prescribed this particular medication form. The use of such a medication in children is generally prohibited by the annotation to the solution for intramuscular or intravenous injections, citing the lack of clinical studies on the effects of No-shpa on small patients. In reality, though, pediatricians frequently give children injections as well as tablets containing No-shpa.
Doctors advise against giving these medications to infants under one year old, but they can be used to those between the ages of one and six, with one crucial exception: children under six should only receive a prescription from a doctor.
A specialist will assess if a given child truly needs No-shpa for treatment and will suggest the appropriate dosage while taking age into consideration.
Contraindications
No-Shpa treatment is not permitted:
- In case of serious kidney diseases, due to which the excretory function is impaired.
- In case of severe heart failure.
- In case of severe liver dysfunction.
- In case of hypersensitivity to any ingredient of the drug.
- In case of hereditary diseases, due to which the absorption of carbohydrates is impaired (this is a reason not to prescribe tablets).
- In case of severe abdominal pain (the drug can “blur” the clinical picture of surgical pathology and interfere with timely treatment).
The medication is used extremely cautiously in children with low blood pressure because it can cause collapse.
Side effects
Reviews indicate that while No-shpa is generally well tolerated by patients, on occasion the drug can cause headache, nausea, dizziness, allergic rash, constipation, itchy skin, insomnia, and hypotension. Less than 0.1% of No-shpa users receive a diagnosis of one of these side effects. The medication is stopped or its dosage is lowered when they show up.
Dosage
A pediatrician, urologist, gastroenterologist, or other specialist who prescribes No-shpa to the child should determine the appropriate single dose of the medication if the patient is younger than six years old, such as a child who is only four years old. This could be half, a third, or a quarter of a tablet. If the young patient is still too young to swallow solid medications, the doctor’s recommended dosage of No-shpa is ground into a powder and combined with either water or sweet syrup.
The frequency of taking the tablet will depend on the severity of the child"s condition. Sometimes a single use of the drug is enough, and some patients are given the drug up to 4-6 times a day. The duration of treatment should also be determined by the doctor, taking into account both the clinical picture and the response to therapy. The drug in injections is prescribed in exceptional cases, for example, if the child is unable to take tablets or there is a high risk to the baby"s health. Most often, the injection form of No-shpa is used in childhood for fever, connecting with antipyretic medicine (often Analgin) and an antihistamine (Diphenhydramine or Suprastin). For one injection for a patient under 6 years old, take from 0.5 to 1 ml of No-shpa solution.
Overdose
The heart’s electrical impulse conductivity and heart rate are negatively impacted by extremely high doses of No-shpa, and in extreme circumstances, cardiac arrest may result. This is why it is inappropriate to give No-shpa to kids younger than six without first seeing a doctor. If a child accidentally overdoses, an ambulance is dispatched right away.
Terms of sale and storage
Tablet No-shpa is an OTC medication that is widely available in pharmacies. Six tablets typically cost 60 rubles, and a box containing 24 tablets costs roughly 120 rubles. To buy ampoules containing solution, a doctor’s prescription is required. Typically, five ampoules cost roughly 100 rubles.
It is advised to keep the medication in both forms at room temperature. In this instance, No-shpa should be stored somewhere dry and out of the reach of young children. Liquids have a five-year shelf life, while tablets have a three- or five-year shelf life depending on the packaging.
| Topic | Details |
| What is No-shpa? | No-shpa is a medication used to relieve pain and muscle spasms. It is commonly used for its antispasmodic properties. |
| Use in Children 2-5 Years | In young children, No-shpa should be used with caution. It is typically prescribed for specific conditions, such as severe abdominal pain, but only under strict medical supervision. |
| Dosage | The dosage for children in this age group is usually determined by a doctor based on the child"s weight and condition. It is crucial to follow the doctor"s instructions precisely to avoid potential side effects. |
| Side Effects | Potential side effects include dizziness, nausea, or allergic reactions. Monitoring for any adverse effects is important, and any concerns should be addressed with a healthcare provider immediately. |
| Alternatives | For children, there may be alternative treatments for pain and spasms that are more suitable depending on the condition. Always consult with a healthcare provider for the best treatment options. |
In certain cases, no-shpa can be a useful treatment for ailments in young children, particularly if a doctor prescribes it. Its main purpose is to ease the pain associated with smooth muscle spasms, which is especially beneficial for conditions like colic or stomach pain. No-shpa must be given to kids between the ages of two and five years old under close medical supervision in order to guarantee correct dosage and to keep an eye out for any possible side effects.
A parent should always speak with their child’s pediatrician before giving them any medication, including No-shpa. The pediatrician can advise on the proper dosage and determine if No-shpa is suitable for the child’s particular condition. It may be necessary to schedule routine follow-up appointments to make sure the child is responding well to treatment and the medication is working as intended.
Overall, safety and appropriate use are crucial even though No-shpa can help with some conditions in young children. Taking heed of medical advice and keeping lines of communication open with healthcare professionals can help guarantee that your child receives safe and effective treatment.
