Pinaverium is a spasmolytic agent used for the symptomatic treatment of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and functional disorders of the biliary tract. It can be found under the brand name Dicetel. Pinaverium is a spasmolytic agent used for functional gastrointestinal disorders. It is a quaternary ammonium compound that acts as an atypical calcium antagonist to restore normal bowel function. It is shown to relieve GI spasm and pain, transit disturbances and other symptoms related to motility disorders and may be considered as effective first-lline therapy for patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Pinaverium bromide is the common ingredient in formulations, mostly as oral tablets. Pinaverium is a selective and specific voltage-dependent calcium channel blocker located on intestinal smooth muscle cells to inhibit calcium influx. It mediates various effects on the GI tract: it causes oesophageal, gastric and duodenal relaxation, relaxes the colon and intestines, inhibits colonic motility in response to food, hormonal or pharmacological stimuli, accelerates gastric emptying, and reduces contractions of the gallbladder and phasic contractions of sphincter of Oddi. Pinaverium interacts with the 1,4-dihydropyridine binding sites on voltage dependent L-type calcium channels located on GI smooth muscle cells in a competitve manner. The binding site is located in the alpha 1S subunit and pinaverium most likely antagonizes the action of calcium ions by stabilizing a non-conducting channel state. Pinaverium inhibits smooth muscle contractions of the GI tract by inhibiting inward calcium current and calcium influx. It is suggested that pinaverium may be able to bind to both closed or inactivates states of the calcium channel with similar affinity. Pinaverium is administered as an oral tablet. Possible side effects of using pinaverium may include stomach pain, heartburn, dry mouth, and headache.

Pinaverium Pathway References