How to stop stomach cramps
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Effective Strategies to Stop Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps can be a debilitating condition, significantly impacting daily life. Understanding the most effective treatments can help alleviate this discomfort. This article synthesizes current research on pharmacological and natural remedies for stomach cramps.
Antispasmodics for Stomach Cramps
Hyoscine Butylbromide
Hyoscine butylbromide, also known as scopolamine butylbromide, is a widely used antispasmodic for treating abdominal pain associated with gastrointestinal spasms. It works by blocking muscarinic receptors on smooth muscle cells in the gastrointestinal tract, leading to muscle relaxation and pain relief2. Clinical trials have consistently shown its efficacy and safety, with minimal systemic absorption and few adverse effects, making it a valuable option for managing stomach cramps2.
Other Antispasmodics
Other antispasmodics such as mebeverine, drotaverine, alverine, pinaverium bromide, and peppermint oil are also effective in treating gastrointestinal cramping pain. These medications work through various mechanisms to relax smooth muscles and alleviate pain. Fixed-dose combinations of antispasmodics with NSAIDs or using two different antispasmodics can enhance patient compliance and provide synergistic pain relief1.
Natural Remedies for Stomach Cramps
Satureja Species
Satureja, a genus in the Lamiaceae family, has been traditionally used to treat stomach and intestinal disorders, including cramps, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea. The plant's phytochemical properties, including volatiles, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, contribute to its muscle-relaxing and carminative effects3. While more research is needed to identify the specific active compounds, Satureja species offer a promising natural remedy for stomach cramps3.
Conclusion
Effective management of stomach cramps involves a combination of pharmacological and natural remedies. Antispasmodics like hyoscine butylbromide and other similar drugs provide significant relief by relaxing gastrointestinal muscles. Additionally, natural remedies such as Satureja species can complement these treatments. By understanding and utilizing these options, individuals can better manage and alleviate the discomfort associated with stomach cramps.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Pharmacotherapy for gastric and intestinal cramping pain: current and emerging therapies
Antispasmodics are the primary treatment for gastrointestinal cramping pain, with potential for improved patient compliance and synergistic reduction through fixed-dose combinations.
Systematic ReviewHyoscine butylbromide: a review of its use in the treatment of abdominal cramping and pain.
Hyoscine butylbromide is a valuable treatment option for abdominal pain caused by cramping, with low systemic availability and minimal adverse events.
Literature Review
Highly CitedA pharmacological and phytochemical overview on Satureja
Satureja species exhibit a wide range of biological activities, but more studies are needed to identify responsible phytochemicals for these activities.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAnti-Inflammatory Functions of Alverine via Targeting Src in the NF-κB Pathway
Alverine reduces inflammation by targeting Src in the NF-B pathway, providing new insights into the development of anti-inflammatory drugs.
In Vitro StudyExercising During Pregnancy
Exercise during pregnancy is safe and recommended for most women, but it is important to avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting, and exercise that can cause trauma to the stomach.
LITERATURE REVIEW: REDUCING DYSMENORRHEA IN TEENAGER BY DRINKING TAMARIND TURMERIC WATER
Drinking sour turmeric drinks can reduce menstrual pain levels in adolescent girls due to their analgesic and antipyretic properties.
Systematic ReviewEffect of buscopan, a compound that alleviates cramps, on the developing nervous system of the chick embryo
Buscopan, a drug used to treat stomach cramps, may negatively affect the neural tube development in chick embryos.
Non-RCT
Animal StudyComparison of efficacy and safety of hyoscine butylbromide versus anisodamine for acute gastric or intestinal spasm‐like pain: A randomized, double‐blinded, multicenter Phase III trial
Hyoscine butylbromide (HBB) is more effective and safer than anisodamine for treating acute gastric or intestinal spasm-like pain, with a higher percentage of patients reporting improvement.
RCTManaging nocturnal leg cramps--calf-stretching exercises and cessation of quinine treatment: a factorial randomised controlled trial.
Calf-stretching exercises do not effectively reduce night cramp frequency or severity, but temporarily stopping quinine treatment may allow some patients to stop medication.
RCTHighly CitedQuinine for muscle cramps.
Quinine significantly reduces muscle cramp frequency, intensity, and days in dosages between 200 and 500 mg/day, with no significant increase in serious adverse events compared to placebo.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly Cited