Sungspas 20mg/325mg Tablet

Sungspas 20mg/325mg Tablet offers targeted relief by addressing the dual nature of cramping pain: the spasm itself and the resulting discomfort. This makes it highly effective for conditions where pain is primarily driven by smooth muscle contraction.

1. Dicyclomine - The Antispasmodic

Dicyclomine, also known as Dicycloverine, belongs to the anticholinergic class. Its mechanism of action is focused on the involuntary smooth muscles of the digestive and urinary tracts:

• Smooth Muscle Relaxation: It directly relaxes the smooth muscle of the gut wall.

• Anticholinergic Effect: It blocks the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter that promotes muscle contraction and spasm.

This action effectively stops the painful, involuntary spasms (cramps) in the abdomen and intestines, which are the main source of distress in conditions like IBS and colic.

2. Paracetamol - The Analgesic

Paracetamol, often used interchangeably with Acetaminophen, provides systemic pain relief. While its exact mechanism is not fully understood, it is believed to act primarily in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis (chemicals that mediate pain and inflammation).

The inclusion of Paracetamol at a standard, effective dose addresses the associated pain component, providing broader relief than Dicyclomine alone. The combination ensures that both the cause of the cramp (spasm) and the perception of pain are effectively managed, leading to a faster and more comprehensive return to comfort.

Sungspas 20mg/325mg Tablet (Dicyclomine + Paracetamol Tablet) is indicated for the symptomatic treatment of:

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

To manage acute, painful cramping episodes associated with IBS.

Intestinal and Biliary Colic:

To relieve spasms in the intestines or bile ducts.

Dysmenorrhea (Menstrual Cramps):

To reduce the pain and spasms associated with painful periods.

Other Conditions with Visceral Spasms:

To alleviate pain and cramps in the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts.

The co-formulation of Dicyclomine and Paracetamol offers specific benefits for patients suffering from cramping pain:

Dual Mechanism Relief:

It offers a two-pronged attack: Dicyclomine targets the source of the pain by relaxing the muscles, and Paracetamol addresses the overall pain sensation.

Fast Action:

Dicyclomine acts relatively quickly to stop acute spasms, providing rapid comfort.

Enhanced Analgesia:

The combination is often more effective than using Dicyclomine alone for conditions that involve significant pain beyond simple cramping.

Reduced Frequency of Dosing:

Combining the two components into one tablet simplifies the dosing regimen.

Side effects are primarily related to the anticholinergic action of Dicyclomine and the general effects of Paracetamol.

Common Side Effects (Associated with Dicyclomine):

• Anticholinergic Effects: Dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, light-headedness, and difficulty urinating (urinary retention).

• Gastrointestinal: Constipation.

Common Side Effects (Associated with Paracetamol):

• Nausea or Vomiting.

Serious Side Effects (Seek urgent medical attention if you experience):

• Hepatotoxicity (Paracetamol): Liver damage is the most serious risk, especially with overdose or concurrent alcohol use. Symptoms include jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), dark urine, and severe nausea/vomiting.

• Severe Allergic Reaction: Rash, hives, swelling of the face, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

• Severe Dizziness/Confusion: Worsening confusion, especially in elderly patients, due to the anticholinergic effects of Dicyclomine.

Sungspas 20mg/325mg Tablet is an oral tablet and should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

• Dosing: It is typically taken 3-4 times a day, or as needed for acute spasms, but the total daily dose must not exceed the maximum allowed for Paracetamol (usually 4000mg in 24 hours).
• Swallow Whole: Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• Food: Can be taken with or without food. Taking it with food may help avoid mild stomach upset.
• Duration: This medication is usually prescribed for short-term management of acute symptoms. Long-term use should be discussed with a doctor.

The tablet functions through two distinct pain-relieving pathways:

1. Dicyclomine (Antispasmodic/Anticholinergic): It blocks the muscarinic acetylcholine receptors on smooth muscle cells. Acetylcholine normally signals the muscles to contract. By blocking this signal, Dicyclomine forces the muscles in the gastrointestinal and urinary tracts to relax, effectively stopping painful spasms and cramps.
2. Paracetamol (Analgesic): It is thought to inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, particularly COX-3, primarily in the central nervous system. By inhibiting COX activity, it reduces the synthesis of prostaglandins, which are key chemical mediators of pain and fever. Unlike NSAIDs, Paracetamol has little peripheral anti-inflammatory activity.

• Mind the Maximum Dose: Never exceed the prescribed number of tablets in 24 hours, and be aware of the 4000mg limit for Paracetamol from all sources (other painkillers, cold/flu remedies). An overdose of Paracetamol can be fatal.

• Watch for Anticholinergic Effects: If you experience severe dry mouth, difficulty urinating, or worsening blurred vision, inform your doctor, as the Dicyclomine dose may need to be adjusted.

• Constipation: Constipation is a common side effect of Dicyclomine. Increase your fluid intake and fibre consumption to mitigate this effect.

• Avoid in Glaucoma: If you have narrow-angle glaucoma, this medication is usually contraindicated because Dicyclomine can increase intraocular pressure. Ensure your doctor is aware of this condition.

• Hydration: If treating conditions like colic or IBS, adequate fluid intake remains essential alongside the medication.

• Store the tablets in their original packaging at room temperature, typically below 25 °C.
• Keep them protected from moisture and light.
• Ensure the medication is stored out of the reach and sight of children.

There are no known significant interactions between this medication and food. It can be taken with or without meals.

• CNS Depressants: Combining Dicyclomine with alcohol, sleeping pills, sedatives, anti-anxiety medications, or narcotic pain relievers increases the risk of profound drowsiness and dizziness.

• Other Anticholinergic Drugs: Combining Dicyclomine with other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., certain antidepressants, some cold/allergy medicines) increases the risk of side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention.

• Metoclopramide or Domperidone (Prokinetics): Dicyclomine can counteract the effects of these prokinetic (gut-motility-enhancing) drugs.

• Other Paracetamol/Acetaminophen Products: Avoid taking other pain relievers or cold remedies that contain Paracetamol to prevent accidental overdose.

This combination is contraindicated or requires extreme caution in patients with:

• Severe Liver Disease or Alcoholism: Increased risk of Paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity.
• Glaucoma (especially narrow-angle): Dicyclomine can worsen the condition.
• Myasthenia Gravis: Dicyclomine can worsen muscle weakness.
• Obstructive Uropathy (difficulty urinating): Dicyclomine can lead to acute urinary retention.
• Severe Ulcerative Colitis or Toxic Megacolon: Dicyclomine can inhibit intestinal movement.

The typical adult dose is one tablet (Dicyclomine 20mg + Paracetamol 325mg) three to four times daily, as needed, for symptomatic relief of spasms and pain.

DO NOT exceed 4 tablets in 24 hours unless specifically instructed by a physician, due to the Paracetamol content.

An overdose is serious, particularly due to the risk of liver damage from Paracetamol.

• Symptoms: Early signs of Paracetamol overdose (first 24 hours) may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and general malaise. Severe Dicyclomine overdose can cause extreme excitement, agitation, confusion, or coma.

• Action: If an overdose is suspected, seek emergency medical care immediately, even if you feel well. Treatment must begin quickly to prevent irreversible liver damage.

If you miss a dose of Sungspas 20mg/325mg Tablet :

• Since this is usually taken as needed for pain/spasm, take the missed dose as soon as you remember if the pain is present.

• If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with your regular schedule.

• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.