Antispasmodic
Antispasmodic
Antispasmodic (pronunciation: an-ti-spaz-MOD-ik) is a term used in medicine to describe a type of drug or herb that suppresses muscle spasms.
Etymology
The term "antispasmodic" is derived from the Greek words "anti", meaning against, and "spasmos", meaning spasm. It was first used in the English language in the early 18th century.
Usage
Antispasmodics are used to treat a variety of conditions that involve spasms, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), menstrual cramps, and certain types of headache. They work by relaxing the smooth muscles in the body, which can help to alleviate pain and discomfort.
There are two main types of antispasmodics: neuromuscular and smooth muscle relaxants. Neuromuscular antispasmodics work by blocking the signals from the nerves to the muscles, while smooth muscle relaxants work directly on the muscles themselves.
Related Terms
- Spasm: A sudden, involuntary contraction of a muscle or group of muscles.
- Muscle Relaxant: A drug that reduces muscle tension and stiffness.
- Irritable Bowel Syndrome: A common disorder that affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, gas, and other symptoms.
- Menstrual Cramps: Pain in the lower abdomen that can occur before and during a woman's menstrual period.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antispasmodic
- Wikipedia's article - Antispasmodic
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