Donnatal
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Donnatal is a proprietary combination medication for the treatment of intestinal cramping due to various causes. It is classed as an anticholinergic antispasmodic drug. Donnatal is marketed by PBM Pharmaceuticals (a division of PBM Products) of Gordonsville, Virginia. It is available as tablets, capsules, extended release tablets and elixir. Active ingredients are listed as: phenobarbital, hyoscyamine, atropine and scopolamine.
The use of the drug is somewhat controversial as some medical authorities believe that single drugs work either better or safer than fixed combinations, and some have criticized the inclusion of phenobarbital in this type of drug. Recent clinical trials showed that Donnatal was no more effective than plain antacid in relieving the symptoms of dyspepsia.[1][2] The medication has been marketed for decades and continues to have its adherents.
[edit] References
- ^ Berman DA, Porter RS, Graber M (2003). "The GI Cocktail is no more effective than plain liquid antacid: a randomized, double blind clinical trial". J Emerg Med 25 (3): 239–44. PMID 14585449.
- ^ Bowman J, Jones J (2006). "Towards evidence-based emergency medicine: best BETs from the Manchester Royal Infirmary. Use of lidocaine in the gastrointestinal cocktail for the treatment of dyspepsia". Emerg Med J 23 (11): 873–4. PMID 17057145.
