Preference trends for antispasmodics among Indian healthcare professionals: Results of a cross sectional survey

Abstract

Objective: Understanding antispasmodics usage pattern among Indian healthcare practitioners (HCPs).
Material and methods: HCPs were interviewed in person to understand preference of antispasmodics. The preference
of formulation in acute/chronic pain, perceptions about attributes of antispasmodics, medicine recall and indications
of different antispasmodics were noted.
Results: Acute spasmodic pain is more common than chronic pain (61% vs 39% pediatrics; 58% vs 42% other specialties).
In mild acute spasmodic pain tablet is used by 58% and in severe acute spasmodic pain injection is preferred by
55% HCPs. In mild and moderate chronic spasmodic pain, almost half of HCPs use tablet. Injection is used by 53% of
HCPs for severe acute / chronic spasmodic pain. Injection is preferred for better efficacy by 67% HCPs. 80% healthcare
practitioners use injection for quick onset of action. Tablets provide prolonged relief and are easy to administer
according to 46% and 58% HCPs respectively. Camylofin plus paracetamol was the most common antispasmodic
preparation recalled (91% HCPs).
Conclusion: Spasmodic pain is common clinical condition. Antispasmodic injection is used in severe condition and
quick onset of action while oral formulations are preferred for prolonged relief. Camylofin plus paracetamol is recalled
by about nine out of ten HCPs.