From the Research
Pinaverium bromide can be used in elderly patients for treating irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional gastrointestinal disorders, but with careful consideration of age-related factors. The standard adult dosage of 50-100 mg three times daily applies to elderly patients, though starting at the lower end of the dosage range (50 mg three times daily) is advisable, as supported by a study published in 2015 1. Treatment duration typically ranges from 2-4 weeks initially, with continuation based on symptom response. Pinaverium works as a calcium channel blocker specifically targeting the intestinal smooth muscle, helping to relieve abdominal pain and normalize bowel movements without significant systemic absorption, as described in a study from 1994 2.
For elderly patients, special considerations include:
- Monitoring for constipation (a potential side effect)
- Checking for potential drug interactions with other medications commonly used by older adults
- Ensuring adequate hydration during treatment Renal or hepatic impairment, which is more common in the elderly, may require dose adjustments, although specific guidance on this is not provided in the most recent and relevant studies 1. The medication should be taken with meals for optimal effectiveness and to minimize potential gastrointestinal side effects.
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial published in 2015 1 demonstrated that pinaverium significantly reduced symptoms of IBS, including abdominal pain and improvements in Bristol stool score, with a favorable safety profile. This study supports the use of pinaverium as a first-line treatment for IBS, including in elderly patients, when considering its efficacy and safety profile. Overall, pinaverium offers a relatively safe option for elderly patients with IBS due to its minimal systemic effects and favorable safety profile, as also suggested by earlier studies 3, 4.