[The clinical pharmacological profile of pinaverium bromide].

Pinaverium bromide is a locally acting spasmolytic agent of the digestive tract. Its mechanism of action relies upon inhibition of calcium ion entrance into smooth muscle cells (calcium-antagonist effect). In humans pinaverium facilitates gastric emptying and decreases intestinal transit time in patients with constipation. Pinaverium is very effective in improving symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea or constipation). In this respect the drug proved to be significantly superior to placebo, at least as effective as trimebutine and on the whole more active than otilonium and prifinium bromide, being always extremely well tolerated.