Spasfon is an antispasmodic medication indicated for stomach aches, during periods or to relieve pregnancy contractions. Its effectiveness is questioned.
All women know him. The Spasfon is THE drug women take perhaps the earliest in their lives since it is indicated for stomach aches and period pains. However, his effectiveness is contested. In her book “Pilules Roses, ignorance in medicine” published in October 2023, the specialist in philosophy of medicine, Juliette Ferry-Danini, criticizes the lack of scientific data regarding Spasfon. “We gave the medicine to around fifteen people and we saw if it worked. The worst part is that he was originally tested for urinary pain. By the way, it was ultimately given to nine women who were menstruating. There has been no additional work for this indication”, she says. For the High Authority of Health, “the actual benefit of SPASFON injectable solution is low“, whether for the treatment of digestive pain, urinary spasms and pain and acute pain in gynecology. He is judged “insufficient” to relieve pain related to the bile ducts. In view of this opinion, the medication is reimbursed only at 15% by Health Insurance.
What is Spasfon?
THE Spasfon® is a antispasmodic medication made of Phloroglucinolmanufactured by the laboratory Teva Health, available without a prescription. It is indicated in:
- Symptomatic treatment of pain linked to functional disorders of the digestive tractfor example when gastroenteritisepisodes of constipation or syndromeirritable bowel
- Treatment of acute spasmodic and painful manifestations of the urinary tract such as renal colic as well as for the pain felt during cystitis. In cases of renal colic, it is generally advisable to drink plenty of fluids between attacks to combat the formation of stones. However, during an attack, fluid absorption must be limited so as not to increase pain.
- Symptomatic treatment of painful spasmodic manifestations in gynecology such as painful periods.
- Adjuvant treatment contractions during pregnancy in association with rest, rest which itself is an integral part of the treatment.
From what age can you take it?
Spasfon tablet can be taken from 6 years old and the oral lyophilisate from 2 years. THE suppositories are reserved for adults.
How much per day?
► Compressed : 2 tablets (160mg), 3 times a day, respecting a minimum interval of 2 hours between each dose).
► Oral lyophilisate (to let melt in the mouth): 2 oral lyophilisates, respecting a minimum interval of 2 hours between each dose without exceeding 6 oral lyophilisates per 24 hours.
► In children : 1 tablet (160mg) from 6 years old, 2 times a day, waiting 2 hours between each dose. Or as a lyophilisate in the mouth, 1 from 3 years old, waiting 2 hours in each dose, without exceeding 2 per 24 hours.
Can you take it while pregnant?
The data published in pregnant women exposed to Spasfon (phloroglucinol-trimethylphloroglucinol) are very numerous and reassuring, whatever the term of pregnancy. Its use is possible regardless of the term of pregnancy. There are no published data on Spasfon and breastfeeding, but its use is probably significant in breastfeeding women and no specific events have been reported to date in children. Its use is therefore possible.
Spasfon Generics
Generic Spasfon Lyoc is marketed under the name Phloroglucinol or Spasmocalm.
Price and reimbursement
In town pharmacy:
- Price excluding Spasfon dispensation fee: €2.14
- Dispensing fee: €1.02
- Honorary price included: €3.16
The Spasfon is reimbursed up to 15% by Social Security.
Contraindications
- Spasfon tablet is contraindicated in patients with a wheat allergy. It can nevertheless be administered in the event of celiac disease. Wheat starch may contain gluten, but only in trace amounts, and is therefore considered safe for people with celiac disease.
- Spasfon contains lactose. Its use is not recommended in patients with galactose intolerancelapp lactase deficiency or glucose or galactose malabsorption syndrome (rare hereditary diseases).
- The Spasfon contains, finally, sucrose. Its use is not recommended in patients with fructose intoleranceglucose and galactose malabsorption syndrome or sucrase/isomaltase deficiency.
Side effects
The side effects of Spasfon are allergies which manifest themselves by:
- pimples and/or redness on the skin, itching,
- sudden swelling of the face and neck (angioedema) or sudden discomfort due to a drop in blood pressure (anaphylactic shock). These events are to be considered as emergencies, you must consult quickly
- A widespread red scaly rash with masses under the skin and blisters accompanied by fever (acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis) may occur at the start of treatment.
If you develop these symptoms, stop using this medicine and contact your GP or seek medical attention straight away.
Avoid taking Spasfon with morphine-based painkillers!
Interactions and Warnings
The combination of Spasfon (phloroglucinol) with major analgesics such as morphine or its derivatives should be avoided due to their spasmogenic effect. Spasfon has no or negligible effect on the ability to drive and use machines.
Thanks to Dr Georges Delamare, general practitioner