ANTISPASMODIC Meaning and
Definition
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An antispasmodic refers to a medicinal substance or treatment that is used to alleviate or prevent muscle spasms and cramps in the human body. It acts by relaxing and calming the muscles, particularly those in the organs and smooth tissues, to reduce involuntary contractions. Antispasmodics can be further categorized into different types based on their mode of action and specific target areas.
The primary purpose of antispasmodics is to relieve a wide array of spasms and cramps occurring in various parts of the body. For instance, they are commonly employed to ease gastrointestinal spasms, such as in cases of irritable bowel syndrome, colic, or diarrhea. In addition, antispasmodics can also be applied to address urinary and bladder spasms, alleviate asthma-related bronchial muscle spasms, and mitigate menstrual cramps.
These medications typically function by inhibiting the release of certain neurotransmitters in the body, which are responsible for transmitting signals that trigger involuntary muscle contractions. By interfering with these signals, antispasmodics promote muscle relaxation and help reduce pain associated with spasms.
It is important to note that while antispasmodics can provide temporary relief from muscle spasms, they do not directly treat the underlying causes of the spasms. Therefore, they are often used in conjunction with other treatments or remedies to address the root causes of muscular issues. Antispasmodics are available in different forms, such as oral tablets, capsules, liquids, or topical applications, allowing for various administration methods depending on the targeted muscles.
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1. Preventive or curative of convulsions or spasmodic affections. 2. An agent which quiets spasm.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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Applied to medicines that have power to allay spasmodic pains.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ANTISPASMODIC
Etymology of ANTISPASMODIC
The word "antispasmodic" is derived from the combination of two roots: "anti-" and "spasmodic".
The prefix "anti-" has Greek origins and means "against" or "opposite". It is commonly used in English to indicate opposition or negation.
The root "spasmodic" comes from the Greek word "spasmos", which means "convulsion" or "twitching". In English, it refers to anything related to spasms or abnormal contractions of muscles.
Therefore, "antispasmodic" essentially means "against spasms" or "counteracting muscle contractions". It is typically used to describe medications that relieve or prevent spasms in the body.
Similar spelling words for ANTISPASMODIC
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