Is Anafortan an NSAID? A Clear Pharmacological Answer

October 9, 2025 •

2 min read

While commonly used for pain, the answer to 'Is Anafortan an NSAID?' is no. Anafortan belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics and antispasmodics, which function very differently from Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs).

Quick Summary

Anafortan is not an NSAID; it is an antispasmodic medication. This article clarifies its classification, details its active ingredient, Camylofin, and contrasts its muscle-relaxing mechanism with that of traditional NSAIDs.

Key Points

Not an NSAID: Anafortan is an antispasmodic and anticholinergic drug.
Active Ingredient is Camylofin: Its main component is Camylofin, a smooth muscle relaxant.
Different Mechanism: Anafortan relaxes muscles, while NSAIDs reduce inflammation.
Primary Use: Used for pain from abdominal cramps and colic.
Combination Products Exist: Some formulations include other painkillers.
Key Side Effects: Include dry mouth, blurred vision, and dizziness.
Important Precautions: Use with caution in glaucoma or enlarged prostate.

Is Anafortan an NSAID? The Definitive Answer

The direct answer is no, Anafortan is not a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). Although both are used to manage pain, their pharmacological classifications and mechanisms of action are fundamentally different. Anafortan is classified as an antispasmodic and anticholinergic drug, primarily used to relieve pain from muscle spasms in the abdomen. Confusion can arise because some Anafortan products combine its main ingredient with other analgesics like Paracetamol or even NSAIDs such as Mefenamic Acid. However, the core component, Camylofin, is not an NSAID.

What is Anafortan and How Does It Work?

The active ingredient in Anafortan is Camylofin. It functions as a smooth muscle relaxant. This is achieved through anticholinergic action, blocking acetylcholine, and direct muscle relaxation by affecting PDE4 enzymes. This mechanism helps alleviate cramps and discomfort.

Understanding NSAIDs and Their Mechanism

NSAIDs are a different class of pain relievers that target cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes. By inhibiting COX enzymes, NSAIDs reduce prostaglandins, which are involved in pain and inflammation. Examples include Ibuprofen, Naproxen, and Diclofenac. NSAIDs are used for inflammatory conditions, headaches, and fever.

Comparison: Anafortan (Camylofin) vs. NSAIDs


Feature	Anafortan (Camylofin)	NSAIDs (e.g., Ibuprofen, Diclofenac)
Drug Class	Anticholinergic, Antispasmodic	Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug
Mechanism of Action	Relaxes smooth muscles	Inhibit COX enzymes to reduce prostaglandin production
Primary Use	Abdominal cramps, colic, spasms	Inflammatory pain, fever, headaches
Effect on Inflammation	No direct anti-inflammatory effect (unless combined)	Reduces inflammation
Common Side Effects	Dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness	Stomach upset, risk of ulcers

When is Anafortan Prescribed?

Anafortan is typically prescribed for pain caused by smooth muscle spasms, making it useful for gastrointestinal issues, biliary and renal colic, and gynecological pain. It is also sometimes used during labor.

Important Precautions and Contraindications

Anafortan requires caution or should be avoided in individuals with conditions such as narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic hypertrophy, heart conditions, or kidney/liver disease. It is generally not advised during pregnancy, especially in the first trimester and final weeks, without a doctor's guidance. Alcohol should be avoided. For more details on precautions, please refer to {Link: Lybrate https://www.lybrate.com/medicine/anafortan-25-mg-300-mg-tablet}.

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Conclusion

In summary, Anafortan is not an NSAID. Its active ingredient, Camylofin, works as an antispasmodic to relax smooth muscles and relieve cramp-related pain. This differs from NSAIDs, which reduce pain by reducing inflammation. Understanding this distinction is vital for proper use. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting any medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, Anafortan is an antispasmodic analgesic used to relieve pain, particularly that caused by muscle spasms.

Some Anafortan products combined with paracetamol might help with headaches. However, its main ingredient, Camylofin, primarily targets muscle spasms, not typical headaches.

Anafortan relaxes smooth muscles to stop cramps, while Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain by blocking enzymes. They treat different causes of pain.

Camylofin, Anafortan's main ingredient, does not directly reduce inflammation. However, some products like Anafortan-MF contain the NSAID Mefenamic Acid, which does.

Common side effects, related to its anticholinergic properties, include dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, constipation, and increased heart rate.

Anafortan should only be used during pregnancy if a doctor deems it essential. It is generally not advised in the first trimester or final six weeks.

Individuals with conditions such as narrow-angle glaucoma, enlarged prostate, bowel obstruction, or certain heart conditions should avoid Anafortan or use it with extreme caution.