A drug used to relieve or prevent spasms (especially of the smooth muscles); SYN. spasmolytic, antispasmodic agent.
Any drug that reduces motility, the spontaneous action of the intestine wall. Anticholinergics are a type of antispasmodic that act indirectly by way of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary movement. Other drugs act directly on the smooth muscle to relieve spasm (contraction).