Propantheline Description

Generic Name : PROPANTHELINE

Pronunciation : (proe pan' the leen)

Trade Name(s) : Probanthine

Why it is prescribed: Propantheline relieves cramping, pain, and spasms in the stomach and intestines. It is used with other medication to treat ulcers.

When it is to be taken: Propantheline usually is taken four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part that you do not understand. Take propantheline atleast one hour before taking antacids and at least two hours after taking ketoconazole tablets.

How it should be taken: Propantheline comes in the form of tablets. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Propantheline can cause drowsiness and blurred vision. Do not drive a car, operate dangerous machinery, or do anything that requires alertness or physical coordination until you know how this drug affects you.
2. Because propantheline can make you sweat less, it may increase the risk of heatstroke. While you are taking propantheline, try not to become overheated e.g., avoid strenuous exercise, being outside on hot days, steam rooms, and very hot baths.
3. If you forget to take a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at evenly spaced intervals. Do not take a double dose.

Side Effects :
1. Dry mouth. Chew sugarless gum, suck sugarless hard candies.
2. Increased sensitivity of eyes to light. Wear sunglasses.
3. Dizziness, nervousness, drowsiness, difficulty sleeping, weakness, headaches, loss of sense of taste, nausea, vomiting, bloating, confusion. Contact your doctor if these effects are severe or persist.
4. Fast heartbeats, palpitations, blurred vision, eye pain, difficulty urinating, constipation, skin rash, itching. Contact your doctor.

Other Precautions :
1. Women who are pregnant or breast-feeding should inform their doctors.
2. Before you take propantheline, tell your doctor your entire medical history, especially if you have glaucoma; an enlarged prostate gland; high blood pressure; an overactive thyroid gland; liver, heart, blood vessel, or kidney disease; myasthenia gravis; difficulty urinating; or asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or lung disease.
3. Before you take propantheline, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription drugs you are taking, especially amantadine, antihistamines, digoxin, disopyramide, glutethimide, levodopa, meperidine, extended-release potassium chloride tablets, quinidine, tranqulizers, and medication for depression or Parkinson's disease.
4. Do not take propantheline for stomach ache due to gas or for any problem other than the one for which it was specifically prescribed.
5. Do not allow anyone else to take your medication.

Storage Conditions :
1. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children.
2. Store it at room temperature, away from heat.