Propantheline

Conditions Treated

Propantheline is used with other medication to treat ulcers. Propantheline is in a class of medications called anticholinergics. It works by slowing the movement of food through the stomach and intestines and decreasing the amount of acid made by the stomach.

Possible Side Effects

What Side Effects Can This Cause?

Propantheline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• dry mouth
• increased sensitivity of your eyes to light
• dizziness
• nervousness
• difficulty sleeping
• headache
• loss of sense of taste
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• bloating
• confusion (especially in the elderly)
• blurred vision
• constipation

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• fast heartbeat
• heart palpitations
• eye pain
• difficulty urinating
• skin rash
• itching

Propantheline may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while you are taking propantheline.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

Usage Instructions

How Should This Medication Be Used

Propantheline comes as a tablet to take by mouth. Propantheline is usually taken four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propantheline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Are There Any Special Instructions

Before taking propantheline, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propantheline, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in propantheline tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements,and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: amantadine (Symmetrel), antihistamines, digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), glutethimide (Doriden), levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), meperidine (Demerol), extended-release potassium chloride tablets, quinidine (Quinaglute), tranquilizers, and medications for depression and Parkinson's disease. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had colitis; 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. talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking propantheline if you are 65 years of age or older. Older adults should not usually take propantheline because it is not as safe or effective as other medications that can be used to treat the same condition. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propantheline. you should know that this medication may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. ask your doctor about the safe use of alcohol while you are taking this medication. Alcohol can make the side effects of propantheline worse.