$Unique_ID{BRK03310}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{propantheline}
$Subject{Norpanth Vortech Pro-Banthine Searle bromide Anticholinergic
antiulcer drug propantheline peptic ulcers acid stomach cramping spasms
gastrointestinal tract bladder}
$Volume{}
$Log{
Pro-Banthine*0331001.scf}

Copyright (C) 1993 Publications International, Ltd.


propantheline
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers)

     Norpanth (Vortech)
     Pro-Banthine (Searle)
     propantheline bromide (various manufacturers)

TYPE OF DRUG

     Anticholinergic (antiulcer drug)

INGREDIENT

     propantheline

DOSAGE FORM

     Tablets (7.5 mg and 15 mg)

STORAGE

     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.

USES

     Propantheline is used to treat peptic ulcers.  It may reduce the amount
of acid formed in the stomach.  It also relieves cramping and spasms of the
gastrointestinal tract and the bladder.

TREATMENT

     Take propantheline 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you miss a dose of this medication, do not take the missed dose at
all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not double the next
dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating, blurred vision, constipation, decreased sweating, dizziness,
drowsiness, dry mouth, headache, increased sensitivity of the eyes to
sunlight, nausea, nervousness, taste disorders, or vomiting.  These side
effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     To relieve constipation, exercise and drink more water (unless your
doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; change positions slowly,
and be careful on stairs.
     To help relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or
a piece of hard candy.
     Sunglasses may help to relieve the sensitivity of your eyes to sunlight.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
decreased sexual ability, difficulty in urinating, eye pain, itching,
palpitations, or skin rash.

INTERACTIONS

     Propantheline interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. Amantadine, antihistamines, disopyramide, haloperidol, monoamine
oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, phenothiazine tranquilizers, procainamide,
quinidine, and tricyclic antidepressants can increase the side effects of
propantheline.  At least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the
use of an MAO inhibitor.
     2. Antacids and antidiarrheal medications can reduce the absorption of
propantheline from the gastrointestinal tract, which can decrease its
effectiveness.  Therefore, at least two hours should separate doses of one of
these types of medications and propantheline.
     TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking,
especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to propantheline.
     * Before starting this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if you now
have or if you have ever had glaucoma, heart disease, hiatal hernia, high
blood pressure, intestinal blockage, kidney disease, liver disease, lung
disease, myasthenia gravis, enlarged prostate gland, thyroid disease,
ulcerative colitis, or urinary retention.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, try not to get overheated (avoid strenuous exercise in
hot weather, and do not take hot baths, showers, and saunas).
     * If this medication makes you dizzy or drowsy or blurs your vision,
avoid driving a car or operating potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although
propantheline appears to be safe during pregnancy, extensive studies in humans
have not been conducted.  Also, tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding an
infant.  It is not known whether propantheline passes into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.