Propantheline bromide

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About Propantheline bromide

This belongs to the group of medicines known as antimuscarinics.

Propantheline is used to relieve cramps or spasms of the stomach, intestines (gut) or bladder. It can be used to relieve the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and similar conditions.

Propantheline is particularly useful in treating urinary frequency (a need to urinate often).

Propantheline oral is available in tablet form.

It is also sometimes known as: Pro-Banthine. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before Taking Propantheline bromide

Before taking propantheline make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from prostate problems
• if you suffer from glaucoma, myasthenia gravis or Down’s syndrome
• if you suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) or hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid gland),
• if you suffer from hiatus hernia, reflux oesophagitis (acid reflux or heartburn), ulcerative colitis, paralytic ileus or pyloric stenosis
• if you have recently suffered a heart attack or undergone surgery on your heart
• if you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water)
• if you are currently suffering from diarrhoea or fever (high temperature)
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking or using any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal and complementary medicines

How to Take Propantheline bromide

• Take propantheline exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take propantheline at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
• Take propantheline tablets at least an hour before food or on an empty stomach.
• If you miss a dose of propantheline, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, then skip the missed dose and continue taking at the usual times. Never take two doses at the same time to compensate.
• Propantheline is for you. Never give it to others, even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of propantheline, contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you if possible, even if it is empty.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor, so your progress can be monitored.
• Do not stop taking propantheline without speaking to your doctor first.
• Before purchasing any over the counter medicines check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe for you to take alongside propantheline.
• Propantheline may cause your eyes to become more sensitive to light than they are normally. Wearing sunglasses or avoiding too much sunlight should help.
• Propantheline can cause a dry mouth. For relief try sucking sugar-free sweets, pieces of ice or chewing sugar-free gum. If dry mouth becomes too troublesome, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Can Propantheline bromide cause problems?

As well as their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects. Speak to your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Constipation, a fast or fluttering heart beat, difficulty urinating (passing water) or a need to urinate more often, a dislike of bright lights, a dry mouth, hot flushes, dryness of the skin, confusion, feeling sick, being sick or giddiness.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store Propantheline bromide

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Do not keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your pharmacist who will dispose of them for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 13/12/2002   

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