Propantheline

Generic name: propantheline [ proe-PAN-the-leen ]
Brand name: Pro-Banthine
Dosage form: oral tablet (15 mg)
Drug class: Anticholinergics / antispasmodics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Jan 26, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is propantheline?

Propantheline is used as part of a treatment for a peptic ulcer.

Propantheline may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Propantheline side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Propantheline may cause serious side effects. Stop using propantheline and call your doctor at once if you have:

• diarrhea;

• fast or pounding heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;

• eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights;

• painful or difficult urination; or

• little or no urination.

Common side effects of propantheline may include:

• dry mouth, nose, or throat;

• blurred vision;

• constipation;

• headache, dizziness, drowsiness;

• confusion or feeling nervous;

• decreased sweating;

• nausea, vomiting, bloating;

• decreased sense of taste;

• impotence, sexual problems; or

• sleep problems (insomnia).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should not take propantheline if you have glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a bladder obstruction, severe ulcerative colitis, or toxic megacolon.

Before taking this medicine

You should not take propantheline if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

• a stomach or bowel obstruction (including paralytic ileus);

• glaucoma;

• a bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• severe constipation;

• severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon;

• active bleeding with fast heartbeats, low blood pressure, shortness of breath, and cold hands or feet; or

• myasthenia gravis.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a nerve-muscle disorder;

• heart disease, or a heart rhythm disorder;

• high blood pressure;

• an intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis;

• liver or kidney disease;

• hiatal hernia or reflux esophagitis (GERD);

• a thyroid disorder; or

• a colostomy or ileostomy.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of this medicine.

Propantheline is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

How should I take propantheline?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Propantheline is usually taken 3 or 4 times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store propantheline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Propantheline dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Peptic Ulcer:

Initial dose: 15 mg orally 30 minutes before each meal AND 30 mg orally at bedtime

Comments:
-The initial daily dose is 75 mg.
-Dose adjustments should be determined by the patient's age and tolerance.
-This drug should be used with caution in older patients.

Use: Adjunctive treatment of peptic ulcers

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include feeling restless or excited, warmth or tingling under your skin, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, muscle weakness, or paralysis.

What should I avoid while taking propantheline?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how propantheline will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Propantheline can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

What other drugs will affect propantheline?

Using propantheline with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Propantheline slows the digestive tract, which can make it harder for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth. Tell your doctor if any of your oral medications do not seem to work as well while you are using propantheline.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect propantheline, especially:

• heart rhythm medication;

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• steroid medicine;

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect propantheline. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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