Mepenzolate oral tablets

What is this medicine?

MEPENZOLATE (me PEN zoe late) is used to treat ulcers in the stomach and intestines. It is not a cure. It is given in combination with other medicines that help heal the ulcer.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take this medicine with meals and at bedtime. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• anxiety

• changes in vision

• confusion

• dizziness

• fast, or irregular heartbeat

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• fever

• hallucination, loss of contact with reality

• stomach pain

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• unusually weak or tired

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

• constipation

• dry mouth

• headache

• loss of taste

• nausea, vomiting

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

• amantadine

• antacids

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• atropine

• certain medicines for anxiety or sleep

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances

• certain medicines for glaucoma

• certain medicines for irregular heart beat like quinidine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine, trihexyphenidyl

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• digoxin

• ipratropium

• MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate

• metoclopramide

• narcotic medicines for pain

• nitrates like amyl nitrite, isosorbide dinitrate, isosorbide mononitrate, nitroglycerin

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Protect from excessive heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• autonomic neuropathy

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• myasthenia gravis

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mepenzolate, bromides, tartrazine, or other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more dizzy, and increase flushing and rapid heartbeats. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

Avoid extreme heat. This medicine can cause you to sweat less than normal. Your body temperature could increase to dangerous levels, which can lead to heat stroke.