Propantheline tablets

What is this medicine?

PROPANTHELINE (proe PAN the leen) is used in combination with other medicines to treat peptic ulcer disease.

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 30 minutes before meals. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

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:

• agitation, nervousness, confusion

• blurred vision and other eye problems

• decreased sweating

• dizziness, drowsiness

• fever

• irregular heartbeat

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• skin rash, itching

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

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

• constipation

• difficulty sleeping

• headache

• nausea

• sexual difficulty (impotence)

What may interact with this medicine?

• digoxin

• medicines for hay fever and other allergies

• medicines to control heart rhythm like disopyramide, procainamide and quinidine

• medicines for mental depression

• meperidine

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone

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 between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). 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:

• difficulty passing urine

• heart or blood vessel disease

• glaucoma

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• myasthenia gravis

• stomach obstruction

• ulcerative colitis

• an unusual or allergic reaction to propantheline, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

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

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

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.