Propantheline (patient information)

# Why is this medication prescribed
Propantheline is used with other medication to treat ulcers.
This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

# How should this medicine be used
Propantheline comes as a tablet. Propantheline usually is taken four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take propantheline exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

# What special precautions should I follow
Before taking propantheline:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to propantheline or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symmetrel), antihistamines, digoxin (Lanoxin), disopyramide (Norpace), glutethimide (Doriden), levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), meperidine (Demerol), extended-release potassium chloride tablets, quinidine (Quinaglute), tranquilizers, medications for depression and Parkinson's disease, and vitamins. Take propantheline at least 1 hour before taking antacids and at least 2 hours after ketoconazole (Nizoral) tablets.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had colitis; glaucoma; an enlarged prostate gland; high blood pressure; an overactive thyroid gland; liver, heart, blood vessel, or kidney disease; myasthenia gravis; difficulty urinating; or asthma, bronchitis, emphysema, or lung disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking propantheline, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking propantheline.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

# What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

# Side effects

## Mild side effects
Propantheline may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- dry mouth
- increased sensitivity of your eyes to light
- dizziness
- nervousness
- difficulty sleeping
- headache
- loss of sense of taste
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- bloating
- confusion (especially in the elderly)
- blurred vision
- constipation

## Severe side effects
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- fast heartbeat
- heart palpitations
- eye pain
- difficulty urinating
- skin rash
- itching
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online  or by phone .

# What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

# In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

# What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

# Brand names
- Pro-Banthine