Propantheline tablets

About propantheline

Propantheline is an antispasmodic medicine. It is prescribed for a number of separate conditions. It is prescribed to relieve the spasm-type pain that can be associated with some intestinal disorders. It is also prescribed to help prevent wetting (enuresis) in adults who have a problem with this. It can also be prescribed for people who are troubled by sweating after eating and drinking. This is called gustatory sweating and can be associated with conditions like diabetes.

Propantheline works by relaxing a type of muscle, called smooth muscle, in your gastrointestinal and urinary systems. As a secondary effect, propantheline causes a dry skin. This makes it helpful for people with gustatory sweating.

Before taking propantheline

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking propantheline it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

• If you have prostate problems.

• If you have any problems with the way your liver works or with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have any other digestive system problems, such as reflux disease, diarrhoea, ulcerative colitis, or severe constipation.

• If you have high blood pressure, or if you have recently had a heart attack.

• If you have glaucoma. This is a condition where the pressure in your eyes is raised.

• If you have been told by a doctor that you have a fast heart rate.

• If you have Down's syndrome.

• If you are less than 12 years old or over 65 years old.

• If you have been told you have nerve damage, a condition called autonomic neuropathy.

• If you have a condition that causes muscle weakness, called myasthenia gravis.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take propantheline tablets

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about propantheline and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to be prescribed one tablet to take three times during the day and two tablets to take at bedtime. Although this is the usual dose at the start of treatment, your doctor may later increase your dose up to a maximum of eight tablets a day.

• Swallow the tablets with a drink of water. You should take the tablets when your stomach is empty, which means taking your doses at least an hour before mealtimes, or waiting until two hours afterwards. This is because your body absorbs less propantheline when there is food in your stomach, which means the medicine is less effective.

• If you forget to take a dose, do not take two doses together to make up for the missed dose - just continue with the next dose when it is due.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are suitable to take with propantheline. This is because propantheline can interfere with the way some other medicines are absorbed, and also a number of medicines that can commonly be bought can increase the risk of side-effects.

Can propantheline cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the common ones associated with propantheline. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, please speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store propantheline

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines