Propantheline (proe-PAN-the-leen)

Treats stomach ulcers.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• Most people take this medicine about 30 minutes before each meal and at bedtime. Your schedule could be different, so follow the schedule your doctor tells you.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
• Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using digoxin (Lanoxin®, Digitek®), or a belladonna medicine such as atropine, hyoscyamine, scopolamine, Anaspaz®, Arco-Lase® Plus, Donnatal®, NuLev®, Prosed®, Transderm Scop®, Urimax®.
• Tell your doctor if you are also using narcotic pain medicine, medicine for heart rhythm problems, an antihistamine, medicine to treat depression, or a steroid medicine. Meperidine (Demerol®) is a narcotic pain medicine. Some medicines for heart rhythm problems are disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine, Cardioquin®, Norpace®, Procanbid®, or Quinaglute®. Benadryl® (diphenhydramine) is an antihistamine. Some phenothiazine medicines are Compazine®, Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Serentil®, Tacaryl®, Thorazine®, or Trilafon®. Some medicines to treat depression are amitriptyline, nortriptyline, Norpramin®, or Vivactil®. Cortisone and prednisone are steroid medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have liver disease, kidney disease, or overactive thyroid. Tell your doctor about any heart or blood vessel problems you have, including heart rhythm problems, congestive heart failure, or high blood pressure. Make sure your doctor knows if you have on-going diarrhea or an ileostomy or colostomy. Tell your doctor if you have autonomic neuropathy (a nerve problem) or reflux esophagitis with a hiatal hernia (problems with your esophagus).
• This medicine may make you sweat less. Your body could get too hot if you do not sweat enough. Stay out of hot places. Try to stay indoors or somewhere cool during hot weather. If you have a fever, call your doctor for advice. If your body gets too hot, you might feel dizzy, weak, tired, or confused. You might have an upset stomach or vomit. Call your doctor if you are too hot and cannot cool down.
• This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Fast or pounding heartbeat.
• Muscle weakness or tiredness.
• Unusual restlessness, dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation, nausea, vomiting.
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Dry mouth, eyes, nose, or skin.
• Headache, nervousness, trouble sleeping, or confusion.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088