Indications
Oxyphencyclimine is used to relieve painful spasm of the stomach and intestines. It has been used as an add-on treatment for peptic ulcer, and for conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome, abdominal cramps and gastritis with spasm. It is an older medicine and newer acid-reducing medicines are now preferred for ulcers.
How It Works
Oxyphencyclimine is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicine. It blocks the action of acetylcholine, a nerve chemical that makes the muscles of the gut contract and stimulates acid secretion. This relaxes the gut muscle, eases cramps and reduces stomach acid production.
Dosage and Administration
Take as prescribed by your doctor. The usual adult dose is 10 mg twice daily, in the morning and at bedtime; your doctor may adjust this. Swallow tablets with water. It is not usually recommended for children unless a doctor advises it.
Interactions
- Other anticholinergic medicines, such as Hyoscine, Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines like Chlorpheniramine, some antipsychotics and Disopyramide, add to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation and urine retention.
- It may slow the absorption of other medicines and reduce the effect of Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
- Antacids taken at the same time may reduce its absorption; take them at different times.
- Potassium Chloride tablets may irritate the gut more when gut movement is slowed.
Contraindications
- Angle-closure glaucoma.
- Enlarged prostate with difficulty passing urine, or other blockage of the bladder.
- Blockage of the stomach outlet or intestines, paralytic ileus, or severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Fast heart rate due to heart disease, or unstable heart condition with bleeding.
- Allergy to Oxyphencyclimine.
Side Effects
Common effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, constipation, difficulty passing urine, reduced sweating, fast heartbeat, dizziness and drowsiness. Older people may become confused.
Get urgent medical help if you have severe eye pain with blurred vision and seeing halos (possible acute glaucoma), inability to pass urine, severe constipation with stomach swelling, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion or hallucinations, or signs of allergy such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safety in pregnancy has not been established; use only if your doctor considers it clearly needed. Anticholinergic medicines may pass into breast milk and can reduce milk supply, so it is best avoided while breastfeeding unless your doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care in older people, and in people with heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, reflux disease, fever, or liver or kidney disease.
- It reduces sweating; avoid overheating in hot weather or during exercise.
- It may cause blurred vision or drowsiness; do not drive or use machinery if affected.
- See a doctor if stomach pain is severe, persistent or comes with vomiting blood or black stools.
Overdose
Overdose causes very dry mouth, flushed hot dry skin, widened pupils, fast heartbeat, fever, urine retention, agitation, confusion, hallucinations and in severe cases seizures or coma. Seek emergency medical care immediately.
Therapeutic Class
Antispasmodic, antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) agent.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.