Indications
Oxyphenonium bromide is an antispasmodic used to relieve cramping pain and spasm of the stomach and bowel, such as in irritable bowel syndrome, functional abdominal pain, and spasm of the bile ducts or urinary tract. It has also been used as an add-on treatment for peptic ulcer.
How It Works
It is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicine. It blocks the action of acetylcholine, a nerve messenger that makes the smooth muscle of the gut and urinary tract contract. This relaxes the muscle and eases cramps. It also reduces stomach acid and other secretions.
Dosage and Administration
Take as prescribed or as directed on the label. For adults it is commonly taken as 5 mg to 10 mg up to three or four times a day, usually before meals. Injectable forms are given by a doctor or nurse. Children’s doses are set by the doctor.
Interactions
- Other anticholinergic medicines (such as some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, Antipsychotics and Antiparkinson drugs) add to side effects such as dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention.
- It may reduce the effect of Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
- It can slow stomach emptying and change how other medicines are absorbed.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Oxyphenonium.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Enlarged prostate with difficulty passing urine, or urinary retention.
- Bowel blockage, paralytic ileus, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
- Myasthenia gravis and fast, uncontrolled heart rhythms.
Side Effects
Common side effects include dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, difficulty passing urine, fast heartbeat, flushing, reduced sweating and drowsiness or dizziness.
Get urgent medical help if you have eye pain with blurred vision and haloes around lights (possible glaucoma), cannot pass urine, have a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion or hallucinations, high temperature from overheating, or a severe allergic reaction.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Safety in pregnancy is not established; use only if your doctor considers it necessary. Anticholinergic medicines may reduce milk supply and may pass into breast milk; ask your doctor before use while breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care in older people, in heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, reflux or hiatus hernia, and fever.
- It reduces sweating; avoid overheating in hot weather or during exercise.
- It may cause blurred vision or drowsiness; do not drive if affected.
Overdose
Overdose can cause dry hot skin, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, fever, confusion, agitation, hallucinations and difficulty passing urine. Seek emergency medical help.
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.