Indications
Pridinol is a muscle relaxant used to relieve painful muscle spasm and stiffness, for example in low back pain, neck pain (stiff neck), muscle cramps and spasm linked to joint or spine problems. It is usually used for a short time alongside pain relief and physiotherapy.
How It Works
Pridinol is an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medicine. It blocks some of the nerve signals carried by the chemical messenger acetylcholine, both in the spinal cord and near the muscles. This lowers excess muscle tone, so the tight muscle relaxes and pain from the spasm eases.
Dosage and Administration
Take as prescribed. A common adult dose is 3 mg two to three times a day, swallowed with water, with or after food. The doctor will set the dose and length of treatment. Older adults may need a lower dose. Not recommended for children unless a doctor advises.
Interactions
- Other anticholinergic medicines (such as Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants, some antihistamines, Amantadine, Quinidine and Atropine-like drugs) increase dry mouth, constipation, urine retention and confusion.
- Alcohol and sedatives may increase dizziness.
- It may slow stomach emptying and change how some other medicines are absorbed.
Contraindications
- Allergy to Pridinol.
- Narrow angle glaucoma.
- Enlarged prostate with difficulty passing urine, or urine retention.
- Bowel blockage, severe constipation or megacolon.
- Fast irregular heartbeat (tachyarrhythmia).
- First three months of pregnancy.
Side Effects
Common: dry mouth, thirst, blurred vision, dizziness, tiredness, constipation, flushing, difficulty passing urine and fast heartbeat. Less common: skin rash, nausea, headache, sleep problems and confusion in older people.
Get urgent medical help for severe eye pain with blurred vision and red eye (possible acute glaucoma), inability to pass urine, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, confusion or hallucinations, or swelling of the face or throat.
Pregnancy and Lactation
Do not use in the first three months of pregnancy. Later in pregnancy use only if the doctor says it is needed. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; avoid while breastfeeding unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Precautions and Warnings
- It may cause dizziness and blurred vision; do not drive or use machines if affected.
- Use with care in heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, liver or kidney disease and in older adults.
- Avoid overheating in hot weather, as it can reduce sweating.
Overdose
Overdose can cause severe dry mouth, hot dry skin, fever, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, agitation, confusion, hallucinations and urine retention. Seek emergency medical help at once.
Therapeutic Class
Centrally and peripherally acting muscle relaxant, anticholinergic.
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.