Propa 15

Indications

Propantheline Bromide is used to relieve cramping and spasm of the stomach and bowel, for example in irritable bowel syndrome, and as an add on treatment for peptic ulcer. It is also used to treat bladder overactivity with frequent or urgent urination and night time bedwetting, and to reduce excessive sweating (hyperhidrosis).

How It Works

Propantheline is an antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) medicine. It blocks the action of acetylcholine, a nerve chemical that makes smooth muscle in the gut and bladder contract and that switches on sweat glands and stomach acid. This relaxes the gut and bladder muscle, reduces acid and reduces sweating.

Dosage and Administration

The usual adult dose is 15 mg three times a day, taken at least 1 hour before meals, plus up to 30 mg at bedtime, to a maximum of 120 mg a day. Older adults usually need a lower dose. Children: as prescribed by a doctor.

Interactions

• Other anticholinergic medicines, such as Amitriptyline and other tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, Disopyramide and antipsychotics, increase dry mouth, constipation and urinary retention.
• It may reduce the effect of Metoclopramide and Domperidone.
• It may slow the absorption of other medicines and increase the absorption of Digoxin from slow release forms.
• Antacids taken at the same time may reduce its absorption.

Contraindications

• Allergy to Propantheline.
• Narrow angle glaucoma.
• Myasthenia gravis.
• Blockage of the bowel, paralytic ileus, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon.
• Enlarged prostate or other conditions causing difficulty passing urine.
• Unstable heart conditions with fast heart rate.

Side Effects

Common effects are dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, difficulty passing urine, reduced sweating, flushing, fast heartbeat and drowsiness. Older people may become confused.

Get urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine, have severe eye pain with blurred vision (possible glaucoma), severe constipation with abdominal swelling, overheating with fever, or an allergic reaction.

Pregnancy and Lactation

Use in pregnancy only if clearly needed and advised by a doctor. It may reduce milk production and should be avoided during breastfeeding unless the doctor advises otherwise.

Precautions and Warnings

• It reduces sweating, so avoid overheating in hot weather or during exercise.
• Use with care in older people and in heart disease, high blood pressure, overactive thyroid, reflux and hiatus hernia, and liver or kidney disease.
• It may cause blurred vision and drowsiness; take care when driving.

Overdose

Overdose may cause severe dry mouth, hot dry flushed skin, fever, dilated pupils, fast heartbeat, restlessness, confusion and difficulty breathing. Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Therapeutic Class

Antimuscarinic antispasmodic (quaternary ammonium anticholinergic).

Storage

Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and out of the reach of children.