The following information is a summary about Pro-Banthine. It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
What is propantheline?
Propantheline reduces the secretions of certain organs in the body.
Propantheline helps to control conditions such as peptic ulcers that involve excessive
stomach acid production.
Although not approved by the FDA for these purposes, propantheline has been used to
treat other conditions involving spasms or excessive secretion.
Propantheline may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication
guide.
What is the most important information I should know about propantheline?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Propantheline may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are
taking propantheline.
Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Propantheline increases the risk of heat
stroke because it decreases sweating.
Who should not take propantheline?
Do not take propantheline if you have:
- kidney disease;
- a blockage of your urinary tract (difficulty urinating);
- a blockage in your intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, or ulcerative colitis complicated by toxic megacolon;
- glaucoma; or
- myasthenia gravis.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have:
- numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;
- liver disease;
- ulcerative colitis;
- thyroid problems;
- high blood pressure, an irregular heart beat, or any type of heart disease;
- hiatal hernia or reflux esophagitis;
- enlargement of the prostate; or
- asthma, chronic lung disease, or allergies.
You may not be able to take propantheline or you may need a lower
dose or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
It is not known whether propantheline will harm an unborn baby. Do not take
propantheline without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant.
It is not known whether propantheline passes into breast milk. Do not take
propantheline without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take propantheline?
Take propantheline exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these
directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Propantheline is usually taken three or four times a day, 30 minutes before meals and at
bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Store propantheline at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your
next dose, skip the missed dose and take only your next regularly scheduled dose. Do
not take a double dose of this medication.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention.
Symptoms of a propantheline overdose include headache, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth,
difficulty swallowing, blurred vision, dilated pupils, hot, dry skin, dizziness, drowsiness,
confusion, anxiety, seizures, weak pulse, and an irregular heartbeat.
What should I avoid while taking propantheline?
Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Propantheline may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. If you experience
dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision, avoid these activities.
Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness and dizziness while you are
taking propantheline.
Avoid becoming overheated in hot weather. Propantheline increases the risk of heat
stroke because it decreases sweating.
Propantheline side effects
If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking propantheline
and seek emergency medical attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
- an irregular or fast heart rate;
- skin rash or flushing; or
- eye pain.
Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take propantheline and talk to your doctor if you experience
- headache, dizziness, or lightheadedness;
- weakness or nervousness;
- blurred vision, large pupils, or sensitivity of the eyes to bright light;
- nausea, bloating, heartburn, or constipation;
- changes in taste;
- difficulty urinating;
- decreased sweating; or
- nasal congestion, stuffiness, or a dry mouth.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
What other drugs will affect propantheline?
Many other drugs may increase the side effects of propantheline. Before taking this
medication, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:
- amantadine (Symmetrel);
- quinidine (Quinaglute, Cardioquin, Quinora, Quinidex);
- antihistamines such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl, many
others), brompheniramine (Dimetapp, Bromfed, many others), triprolidine (Actifed, others), and
chlorpheniramine (Chlor-Trimeton, others), which are found in many over-the-counter and
prescription cough, cold and allergy medications;
- decongestants and appetite suppressants such as
phenylpropanolamine (Dexatrim, others), phenylephrine (Neo-Synephrine, others), and
pseudoephedrine (Sudafed, others), which are also found in many over-the-counter and
prescription products;
- phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine) and prochlorperazine (Compazine);
- other commonly used phenothiazines, including fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), thioridazine (Mellaril), trifluoperazine (Stelazine), and promazine (Sparine);
- tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline (Elavil, Endep), doxepin (Sinequan), and nortriptyline (Pamelor); and
- other commonly used tricyclic antidepressants, including amoxapine (Asendin), clomipramine (Anafranil), desipramine (Norpramin), imipramine (Tofranil), protriptyline (Vivactil), and trimipramine (Surmontil).
Propantheline may increase the level of digoxin (Lanoxin,
Lanoxicaps) in your blood. Tell your doctor if you are taking digoxin so that the level of digoxin
in your blood can be monitored and changes in your dosage can be made if necessary.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with propantheline. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines.
Where can I get more information?
- Your pharmacist has more information about propantheline written for health professionals that you may read.
What does my medication look like?
Propantheline is available with a prescription under the brand name Pro-Banthine. Other
brand or generic formulations may also be available. Ask your pharmacist any questions you
have about this medication, especially if it is new to you.
- Pro-Banthine 7.5 mg--round, white, sugar-coated tablets
- Pro-Banthine 15 mg--round, peach-colored, sugar-coated tablets
- Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
