Propantheline (Pro-Banthine)

Action: anticholinergic; antispasmodic

Indication: tx of peptic ulcer, irritable bowel syndrome, pancreatitis, ureter and urinary bladder spasm, reduced duodenal motility during diagnostic procedures.

Unlabelled use: (legal for use if it is the standard of practice) produce xerostomia prior to dental procedures (antisialagogue).

Contraindicated: variable listings are: pregnancy; narrow angle glaucoma, G.I. obstruction, myasthenia gravis, paralytic ileus, obstructive uropath, toxic megacolon

Side effects: (short term use isn’t usually a problem, ie. for dentistry as an antisialagogue) constipation, dysphagia, difficulty in urinating, xerostomia, blurred visioun, mydriasis, photophobia, drowsiness

Dental aspects: significant xerostomia with 15-30 mg as single dose P.O. (by mouth) one-half to one hour prior to dental procedure.

NOTE: Geriatric patients, or debilitated (weight below normal) may need half the usual dose (7.5 mg); maximum absorption occurs when taken ½ hour before meals; duration of action 4-6 hours. T ½ = 9 hours. Potential problems operating hazardous machinery or driving due to blurred vision, photophobia.

Category: Pharmacology Notes