Propiverine - Oral

Propiverine is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder (a disorder that causes a sudden or frequent urge to urinate) and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (a bladder dysfunction caused by nerve damage or spinal cord injury).

This medicine calms and relaxes the bladder. It reduces the number of toilet visits and the urge to urinate.

Take Propiverine exactly as directed by your doctor according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist whether you should take this medicine with or without food. Different preparations of this medicine may be taken differently. Try to take it at the same time each day.

Propiverine is available as a conventional tablet and as a modified release capsule.

If you are taking the conventional tablet, swallow it whole with a glass of water.

If you are taking the modified-release type of capsule (usually labelled as "XL"), swallow it whole. Do not divide, chew, or crush the capsule.

The dose of Propiverine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the severity of your condition and your response to the medication.

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.

DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.

If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.

Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• stomach or bowel obstruction
• intestinal atony (a condition where the muscles controlling your bowel does not work properly)
• toxic megacolon (widening of the large intestines caused by complications of infection or inflammation)
• severe ulcerative colitis (a disease that causes inflammation and sores in the linings of the large intestine and rectum)
• tachyarrhythmia (fast irregular or abnormal heartbeat)
• uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye)
• myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
• significant bladder obstruction
• moderate to severe liver disease

as Propiverine may not be suitable for you.

Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:

• heart problems e.g. rapid heartbeat, irregular or abnormal heartbeat, weakness and inability of the heart to pump blood
• hiatal hernia (a condition when part of the stomach extends through the diaphragm)
• autonomic neuropathy (damage of nerves that regulate vital body functions such as heart rate, blood pressure, digestion, and bladder activities)
• prostate enlargement
• urinary stricture (scar tissue formation that causes narrowing of the urethra making it difficult to pee)
• kidney disease
• mild liver disease

Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.

• Routine tests (e.g. liver function, kidney function, eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.

Propiverine may cause drowsiness or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.

Other side effects include any of the following: dry mouth, constipation, pain in the stomach, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, headache, dizziness, and rash.

Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:

• rapid, irregular or abnormal heartbeat
• changes in eyesight, pain in the eye, seeing coloured rings when looking at lights
• difficulty in passing urine

Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine
• amantadine (medicine to treat Parkinson’s disease [a disorder that affects the movement of a person, causing symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, slowed movement and impaired balance or walking])
• medicines for mood disorders
• isoniazid (medicine to treat TB [an infection known as tuberculosis])
• metoclopramide (medicine for nausea and vomiting)

This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Propiverine.

Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.

Avoid alcohol.

Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.

Protect the modified-release capsule from moisture.

Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.