Directions for Patients On Anticholinergics

The treatment: The medication prescribed for you (Pro-Banthine or Ditropan) is intended to make your bladder less sensitive. You will not have to void as often and will have a bit more time to get to the bathroom. The amount of medication prescribed today may need to be changed after we have an opportunity to asess your response to this drug. You may not notice a drastic change in your symptoms right away.

Cautions: If you have a history of glaucoma, enlarged prostate, intestinal obstruction, or heart trouble, please be sure that we know about that.

The Pro-Banthine or Ditropan that you are taking will increase the effect of some other medications. Some of these include over-the-counter drugs such as Sominex and many of the cold or allergy remedies. Also affected are such prescription drugs as some of those used to treat depression and ulcers. Check with your pharmacist before taking any other drugs, whether prescription or nonprescription, with your bladder medication.

Side effects: Like all drugs, this one has some side effects. However, in the dosage prescribed, these are rare. Dryness of mouth is the most common. Blurred vision, constipation. increased heart rate, and flushing may accompany larger doses of these drugs. All of these tide effects are easily managed. For example, chewing gum and hard candy will alleviate dryness of mouth. Adding bran to your diet will help to relieve the constipation. Changing the cosage of the drug may be necessary. Too much of this drug may, in rare cases, make it very difficult or impossible for you to empty your bladder. If this hsould happen, call us immediately or go to the nearest emergency room and explain what medicaztino you have been taking and that you cannot void. They may insert a catheter to empty your bladder. Then contact us.