mepenzolate Health Article

Generic name(s):

mepenzolate

Brand name(s):

What is the most important information I should know about mepenzolate?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to mepenzolate, or if you have problems with urination, a blockage in your intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, glaucoma, or myasthenia gravis.

Before taking mepenzolate tell your doctor if you have diarrhea, nerve problems, liver or kidney disease, ulcerative colitis, overactive thyroid, heart disease, high blood pressure, hiatal hernia, acid reflux disease, an enlarged prostate, asthma, or any allergies.

Mepenzolate can cause side effects that may impair your vision, thinking, or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Avoid drinking alcohol. It can increase some of the side effects of mepenzolate.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Mepenzolate can decrease sweating, and you could develop heatstroke more easily.

Stop using mepenzolate and call your doctor at once if you stop urinating, or if you have hallucinations, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, or if you have fast, uneven, or pounding heartbeats.

What is mepenzolate?

Mepenzolate reduces stomach acid and helps control muscle spasms in the intestines.

Mepenzolate is used to treat peptic ulcers of the stomach. Mepenzolate does not help heal an ulcer.

Mepenzolate may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking mepenzolate?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to mepenzolate, or if you have:

• problems with urination;

• a blockage in your intestines, paralytic ileus, severe ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon;

• glaucoma; or

• myasthenia gravis.

Before taking mepenzolate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• diarrhea (especially if you have a colostomy or ileostomy);

• numbness or tingling in your hands or feet;

• liver or kidney disease;

• ulcerative colitis;

• overactive thyroid;

• congestive heart failure, a heart rhythm disorder, or coronary artery disease;

• high blood pressure (hypertension);

• hiatal hernia or acid reflux disease;

• an enlarged prostate; or

• asthma or any allergies.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to use mepenzolate, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.

FDA pregnancy category B. This medication is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether mepenzolate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not take mepenzolate without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Older adults may be more likely to have side effects from mepenzolate.

How should I take mepenzolate?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results from this medication.

Mepenzolate is usually taken 4 times each day, with meals and at bedtime. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Taking this medication may slow down your digestion, causing a bloated feeling or other stomach discomfort. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this effect.

Store mepenzolate at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and direct light.