Atropine Sulfate 600 – patient leaflet, side effects, dosage

1. WHAT ATROPINE TABLETS ARE AND WHAT THEY ARE USED FOR

Atropine Sulfate is a drug which relaxes the muscle wall of the intestines (an

antimuscuranic drug). It is used to treat problems of the digestive tract.

Atropine Tablets are used in the treatment of some types of indigestion, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and a type of inflammation of the large intestine (diverticular disease).

2. BEFORE YOU TAKE ATROPINE TABLETS

Do not take Atropine Tablets if you:

• are allergic to atropine sulfate or any of the other ingredients contained in Atropine Tablets (see list under heading ‘What Atropine Tablets contain’ in section 6)
• are a man suffering from problems with your prostate gland
• have acute paralysis of the bowel
• are suffering from a narrowing of the lower opening of the stomach (pyloric stenosis)
• have an eye disease called glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes)
• are intolerant to, or unable to absorb some sugars such as galactose

• have myasthenia gravis (a specific muscle disorder), except in particular situations under the careful supervision of your doctor. Speak to your doctor before taking Atropine Tablets if you have any of the

  following:

  • Down’s syndrome
  • urinary problems
  • heart problems
  • a rapid pulse
  • fever
  • diarrhoea
  • inflammation of the colon (ulcerative colitis). If you suffer from heartburn, taking these tablets may worsen your condition. Taking other medicines

Taking another medicine while you are taking Atropine Tablets can affect how it or the other medicine works. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or have recently taken any other medicines, even those you may have bought yourself without a prescription. Please check with your doctor if you are taking any of the following (or any other medication):

• medicines used to control heart rhythm (e.g. disopyramide and mexiletine)
• antidepressants, used to treat depression (e.g. amitriptyline and MAO inhibitors)
• antihistamines, used to treat allergies
• medicines used to prevent feeling sick and being sick (e.g. metoclopramide and domperidone)
• medicines used to treat mental disorders (e.g. chlorpromazine, clozapine)
• medicines used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (levodopa, amantadine)
• antiviral medicines used to treat some virus infections (amantadine)
• ketoconazole, used to treat fungal infections
• medicines used in the treatment of angina which you take by placing under the tongue (e.g. glyceryl trinitrate)

• phenylephrine eye drops, used for sore eyes or to dilate the pupils for eye examinations. If you have any doubts about whether you should take this medicine then discuss matters with your doctor before taking it. Pregnancy and breast-feeding

You should let your doctor know if you are pregnant, wish to become pregnant or if you are breast-feeding or wish to start

breast-feeding before you take this medicine. Taking Atropine Tablets with food and drink

Atropine Tablets should be taken with food or water.

Driving and operating machines

Atropine Tablets can affect your vision or you become giddy or feel unsteady. If affected you should not drive or operate machinery. Important information for patients who have an intolerance to some sugars

If you have been told by your doctor that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicinal product, as it contains lactose.

3. HOW TO TAKE ATROPINE TABLETS

Your doctor will decide the dose which is best for you. Always follow your doctor’s instructions completely, and also follow any special instructions or warnings which appear on the label which the pharmacist has put on the package. If you do not understand, or are in any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Neutral code not required on the leaflet artworks.

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Process Black Unless instructed differently, take your tablets with food or water.

Adults

The usual dose for adults is 0.6mg to 1.2mg, which is equivalent to one to two tablets, taken at night time.

Children and the elderly

A reduced dose may be given to children and the elderly.

If you take more Atropine Tablets than you should

If you accidently take too many tablets contact your doctor or pharmacist or nearest hospital casualty department. Take this leaflet and any remaining tablets with you to show the doctor or pharmacist.

If you take too much Atropine you will get severe blurring of vision, very dry mouth, and dizziness or drowsiness.

If you miss a dose of Atropine Tablets

If you forget to take a dose, take another as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, then do not take the next dose at all. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten tablet.

If you stop taking Atropine Tablets

You should continue to take Atropine Tablets for as long as your doctor tells you to. Do not stop taking the medicine without talking to your doctor first.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

Like many medicines Atropine Tablets may cause side effects in some patients, particularly when treatment is first started, although not everybody gets them. Side effects may occur more often in children and the elderly.

Common side effects include:

• a dry mouth
• feeling thirsty
• problems swallowing
• eye problems including large pupils
• a dislike of bright light
• blurred vision
• pain in the eyes
• flushing
• skin dryness
• palpitations and problems with your heart rhythm
• problems passing urine
• constipation
• bronchial problems and cough

Rare side effects include:

• sickness, indigestion, giddiness and unsteadiness.
• fever, confusion (particularly in older people) and rashes
• chest pains caused by increased gastric reflux (heartburn)
• glaucoma (increased pressure in the eyes) Reporting of side effects

If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme

www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.

By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. HOW TO STORE ATROPINE TABLETS

Keep out of the reach and sight of

children.

Do not take

this medicine

if the expiry

date on the

label has

passed. The

expiry date

refers to the

last day of

that month.

Atropine Tablets should not be taken if they show signs of deterioration such as discolouration.

Do not store above 25°C

Store in the original container or package in order to protect from light and moisture. Do not transfer the tablets to another container. Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. These measures will help to protect the environment.

6. FURTHER INFORMATION

What Atropine Tablets contain

The active ingredient in Atropine Tablets is Atropine Sulfate. Each tablet contains 600 micrograms of the active ingredient. Other ingredients are maize starch, lactose, magnesium stearate and stearic acid. What Atropine Tablets look like and contents of the pack

Atropine Tablets are white circular tablets which are unmarked or marked with CP on one side.

They are available in polypropylene or polyethylene containers containing 28 tablets. Marketing Authorisation Holder: Wockhardt UK Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK

Manufacturer: CP Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Ash Road North, Wrexham, LL13 9UF, UK Other formats:

To listen to or request a copy of this leaflet in Braille, large print or audio please call, free of charge:

0800 198 5000 (UK only)

Please be ready to give the following information:

This is a service provided by the Royal National Institute of Blind People. This leaflet was last revised in 01/2016

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