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mepenzolate

A03AB12

Forms & Strengths

Oral Tablet: 25 mg

Adult Dosing

Peptic ulcer and gastrointestinal hypermotility: 25 to 50 mg orally 4 times daily (before meals and at bedtime)
Maintenance dose: Titrated based on patient response and anticholinergic side effects

Pediatric Dosing

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established

Indications

Adjunctive therapy in the treatment of peptic ulcer disease
Management of gastrointestinal hypermotility disorders and irritable bowel syndrome

Mechanism of Action

Synthetic anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent that competitively inhibits acetylcholine at postganglionic parasympathetic receptor sites
Relaxes smooth muscle tone and decreases gastric acid secretion and gastrointestinal motility

Contraindications

Glaucoma (narrow-angle)
Obstructive uropathy (e.g., bladder neck obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy)
Obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal tract (e.g., achalasia, pyloroduodenal stenosis)
Paralytic ileus, intestinal atony, or toxic megacolon
Severe ulcerative colitis
Myasthenia gravis
Known hypersensitivity to mepenzolate or other anticholinergics

Adverse Reactions

Xerostomia (dry mouth)
Blurred vision and mydriasis
Constipation and urinary retention
Tachycardia and palpitations
Dizziness, drowsiness, and headache
Decreased sweating and anhidrosis (risk of heat prostration)
Nausea and vomiting

Drug Interactions

Amantadine: May increase anticholinergic adverse effects due to additive pharmacodynamic activity
Anticholinergics (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, antihistamines, phenothiazines): Enhanced anticholinergic toxicity
Digoxin: Slow dissolution of digoxin tablets and increased absorption risk with anticholinergics
Metoclopramide: Antagonism of gastrointestinal motility effects

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use