Antrenex
Generic Name
Methantheline Bromide
Manufacturer
Multiple (Historically, e.g., Searle)
Country
Global (Historically, e.g., USA)
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Description
Overview of the medicine
Antrenex (Methantheline Bromide) is an anticholinergic agent used to reduce gastrointestinal spasms, gastric acid secretion, and hypermotility. It belongs to a class of medications known as muscarinic antagonists.
Uses & Indications
Dosage
Adults
Typically 50-100 mg orally, 3-4 times daily, before meals and at bedtime.
Elderly
Lower doses may be required due to increased sensitivity to anticholinergic effects and potential for renal impairment. Start with 50 mg.
Renal_impairment
Use with caution. Dosage reduction may be necessary due to renal excretion. Monitor for anticholinergic side effects.
How to Take
Take orally, typically 30 minutes before meals and at bedtime. Do not crush or chew tablets.
Mechanism of Action
Methantheline Bromide competitively antagonizes the action of acetylcholine at muscarinic receptors. This blockade reduces smooth muscle spasms in the gastrointestinal tract, decreases gastric acid secretion, and affects other exocrine gland secretions.
Pharmacokinetics
Onset
Oral: 30-60 minutes.
Excretion
Primarily excreted via the kidneys, a significant portion as unchanged drug.
Half life
Not well-defined for this older drug, but effects may last 4-6 hours.
Absorption
Poorly and irregularly absorbed from the GI tract due to its quaternary ammonium structure. Oral bioavailability is low.
Metabolism
Undergoes some metabolism, but significant portion is excreted unchanged.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Glaucoma
- Obstructive uropathy (e.g., bladder neck obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy)
- Obstructive disease of the GI tract (e.g., achalasia, pyloroduodenal stenosis)
- Paralytic ileus
- Severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon
- Myasthenia gravis
- Tachycardia secondary to cardiac insufficiency or thyrotoxicosis
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May interfere with absorption, take Methantheline Bromide before antacids.
Opioid Analgesics
Increased risk of constipation and urinary retention.
Other Anticholinergics
Increased anticholinergic effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, and rapid heartbeat. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including physostigmine if severe anticholinergic toxicity is present.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit outweighs potential risk to the fetus. Excreted in breast milk, discontinue nursing or the drug.
Side Effects
Contraindications
- Glaucoma
- Obstructive uropathy (e.g., bladder neck obstruction due to prostatic hypertrophy)
- Obstructive disease of the GI tract (e.g., achalasia, pyloroduodenal stenosis)
- Paralytic ileus
- Severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon
- Myasthenia gravis
- Tachycardia secondary to cardiac insufficiency or thyrotoxicosis
Drug Interactions
Antacids
May interfere with absorption, take Methantheline Bromide before antacids.
Opioid Analgesics
Increased risk of constipation and urinary retention.
Other Anticholinergics
Increased anticholinergic effects.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children.
Overdose
Symptoms include severe dry mouth, blurred vision, difficulty urinating, constipation, confusion, hallucinations, and rapid heartbeat. Treatment is symptomatic and supportive, including physostigmine if severe anticholinergic toxicity is present.
Pregnancy & Lactation
Pregnancy Category C. Use only if potential benefit outweighs potential risk to the fetus. Excreted in breast milk, discontinue nursing or the drug.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this medicine
Pack Sizes
Shelf Life
Typically 2-3 years.
Availability
Hospital and Retail Pharmacies (limited)
Approval Status
Approved (historically)
Patent Status
Expired
Clinical Trials
Information on specific recent clinical trials for Methantheline Bromide is limited due to its older status and established uses. Most data comes from historical studies.
Lab Monitoring
- Monitor for signs of glaucoma (intraocular pressure)
- Monitor urine output (for urinary retention).
Doctor Notes
- Educate patients on anticholinergic side effects.
- Advise caution in patients with prostatic hypertrophy or glaucoma.
- Regular review of therapy is recommended.
Patient Guidelines
- Take medicine exactly as prescribed.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how the drug affects you.
- Report any severe side effects immediately.
- Stay hydrated to manage dry mouth.
Missed Dose Advice
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
Driving Precautions
May cause blurred vision, dizziness, or drowsiness. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how Antrenex affects you.
Lifestyle Advice
- Maintain a balanced diet to manage constipation.
- Avoid excessive alcohol consumption.
- Regular exercise may help with bowel regularity.
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Global Brand Names
International brand names for this medicine. Click a brand to search for detailed information.
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