This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's
disease or movement disorders (extrapyramidal signs-EPS) due to the side
effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as
chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Ethopropazine belongs to a class of
medications called phenothiazines. It works by blocking a certain natural
substance (acetylcholine). This helps to decrease symptoms such as muscle
stiffness/spasms, shaking, and excess saliva. Ethopropazine does not treat
movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen
them.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 3 times a day. Your doctor may direct
you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose
to find the best dose for you. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Drowsiness, dizziness, headache, blurred vision,
constipation, or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the
medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice
chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva
substitute.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- severe stomach/abdominal pain
- difficult/painful swallowing
- numb/tingling skin
- difficulty urinating
- easy bleeding/bruising
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away)
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations,
memory problems)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- eye pain/swelling/redness
- vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at
night)
This medication may rarely cause a very serious
condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). Get medical help
right away if you have any of the following symptoms:
- fever
- muscle stiffness/pain/tenderness/weakness
- severe tiredness
- severe confusion
- sweating
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- dark urine
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking ethopropazine, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other phenothiazines (such as
chlorpromazine); or if you have any other allergies. This product may
contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other
problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- personal or family history of glaucoma
- breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema)
- heart problems (such as chest pain, heart attack, heart
failure, fast/irregular heartbeat)
- high blood pressure
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as blockage, ileus, ulcer,
ulcerative colitis)
- esophageal problems (such as heartburn, hiatal hernia)
- kidney disease
- liver disease
- mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, psychosis)
- myasthenia gravis
- seizure
- overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
- difficulty urinating (for example, due to enlarged
prostate)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your
vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear
vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your
doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This drug may make you sweat less, making you more
likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to
overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs.
When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you
overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help
right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes,
headache, or dizziness.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of
this drug, especially dizziness, difficulty urinating, and
constipation.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug
include:
- metoclopramide
- potassium tablets/capsules
- pramlintide
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other
products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis),
antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or
anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and
opioid pain relievers (such as codeine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy
or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause
drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products
safely.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include:
fast/slow/irregular heartbeat, severe drowsiness/dizziness, slow/shallow
breathing, seizures, mental/mood changes (such as confusion,
restlessness).
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
eye exams) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all
medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.