Detrunorm

How does it work?

Detrunorm tablets and Detrunorm XL modified release capsules both contain the active ingredient propiverine hydrochloride, which is a type of medicine called an anticholinergic (or antimuscarinic) muscle relaxant. It works by relaxing the involuntary muscle that is found in the wall of the bladder.

The muscle in the wall of the bladder is called the detrusor muscle. It can sometimes contract in uncontrollable spasms, and this is often referred to as having an overactive bladder. This condition may have no known cause, or may be a result of problems with the nerve supply to the bladder following an injury to the spinal cord. The overactive detrusor muscle can increase the number of times you need to pass urine, or cause uncontrollable urges to pass urine or involuntary leakage of urine (urinary incontinence).

Propiverine works by relaxing the detrusor muscle in the wall of the bladder. It does this by blocking receptors called cholinergic (or muscarinic) receptors that are found on the surface of the muscle cells. This prevents a natural body chemical called acetylcholine from acting on these receptors.

Normally when acetylcholine acts on these receptors, it causes the detrusor muscle to contract and the bladder to empty. By blocking acetylcholine, propiverine helps the muscle in the bladder wall to relax. This reduces unstable, involuntary contractions of the bladder, and thereby increases the capacity of the bladder to hold urine. In turn, this reduces the need to pass urine.

Detrunorm tablets are known as an immediate release dose form. This means that the medicine is absorbed into the bloodstream from the gut soon after the tablets are taken. These tablets are taken between two to four times a day, as your doctor feels necessary.

Detrunorm XL capsules are known as modified release capsules. They are designed to release the medicine slowly over the day as the capsule passes through the gut. This means the capsules only need to be taken once a day. These capsules should be swallowed whole with liquid. They should not be broken, chewed or crushed, as this would stop their modified release action from working.

What is it used for?

Incontinence

Passing urine too frequently (urinary frequency)

Uncontrollable urges to pass urine (urinary urgency)

Warning!

This medicine may cause drowsiness and blurred vision. If affected do not drive or operate machinary.

If you are taking this medicine for prolonged periods of time your doctor may need to take blood tests to monitor your liver function.

People who are at risk of developing glaucoma should have regular tests to monitor the pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure) while taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Elderly people

Decreased kidney function

Disorder of the involuntary nerves that control the internal organs (autonomic neuropathy)

Heart failure

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Increased heart rate (tachycardia)

Coronary artery disease

Enlarged prostate gland

Inflammation of the foodpipe as a result of acid reflux caused by a hiatus hernia

Overactive thyroid gland

Not to be used in

Children

Blockage of the outflow of urine from the bladder

Blockage of the bowel (bowel obstruction)

A loss in the ability of the gut to contract (intestinal atony or paralysis)

Severe ulcerative colitis

Sudden expansion of the large intestine seen in advanced ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease (toxic megacolon)

Abnormal muscle weakness

Uncontrolled closed angle glaucoma

Fast, abnormal heart beats (tachyarrhythmias)

Moderately to severely decreased liver function

Pregnancy

Breastfeeding

Rare hereditary problems of galactose intolerance, the Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption (Detrunorm tablets and Detrunorm XL capsules contain lactose).

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy as its safety has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine may pass into breast milk. It should not be used by breastfeeding mothers. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

This medication may cause drowsiness. If affected do not drive or operate machinery.

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