Procyclidine: functions, dosage, side effects, how to use

Functions & Usage

What is Procyclidine used for?

Procyclidine is a drug to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or uncontrolled motor movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine / haloperidol).

Procyclidine belongs to a class of drugs called anticholinergics that work by blocking certain natural substances (acetylcholine). This medication helps reduce muscle stiffness, sweating, and saliva production, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease.

Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms in the back, neck, and eyes sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs, as well as reduce other side effects such as muscle stiffness (extrapyramidal sign-EPS). This medicine is not helpful in treating movement disorders caused by tardive dyskinesia and may aggravate them.

How do you use Procyclidine?

This medicine should be taken usually 3-4 times a day after meals and at bedtime or as directed by a doctor. Your doctor may start at a low dose and slowly increase the dose to find the best dose for you. Dosage is based on medical condition and response to therapy.

If you are using a liquid medicine, measure the dose with a spoon or a special measuring device. Do not use a regular tablespoon as it may not provide the correct dosage.

Take this medicine regularly for maximum benefits. To help you remember, drink it at the same time every day.

Take this medication at least 1 hour before an antacid containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Allow at least 1-2 hours between doses of procyclidine and certain drugs for diarrhea (antidiarrheal adsorbents such as kaolin, pectin, attapulgite). The medicine is taken at least 2 hours after ketoconazole. Antacids and some diarrhea medications might prevent the intact absorption of procyclidine, and these products might prevent the full absorption of ketoconazole when these products are taken together.

If you are taking this medicine for a side effect of another medicine, your doctor may tell you to take it on a regular schedule or only as needed. If you are taking this medicine for Parkinson's disease, your doctor may change the dose of another medicine (for example, levodopa). Follow the doctor's instructions carefully. Do not stop or change the dose without your doctor's approval.

This drug is rarely addictive. Do not increase your dose, take the medication more often, or use it for longer than prescribed. Stop treatment properly if you are told. Some conditions may get worse if the medicine suddenly stops taking them. The dose may need to be gradually decreased.

When used for an extended period, this drug may not work well and may require a different dosage. Talk to your doctor if this medication stops working well. Tell the doctor if the condition does not get better or gets worse.

How to store Procyclidine?

Store the medicine at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom and freeze medication. Medicines under different brands may have different storage methods. Check the product box for instructions on how to store it, or ask the pharmacist. Stay away from children and pets.

It is forbidden to flush the medicine in the toilet or throw it down the drain if not instructed to. Properly discard this product if it is past the deadline or is no longer needed. Consult a pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more in-depth details on how to safely dispose of the product.

Precautions & Warnings

What should be considered before using Procyclidine drugs?

Several medical conditions may interact with procyclidine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially the following if you:

• Pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• Are taking prescription or nonprescription drugs, herbal medicines, or additional supplements
• Allergy to drugs, food, or other substances
• Suffering from glaucoma, mental or mood disorders, muscle weakness (for example: myasthenia gravis), ulcerative colitis, enlarged prostate, or urinary problems
• Experiencing blockage in the stomach, esophagus, or urinary tract; kidney or liver disorders; high blood pressure; heart or blood vessel disease; irregular heartbeat; or uncontrolled movements of the hands, mouth, or tongue.

Is Procyclidine safe for pregnant and lactating women?

There are no adequate studies regarding the risks of using this drug in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Always consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits and risks before using this medication. This medicine is included in the pregnancy risk category C. (A = no risk, B = no risk in some studies, C = there may be some risks, D = positive evidence of risk, X = contraindications, N = unknown).

Side effects

What are the possible side effects of Procyclidine?

Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, hot flashes, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, or dry mouth may appear. This effect usually diminishes as the body gets used to the drug. If these effects don't get better or get worse, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible.

To relieve dry mouth, suck on candy (without sugar) or chunks of ice, chew gum (without sugar), drink plain water, or use a saliva substitute. Keep in mind that doctors have prescribed this drug because doctors have judged that the benefits of the drug outweigh the risk of side effects. Many users of this drug experience no serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if these serious but rare side effects occur: reduced sexual ability, severe stomach pain, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, weakness. Get medical help immediately if you experience any of these very serious side effects: chest pain, severe dizziness / fainting, high fever, fast / irregular / slow heartbeat, mental / mood changes (eg confusion, hallucinations, memory problems), eye pain / swelling / redness, vision changes (eg seeing a rainbow around light at night). Very serious drug allergic reactions are rare, but require immediate medical attention if they occur. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, hives / swelling (especially of the face / tongue / throat), severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.

This section is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Not everyone experiences the following side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have concerns about certain side effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Drug Interactions

What medicines can interfere with the drug Procyclidine?

Some drugs may interact with procyclidine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially the following:

• Phenothiazine (example: thioridazine) because of its efficacy may be reduced by procyclidine

Can certain foods and drinks interfere with the drug Procyclidine?

Certain drugs cannot be used with meals or when eating certain foods because drug interactions can occur. Consuming alcohol or tobacco with certain drugs can also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with a healthcare professional about using drugs with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

What health conditions can interfere with the performance of the drug Procyclidine?

The presence of other medical disorders may affect the use of this drug. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems.

Dose

The information provided is not a substitute for a doctor's prescription. ALWAYS consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting treatment.

What is the dosage of Procyclidine for adults?

Parkinson's Syndrome

Younger and postencephalitic patients require and tolerate higher doses than patients who are elderly or suffer from arteriosclerosis.

Patients who have never undergone therapy

Oral

Initially, 2.5 mg 3 times a day after meals. If resistant, slowly increase to 5 mg 3 times daily or the minimum dose as needed for symptom control. If necessary, give an additional 5 mg dose at bedtime. If the bedtime dose is not tolerated, the total daily dose may be given in 3 separate doses.

Patients who have completed other antiparkinsonian therapy

Oral

Slowly change the 2.5 mg 3 times a day to all or part of the original medicine. Increase the dose of procyclidine as needed while tapering off other drugs until a complete replacement is achieved.

Extrapyramidal reactions due to drugs

Oral

Initially, 2.5 mg 3 times a day; increase as much as 2.5 mg until symptoms are controlled. Usual dosage: 10-20 mg daily.

What is the dosage of Procyclidine for children?

Safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed in pediatric patients (less than 18 years).

In what dosages and preparations is Procyclidine available?

Tablet, oral: 5 mg

What to do in an emergency or overdose?

In case of an emergency or overdose, contact the local emergency services provider (118/119) or immediately to the nearest hospital emergency department.

What should I do if I forget to take medicine or forget to take medicine?

If you forget a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, when it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the usual dosing schedule. Don't double the dose.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical consultation, diagnosis or treatment.