Generic

Procyclidine Hydrochloride

Indications

All kinds of parkinsonian syndrome are treated with procyclidine as an additional medication. It's mostly used to treat idiopathic (paralysis agitants), postencephalitic, and arteriosclerotic parkinsonian symptoms. It's used to treat extrapyramidal symptoms like pseudoparkinsonism, acute dystonic responses, and akathisia, which are caused by neuroleptic medications like phenothiazine derivatives.

Pharmacology

Procyclidine hydrochloride is a relatively safe antimuscarinic antiparkinsonian medication. It's a tertiary amine that's been synthesized. The antiparkinsonian action of this medicine is assumed to be achieved by correcting the relative cholinergic excess that occurs in parkinsonians as a result of dopamine deficit. It is quickly absorbed from the GI system and vanishes from the tissues. It takes 5 to 20 minutes after intravenous administration to take effect and might last up to 4 hours.

Dosage & Administration

Tablet: This is administered orally, preferably after meals.

Parkinsonism: Initially 2.5 mg 3 times a day, then 5 mg 3 times a day and occasionally 5 mg at bedtime. The dosage being adjusted as tolerated or until the total daily dose reaches 20 to 30 mg divided into 3 to 4 doses.

Drug induced extrapyramidal symptom: Initially 2.5 mg 3 times a day. The dosage being increased by 2.5 mg increment per day as needed and tolerated.

IM or IV injection: 5-10 mg, repeated if necessary after 20 minutes; maximum 20 mg daily can be given.

Interaction

The anticholinergic activity of procyclidine may be increased by agents having anticholinergic amantadine. The absorption of ketoconazole may be reduced by concomitant administration of procyclidine.

Contraindications

In youngsters and the elderly, it should be used with caution. Patients with diarrhoea, cardiovascular illness, glaucoma, urinary retention, hepatic or renal impairment should be given Procyclidine with caution. Procyclidine's safety during pregnancy has yet to be determined. There are no data on this drug's excretion in breast milk.

Side Effects

Dryness of the mouth is usually the only side effect at standard dosage levels. Mydriasis, impaired vision, and gastrointestinal side effects (nausea, vomiting, epigastric discomfort, constipation) are all possible side effects. An allergic reaction (such as a rash) or muscle weakness may develop on rare occasions. In high doses, vertigo, confusion, and delusion are possible side effects. Adverse effects are usually reduced by adjusting the dosage and administering the medication after a meal.

Pregnancy & Lactation

In order to take this medicine safely during pregnancy, lactation, or in women of reproductive age, the potential advantages must be evaluated against the potential risks to the mother and child.

Precautions & Warnings

In the case of hepatic and renal impairment, children, the elderly, pregnancy, and lactation, caution should be exercised. When Procyclidine is used to treat the extrapyramidal side effects of neuroleptics, it can sometimes precipitate a psychotic episode in patients with mental problems. Rebound Parkinsonism symptoms may arise if procyclidine is abruptly stopped.

Therapeutic Class

Antiparkinson drugs

Storage Conditions

Keep the temperature below 30°C and away from light and moisture. Keep out of children's reach.