Brand & Generic Names

Akineton	Parsidol
Apo-Benztropine	Parsitan
Apo-Trihex	PMS Benztropine
Artane	PMS Procyclidine
Artane Sequels	PMS Trihexyphenidyl
BENZTROPINE	Procyclid
BIPERIDEN	PROCYCLIDINE
Cogentin	Trihexane
ETHOPROPAZINE	Trihexy
Kemadrin	TRIHEXYPHENIDYL
Novohexidyl

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? Yes
• Drug class: Antidyskinetic, antiparkinsonism

Uses

• Treatment of Parkinson's disease.
• Treatment of adverse effects of phenothiazines.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Tablets--Swallow with liquid. If you can't swallow whole, crumble tablet and take with liquid or food. Instructions to take on empty stomach mean 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating.
Extended-release capsule or elixir--Take with food to lessen stomach irritation.

When to take:
At the same times each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Balances chemical reactions necessary to send nerve impulses within base of brain.
Improves muscle control and reduces stiffness.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.

Don't take with:
Non-prescription drugs for colds, cough or allergy.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Agitation, dilated pupils, hallucinations, dry mouth, rapid heartbeat, sleepiness.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• If patient is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to- mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make patient vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take patient to nearest emergency facility.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

In case of overdose, see Overdose section.

Common:

• Blurred vision, light sensitivity, constipation, nausea, vomiting.
• Painful or difficult urination, dry mouth.

Infrequent:

Headache, memory loss, abdominal pain, nervousness.

Rare:

• Rash, eye pain, hives, delusions, hallucinations, amnesia, paranoia, fever, swollen neck glands, weakness and faintness when arising from bed or chair.
• Confusion, dizziness, sore mouth or tongue, muscle cramps, numbness or tingling in hands or feet. Note: Most symptoms representing side effects either disappear or decrease when dose is reduced

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You are allergic to any antidyskinetic.

Before you start, consult your doctor:

• If you have had glaucoma.
• If you have had high blood pressure or heart disease.
• If you have had impaired liver function.
• If you have had kidney disease or urination difficulty.
• If you have had myasthenia gravis.

Over age 60:
More sensitive to drug. Aggravates symptoms of enlarged prostate. Causes impaired thinking, hallucinations, nightmares. Consult doctor about any of these.

Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies show fetal abnormalities. Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to unborn child.

Breast-feeding:
Effects unknown. May inhibit lactation. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended for children 3 and younger. Use for older children only under doctor's supervision.

Prolonged use:

• Possible glaucoma.
• Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check eye pressure.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes, such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine, narcotics and mind-altering drugs.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:

• Internal eye pressure should be measured regularly.
• Avoid becoming overheated.
• Advise any doctor or dentist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Amantadine	Increased amantadine effect.
Antacids*	Possible decreased absorption.
Anticholinergics,	Increased anti-
others*	cholinergic effect.
Antidepressants,	Increased anti-
tricyclic (TCA)*	dyskinetic effect. May cause
	glaucoma.
Antihistamines*	Increased antidyskinetic effect.
Clozapine	Toxic effect on the central nervous
	system (except amantadine).
Digoxin	Possible increased toxicity of
	digoxin.
Disopyramide	Increased anticholinergic effect.
Haloperidol	Possible behavior changes.
Levodopa	Possible increased levodopa effect.
MAO inhibitors*	Increased antidyskinetic effect.
Meperidine	Increased antidyskinetic effect.
Nabilone	Greater depression of central
	nervous system.
Phenothiazines*	Behavior changes.
Primidone	Excessive sedation.
Quinidine	Increased antidyskinetic effect.
Sertraline	Increased depressive effects of both
	drugs.
Slow-K (extended-	Increased risk of gastric
release potassium)	irritation.
Tranquilizers*	Excessive sedation.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Over sedation. Don't use.
Beverages:	None expected.
Cocaine:	Decreased antidyskinetic effect.
	Avoid.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	None expected.
Tobacco:	None expected.