Procyclidine (patient information)

Why is this medication prescribed
Procyclidine is used to treat parkinsonism (slowed movements, stiffness of the body, uncontrollable body movements, weakness, tiredness, soft voice, and other symptoms caused by damaged nerves in the brain). Procyclidine is also used to treat problems with moving and drooling that may be caused by certain medications for mental illness. Procyclidine is in a class of medications called antispasmodics or antimuscarinics. It works by preventing sudden tightening of the muscles.

How should this medicine be used
Procyclidine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken 3 times a day during or after meals and is sometimes also taken at bedtime. Take procyclidine at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take procyclidine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of procyclidine and gradually increase your dose.

Procyclidine may help control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take procyclidine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking procyclidine without talking to your doctor.

Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

What special precautions should I follow
Before taking procyclidine:


 * tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to procyclidine, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in procyclidine tablets. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients in procyclidine tablets.
 * tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
 * tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma (an eye disease), enlargement of the prostate (a male reproductive gland), low blood pressure, mental illness, fast or irregular heartbeat, ulcers, colitis (swelling of the intestine), difficulty urinating,or heart, kidney, liver, lung, nervous system, or thyroid disease.
 * tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking procyclidine, call your doctor.
 * you should know that procyclidine may make you drowsy or dizzy or cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
 * you should know that procyclidine may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. Drink plenty of fluids and be careful while exercising or participating in outside activities, especially in warm weather.

What special dietary instructions should I follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do if I forget a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Mild side effects
''Procyclidine may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:''


 * dry mouth
 * widening of the pupils (black circle in the middle of the eye)
 * blurred vision
 * upset stomach
 * vomiting
 * stomach pain
 * constipation
 * giddiness
 * lightheadedness
 * muscle weakness
 * rash

Severe side effects
''Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:''


 * confusion
 * disorientation
 * agitation
 * hallucinations (seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist)
 * fever
 * pain, swelling, redness, or hardness of the cheek
 * drainage of pus in the mouth

Procyclidine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at http://www.fda.gov/MedWatch/report.htm] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].

What storage conditions are needed for this medicine
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

What other information should I know
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Brand names

 * Kemadrin®