Products
Biperiden is commercially available as tablets, sustained-release tablets, and a solution for injection (Akineton, Akineton retard). It has been approved in many countries since 1958.
Structure and properties
Biperiden (C21H29NO, Mr = 311.46 g/mol) is present in drugs as biperidene hydrochloride, a white crystalline powder that is sparingly soluble in water. It is a racemate.
Effects
Biperiden (ATC N04AA02) has central anticholinergic properties. It may have mood elevating and euphoric effects.
Indications
Biperiden is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (particularly rigor and tremor), drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, and other extrapyramidal movement disorders.
Dosage
According to the professional information leaflet.
Abuse
Biperiden can potentially be abused due to its mood elevating and euphoric effects.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Mechanical stenosis of the digestive tract
- Megacolon
- Intestinal obstruction
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Possible interactions include: Anticholinergics, quinidine, carbidopa/levodopa, neuroleptics, pethidine, metoclopramide, and alcohol.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include central nervous disturbances such as fatigue, dizziness, agitation, hallucinations, dry mouth, constipation, indigestion, voiding dysfunction, urinary retention, decreased sweating, visual disturbances, narrow-angle glaucoma, increase in heart rate, hypersensitivity reactions, and an increase in convulsiveness. Many of these side effects are due to the anticholinergic effects of biperiden.
