Products
Procyclidine is commercially available in tablet form (Kemadrin). It has been approved in many countries since 1956.
Structure and properties
Procyclidine (C19H29NO, Mr = 287.4 g/mol) has structural similarities to biperides.
Effects
Procyclidine (ATC N04AA04) has anticholinergic properties and is effective against rigor, tremor, akinesia, speech and writing disorders, gait unsteadiness, increased salivation, sweating, oculogyric crises, and depressed mood.
Indications
Procyclidine is approved for treatment of Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity
- Myasthenia gravis
- Dyskinesia tarda
For complete precautions, see the drug label.
Interactions
Interactions are possible with other anticholinergic drugs such as antidepressants or antihistamines, with cholinergic agents such as tacrine; with neuroleptics, levodopa, domperidone, metoclopramide, antacids, and ketoconazole.
Adverse effects
Possible adverse effects include urinary retention, dizziness, memory impairment, perceptual disturbances, visual disturbances, pupillary dilation, dry mouth, constipation, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, confusion, disorientation, hallucinations, nausea, vomiting, gingivitis, rash, and rarely psychotic disturbances. The side effects can be attributed in part to the anticholinergic effects of procyclidine.
