Procyclidine
About
Procyclidine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents used as an adjunct to treat Parkinson’s disease and extrapyramidal symptoms (drug-induced movement disorders). Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder in which the first signs are movement problems.
Procyclidine contains ‘Paliperidone’, which relaxes the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. Besides this, Procyclidine also balances chemical messengers called neurotransmitters in our brain, thereby improving muscle control and reducing stiffness, thereby helping the muscles move naturally.
You can take Procyclidine with food to prevent stomach upset. Take Procyclidine as prescribed. You are advised to take Procyclidine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, dizziness, constipation, weakness, headache, dry mouth, decreased urination, drowsiness, and feeling nervous or restless. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Do not discontinue Procyclidine on your own. Do not take Procyclidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Procyclidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Procyclidine should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Procyclidine as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your medicines and health condition and rule out any side effects.
Uses of Procyclidine
Medicinal Benefits
Procyclidine belongs to a group of medicines called anti-spasmodic agents. Procyclidine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and extrapyramidal symptoms (drug-induced movement disorders). Procyclidine exerts a direct inhibitory effect upon the parasympathetic nervous system. It works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. Procyclidine improves muscle control and reduces stiffness, thereby helping the muscles move naturally. Procyclidine is used as an adjuvant therapy along with levodopa to treat Parkinson's disease. Additionally, Procyclidine is used to control drug-induced movement disorders caused by CNS drugs such as dibenzoxazepines, thioxanthenes, phenothiazines, and butyrophenones.
Directions for Use
Side Effects of Procyclidine
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Weakness
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Decreased urination
- Drowsiness
- Feeling nervous or restless
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Procyclidine if you are allergic to any of its contents or have narrow-angled glaucoma. Do not discontinue Procyclidine on your own. Inform your doctor before taking Procyclidine if you have glaucoma, prostate problems, urination problems, stomach ulcers, acidity, myasthenia gravis (muscle problems), tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), alcoholism, high blood pressure, heart, liver or kidney problems. Talk to your doctor immediately if you experience hallucinations. Do not take Procyclidine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed by the doctor. Procyclidine may cause drowsiness and dizziness, do not drive unless you are alert. Procyclidine should not be given to children as safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol with Procyclidine as it could lead to increased drowsiness and dizziness. Take special care with your dental hygiene while using Procyclidine (like brushing and flossing), and have regular dental check-ups.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug interactions: Procyclidine may have interaction with antipsychotic (aripiprazole, lurasidone, olanzapine, risperidone, quetiapine, trifluoperazine), MAO inhibitor (rasagiline), antihistamine (diphenhydramine), anti-cholinergic (benztropine), anti-convulsant (clonazepam, lamotrigine, pregabalin), anti-depressants (escitalopram, duloxetine) anti-anxiety (alprazolam), and mild pain killers/fever-reducing agent (acetaminophen).
Drug-Food interactions: Avoid consuming alcohol with Procyclidine as it might increase dizziness, and drowsiness.
Drug-Disease interactions: Procyclidine may have interactions with disease conditions such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), autonomic neuropathy (nerve damage), gastrointestinal obstruction, glaucoma, urinary obstruction, infectious diarrhea, tardive dyskinesia (involuntary facial movements), psychoses, high blood pressure, and fever.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Procyclidine as it may cause increased dizziness and drowsiness.
Pregnancy
cautionProcyclidine belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor before taking Procyclidine if you are pregnant or planning for pregnancy. Your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionIt is unknown whether Procyclidine passes into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Procyclidine if you are breastfeeding.
Driving
unsafeProcyclidine may cause dizziness, drowsiness and blurred vision. Avoid driving and handling machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns.
Children
unsafeProcyclidine is not recommended for children, as safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly.
- Include a diet rich in iron, folate and magnesium.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Special Advise
- Procyclidine can cause decreased sweating, which results in a rise in body temperature (hyperthermia). This serious side effect is greater in hot weather, so it is advisable to drink plenty of water fluids, especially in summer. However, kidney patients should consult a doctor before drinking any fluid.
- Regular monitoring of hypotension, kidney, liver and cardiac disorder is required while taking Procyclidine.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Parkinson’s disease: It is a progressive neurological disorder in which the first signs are problems with movements. Dopamine is a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter in the brain which is reduced or absent in people with Parkinson’s disease. Due to this, problems arise with smooth and coordinated movements. Symptoms include decreased ability to smell, stooped posture, changes in voice, constipation, small/ cramped handwriting, tremor, slow movements, stiffness of arms, legs, trunk, and balance problems.
FAQs
Procyclidine works by relaxing the muscles and nerve impulses that control muscle functioning. It improves muscle control and reduces stiffness, thereby helping the muscles move naturally.
Hallucination is a medical condition in which the person may feel, hear or believe things that are not true, see things that are not there, or feel unusually suspicious or confused. Procyclidine may cause hallucinations if taken for a prolonged time. So, if you experience hallucinations while taking Procyclidine, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Antidepressants should be avoided while taking Procyclidine as it might increase sedative effects. Consult your doctor before taking Procyclidine if you are using depressants.
Dry mouth could be a side-effect of Procyclidine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent mouth drying.
Procyclidine should be used with caution during hot weather as it may increase the chance of having a heat stroke. Inform your doctor if you have heat intolerance or fever.
Constipation may occur as a side-effect of Procyclidine. Try eating foods that encourage a bowel movement. Consult your doctor if you experience excessive constipation.
Consult your doctor before taking Procyclidine if you have glaucoma. Procyclidine is contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma. Procyclidine may cause blindness on long-term use in the case of patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.
