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
