Sign inBefore taking procyclidine
Before taking procyclidine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:
- If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
- If you have liver or kidney problems.
- If you have heart or blood vessel problems.
- If you have prostate problems, or have been experiencing difficulty passing urine.
- If you have been constipated for more than one week.
- If you have glaucoma (increased pressure in your eye).
- If you have high blood pressure.
- If you have myasthenia gravis (a condition causing tired and weak muscles).
- If you have ever had psychosis (a mental health problem).
- If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
- If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or to any other medicine.
How to take procyclidine
- Before starting this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
- Take procyclidine exactly as your doctor has told you to. Swallow the tablets with a drink of water.
- It is not important whether you take procyclidine before or after food, although some people find taking it with meals helps prevent any feelings of sickness.
- Try to take procyclidine at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses.
- If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is nearly time for your next dose, in which case leave out the missed dose. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.
- If you have been taking procyclidine for some time, do not stop taking it without speaking with your doctor first. Stopping suddenly can cause problems so your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually.
Getting the most from your treatment
- As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changes in balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important if you are over 65 years of age.
- Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
- If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment, tell the person carrying out the treatment that you are taking procyclidine.
- If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
Can procyclidine cause problems?
Along with their useful effects, all medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. These usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side-effects continue or become troublesome.
| Side-effects | What can I do if I experience this |
| Dry mouth | Try chewing sugar-free gum or sugar-free sweets |
| Constipation | Try to eat a well balanced diet containing plenty of fibre, and drink 6-8 glasses of water each day |
| Blurred vision, dizziness | Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or able to see properly |
| Feeling or being sick | Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods. Taking procyclidine after meals may help |
| Difficulty passing urine, a fast heart beat, skin rashes, nervousness, confusion, inflamed gums, and mood changes | If any of these become troublesome, let your doctor know |
If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.
How to store procyclidine
- Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.
- Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
Important information about all medicines
|
References
- Manufacturer's PIL, Kemadrin® Tablets 5 mg, Aspen Europe GmbH, electronic Medicines Compendium. Dated November 2007, accessed September 2010.
- British National Formulary; 59th Edition (March 2010) British Medical Association and Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, London.