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Procyclidine

Procyclidine is used to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • 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 changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly
  • The most common side effects are dry mouth, upset tummy, dizziness and blurred vision

About procyclidine

Type of medicine Antimuscarinics
Used for Parkinson's disease and other similar conditions caused by some treatments
Also called Arpicolin; Kemadrin; Muscinil
Available as Tablets and oral liquid form

Procyclidine is used to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
The cause of parkinson's disease is unknown, but the condition results in a reduction in the amount of a chemical messenger in the brain known as dopamine, this lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of parkinsonism such as loss of muscle control and stiffness.
These symptoms are also sometimes experienced by patients who do not have Parkinson's disease, but as a side effect of a medicine they are taking. Procyclidine increases the effects of dopamine, relieving these symptoms in both cases.

Before 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 suffer from heart, liver, kidney or prostate problems
  • If you have been experiencing difficulty urinating (passing water)
  • If you suffer from uncontrolled movements or jerks of the face or limbs
  • If you have been constipated for more than one week, with or without pain and bloatedness
  • If you suffer from glaucoma

How to take procyclidine

  • Do not stop taking procyclidine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will need to reduce your dose of procyclidine gradually before stopping.

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 changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important in the elderly.

Can procyclidine cause problems

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects What can I do if I experience this
Dry mouth Try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking pieces of ice or sugar-free sweets. If this becomes troublesome speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Tummy upset Drink plenty of water to replace lost fluids. If diarrhoea continues to be a problem speak to your pharmacist or doctor.
Dizziness and blurred vision Make sure your this is not a problem before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert or could not see properly.
Difficulty urinating (passing water), a fast heart beat, skin rashes, nervousness, confusion, mood changes Speak to your doctor if you experience any of these.

How to store procyclidine

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Keep all medicines out of the sight and reach of children.
  • Make sure that the person prescribing this medicine knows about any other medicines that you are taking. This includes medicines you buy and herbal and homeopathic medicines.
  • If you buy any medicines check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with your other medicines.
  • Before taking this medicine tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction after taking any medicine.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
  • If you are having any treatment like an operation or dental treatment tell the person carrying out the treatment which medicines you are taking.
  • Always read the printed information leaflet that comes with your medicine.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.
© EMIS 2006 DocID:
1478		 DocRef:
dils3014		 Last Updated:
20 Nov 2006		 Date of Next Review:
19 Nov 2008		 Version:
22
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PS - Health and Poverty

Perhaps the biggest cause of ill health in the world is poverty. Help to Make Poverty History. For example, why not lend some of your money to disadvantaged communities to enable them to trade their way out of poverty through schemes such as Shared Interest.

See also MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY North East for details and links to campaigns against poverty.

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