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Action/Kinetics:
Synthetic anticholinergic, which relieves rigidity but has little effect on tremors. Causes a direct antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle. High incidence of side effects. Small doses cause CNS depression, whereas larger doses may result in CNS excitation.
Onset, PO: 60 min.
Duration, PO: 6-12 hr.
Uses:
Adjunct in the treatment of all types of parkinsonism (often used as adjunct with levodopa). Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. Sustained-release medication is for maintenance dosage only.
Additional Contraindications:
Arteriosclerosis and hypersensitivity to drug.
Additional Side Effects:
Serious CNS stimulation (restlessness, insomnia, delirium, agitation) and psychotic manifestations.
Additional Drug Interactions:
Effectiveness with levodopa; do not use together for psychoses.
How Supplied:
Elixir: 2 mg/5 mL;
Tablet: 2 mg, 5 mg
Dosage
?Elixir, Tablets
Parkinsonism.
Initial (day 1): 1-2 mg;
then, increase by 2 mg q 3-5 days until daily dose is 6-10 mg given in divided doses. Some clients may require 12-15 mg/day (especially those with postencephalitic parkinsonism).
Adjunct with levodopa.
Adults: 3-6 mg/day in divided doses.
Drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
Initial: 1 mg/day;
then, increase as needed to total daily dose of 5-15 mg.
