PROPARK-5 (Procyclidine Tablets)
DESCRIPTION
PROPARK is used for the treatment of Parkinson disease and acute dystonia. It is an anticholinergic agent which works by relaxing smooth muscle and curtails muscle spasm. Procyclidine is principally used for the treatment of drug-induced parkinsonism, dystonia and akathisia. Procyclidine is used to relieve unwanted side-effects caused by some antipsychotic medicines. As a side-effect of treatment, antipsychotic medicines can sometimes cause unwanted body movements, some of which may be severe. These movement disorders are often referred to as ‘extrapyramidal side-effects’ and include things like uncontrolled face and body movements, tremor, and restlessness. Procyclidine is prescribed to relieve these types of symptoms. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your consultant.
DOSAGE
Treatment is usually started at 2.5mg Procyclidine three times per day, increasing by 2.5 to 5mg per day at intervals of two or three days until the optimum clinical response is achieved. The usual maintenance dose to achieve optimal response is 15 to 30mg Procyclidine per day. Addition of a fourth dose before retiring has been seen to be beneficial in some patients. Doses up to 60mg Procyclidine have been well tolerated, and at the discretion of the consultant, dosing to this level may be appropriate. In general, younger patients or those with postencephalitic parkinsonism may require higher doses for a therapeutic response than older patients and those with arteriosclerotic parkinsonism.
CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
Procyclidine is a crystalline substance which is soluble in water and almost tasteless. It is a synthetic anticholinergic agent which blocks the excitatory effects of acetylcholine at the muscarinic receptor. Relief of the Parkinsonian syndrome can be achieved, either by potentiation of the dopaminergic system or blockade of the cholinergic input by anticholinergics. It is by a central action of this latter type by which procyclidine exerts its effect.
INDICATIONS
PROPARK is indicated for the treatment of all forms of Parkinson’s disease: idiopathic (paralysis agitans), postencephalitic and arteriosclerotic. It is efficacious in the relief of parkinsonian symptoms. It is particularly effective in the alleviation of rigidity. Tremor, akinesia, speech and writing difficulties, gait, sialorrhoea and drooling, sweating, oculogyric crises and depressed mood are also beneficially influenced. Procyclidine is also indicated for the control of extrapyramidal symptoms induced by neuroleptic drugs including pseudo-parkinsonism, acute dystonic reactions and akathisia.
CONTRA INDICATIONS
Procyclidine is contraindicated in individuals with known hypersensitivity to any component of the preparation.
MODE OF ACTION
Procyclidine has an atropine like action on parasympathetic-innervated peripheral structures including soft muscle. Its antispasmodic effects are thought to be related to the blockage of central cholinergic receptors M1, M2 & M4. It is used to treat symptomatic Parkinsonism and extrapyramidal dysfunction caused by antipsychotic agents. It is a potent mydriatic and inhibits salivation.
SIDE EFFECTS
The main undesirable effects could be dizziness, mental confusion, impaired cognition and memory, disorientation, anxiety, agitation, etc.
AVAILABILITY
PROPARK is available in aluminum strips of ten uncoated tablets containing Procyclidine 5mg for oral administration. They are green, round, biconvex tablets with a break line on one face.
