Some Benefits on Usage of Anticholinergics

How the Drug Works:

Parkinsonism is a neurological disease with a variety of origins characterized by tremor, rigidity, and disorders of posture and equilibrium. The onset is slow and progressive with symptoms advancing over months to years.

The group of drugs known as "anticholinergic agents" can reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms of parkinsonism by restoring the chemical imbalance that causes Parkinson disease. The effectiveness of anticholinergics for parkinsonism is not dependent on the origin of the symptoms. These agents are typically used for milder cases of parkinsonism.

Uses:

To reduce the frequency and severity of the symptoms of parkinsonism and to control drug-induced parkinsonism-like disorders. Used alone or with other anti parkinson agents. Anticholineric agents do not cure the causes of these symptoms.

Precautions:

Pregnancy: Adequate studies have not been done in pregnant women. Use only if clearly needed and potential benefits outweigh the possible hazards to the fetus.

Breastfeeding: Anticholinergic agents appear in breast milk and may reduce milk production. Consult your doctor before you begin breastfeeding.

Children: Do not use benztropine in children younger than 3 years old. Safety and effectiveness in older children have not been established.

Elderly: Geriatric patients, particularly over 60, frequently develop increased sensitivity to anticholinergic drugs and require strict dosage monitoring. Use with caution. Mental confusion and disorientation, agitation, hallucinations and psychotic-like symptoms may develop. Administer carefully to elderly patients with hardening of the arteries because side effects may be more severe.

Drug Interactions:

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or if you are planning to take any over-the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements with anticholinergic agents. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with anticholinergic agents.

Antihistamines (eg, diphenhydramine)

Chlorpromazine (eg, horazine)

Digoxin (eg, anoxin)

Haloperidol (eg, haldol)

Levodopa (eg, larodopa)

Narcotic pain relievers (eg, percodan)

Tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline)

Side Effects:

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many anticholinergic users experience no, or minor, side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Possible Side Effects Specific to Ethopropazine: Seizures; brain wave changes, blood disorders; hormone disorders; yellow discoloration of skin and eyes (jaundice); and hallucinations.

Digestive Tract: Nausea; vomiting; stomach pain; constipation.

Nervous System: Disorientation; confusion; memory loss; hallucinations; lightheadedness; dizziness; weakness; agitation; nervousness; paranoia; delusions; delirium; excessive elation; excitement; depression.

Circulatory System: Rapid heart rate; pounding of chest (palpitations); low blood pressure; lightheadedness and dizziness upon rising quickly from a lying position.

Skin: Rash; flushing; decreased sweating; hives.

Eyes or Ocular: Blurred vision; double vision; widened pupils; visual disturbances; glaucoma.

Other: Difficulty urinating; painful urination; muscle weakness; cramping; dry mouth; fever; numbness of fingers; difficulty achieving or maintaining erection; blood disorders (orphenadrine citrate); swollen glands.

Guidelines for Use:

May cause drowsiness, dizziness, or blurred vision. Use caution when driving or performing other tasks requiring alertness.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs that cause drowsiness when using anticholinergic agents.

Stomach upset may occur. Take with food.

Sucking on hard candy, drinking fluids, or maintaining good dental hygiene can relieve the dry mouth that can result from taking any of the anticholinergic agents.

Difficult urination and constipation can occur. Use "stool softeners" if necessary. Notify your doctor if either difficult urination or constipation persist.

Notify your doctor if a rapid heartbeat, pounding sensation in chest, confusion, eye pain, or rash occurs.

Anticholinergic agents can reduce the ability to sweat, an important function by which overheating is prevented. Avoid excess sun or exercise which may cause excessive sweating.

Elderly patients may be highly sensitive to anticholinergic drugs. Use with caution. See Precautions.