Anticholinergics - Parkinson's drugs
Anticholinergics are a type of drug, less commonly prescribed
now, used to treat the symptoms of
Parkinson's
The generic drug names and brand names are:
- Trihexyphenidyl (Broflex®, Artane®, Agitane®)
- Benztropine (Cogentin®)
- Orphenadrine (Disipal®)
- Procyclidine (Kemadrin®, Arpicolin®)
Anticholinergics can be useful for younger people in the early
stages of Parkinson's when symptoms are mild. They tend to
improve tremor more than slowness and stiffness.
They can be prescribed alone in the early stages, before
levodopa is necessary, although they can
be used in conjunction with levodopa or amantadine too.
Anticholinergics can be used to reduce saliva production when
drooling is a problem.
They can also damp down bladder contractions that can cause a
strong, frequent urge to urinate.
Side effects and problems of anticholinergics
Some people may experience confusion, a dry mouth, constipation
and blurred vision when taking anticholinergics.
Anticholinergics may interfere with levodopa absorption in the
small bowel, which reduces the effectiveness of Madopar or Sinemet
Anticholinergics are not usually prescribed to older people with
Parkinson's because there is an increased risk of memory loss
and, in men, urinary hesitancy.
More information
Read our drug treatment of Parkinson's
booklet
Or visit the Medicine Guides website for independent, up to date
information about these medicines:
More drug treatments of Parkinson's
Return to the drug treatment of
Parkinson's main page
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