Kemadrin is an oral pill consisting of an anticholinergics drug called procyclidine. We carry both the brand choice and generic alternative of this medication in 5mg. 

Kemadrin is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. This is a progressive disease that that slowly affects ones movement over time until they can no longer do simple tasks such as walking. Symptoms of this disease include decrease facial expressions, monotonous speech (unchanging tone – “flat and boring”), decreased eye blinking, unsteady balance, continuous “pill-rolling” motion of the thumbs and forefingers, lightheadedness, and eventually may develop difficulties with swallowing. Additionally, Kemadrin may be used to control involuntary movements caused by side effects of certain drugs such as an antipsychotic like chlorpromazine/haloperidol.

Kemadrin is effective in treating these conditions due to its blocking affect on the acetylcholine in the body that creates muscle stiffness, which help improves the walking ability in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Take Kemadrin exactly the way your doctor has prescribed it to you. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor first. Use regularly to get the most benefit from it; take this at the same day every day to create a routine to lessen the chance of forgetting to take your dose.

Take this medication by mouth, 3 to 4 times a day after eating and at bedtime. Your dose may need to be increased after the first few dosages.

Do not use Kemadrin (procyclidine)

If you have ever had an allergic reaction to procyclidine, you will need to find an alternate medication. Your doctor may also not allow you to take Kemadrin due to unsafe contradictions if you have a blockage in the bladder, personal or family history of glaucoma, blockage of the esophagus/stomach/intestines, severe ulcerative colitis, or myasthenia gravis.

Dose adjustment or special precautions may be required

Before using this medication, it is important to tell your doctor if you have breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), diarrhea caused by an infection, heart problems (e.g., angina, heart attack, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat), high/low blood pressure, intestinal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, ulcerative colitis), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood problems (e.g., anxiety, dementia, psychosis), certain nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy), seizure, stomach problems (e.g., acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcer), stroke, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), problems urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol).

Risks

This drug may temporarily blur your vision or cause drowsiness. Do not drive or do other hazardous activity until you understand how this medication affects you.

Get up from sitting positions slowly to avoid lightheadedness.

Kemadrin may cause a severe rise in body temperature due to potential decrease in sweating. Drink plenty of fluids and avoid overheating especially while exercising or in hot weather.

This drug should only be used by pregnant women if the benefit outweighs the risk and the drug is clearly needed. Consult your doctor before starting treatment.

It has not be established if this drug passes into breast milk. It may or may not be safe to breast feed an infant while using Kemadrin. Consult your doctor if you are nursing.

Common side effects of Kemadrin (procyclidine) may include:

• Dizziness;
• constipation;
• flushing;
• nausea;
• nervousness;
• blurred vision; or
• dry mouth (you can suck on sugarless candy to relieve this side effect).

The above side effects should not alarm you.

Serious side effects of Kemadrin (procyclidine) may include:

• Chest pain;
• severe dizziness/fainting;
• high fever;
• fast or irregular heartbeat;
• mental/mood changes;
• eye pain, pressure, swelling, or redness; or
• vision changes.

If you have any of the above side effects, contact your doctor right away.

Contact your doctor if you notice signs of…

Hyperthermia (severe rise in temperature): muscle cramps, elevated heart rate, red skin, fatigue, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, and weakness. Your temperature will likely be over 105 F.

If I am taking antacids that contain magnesium, aluminum, or calcium; how long should I wait before taking Kemadrin? What about diarrhea medications? Ketoconazole?

For antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium; take at least 1 hour prior or following your Kemadrin dose. For diarrhea medicine; take at least 1-2 hours prior or following your Kemadrin dose. If you take ketoconazole; wait at least 2 hours prior to your Kemadrin dose.

Is this medication addictive?

It is not considered an addictive medication or a controlled substance however it has caused addiction in some. The risk is higher in those who have a substance abuse disorder. Do not take more of a dose than directed to by your doctor.

What is the average dose for an adult with Parkinson’s disease?

For an adult with Parkinson’s disease; take 2.5mg three times a day; increase by 2.5 – 5 mg per day every 2 – 3 days until the optimum clinical response is reached; usually this is achieved at 15-30 mg a day.

Is this drug safe for children use?

This drug is safe for children at least 12 years old. All children should be closely monitored when using Kemadrin. The safety has not been established in those who are under the age of 12.