DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
For Parkinsonism
The dosage of the drug for the treatment of parkinsonism
depends upon the age of the patient, the etiology of the disease, and
individual responsiveness. Therefore, the dosage must remain flexible to permit
adjustment to the individual tolerance and requirements of each patient. In
general, younger and postencephalitic patients require and tolerate a somewhat
higher dosage than older patients and those with arteriosclerosis.
For Patients Who Have Received No Other Therapy
The usual dose of procyclidine hydrochloride for initial
treatment is 2.5 mg administered three times daily after meals. If well
tolerated, this dose may be gradually increased to 5 mg three times a day and
occasionally 5 mg given before retiring. In some cases smaller doses may be
employed with good therapeutic results.
Occasionally a patient is encountered who cannot tolerate a
bedtime dose of the drug. In such cases it may be desirable to adjust dosage so
that the bedtime dose is omitted and the total daily requirement is
administered in three equal daytime doses. It is best administered during or
after meals to minimize the development of side reactions.
To Transfer Patients to KEMADRIN from Other Therapy
Patients who have been receiving other drugs may be
transferred to procyclidine hydrochloride. This is accomplished gradually by
substituting 2.5 mg three times a day for all or part of the original drug. The
dose of procyclidine is then increased as required while that of the other drug
is correspondingly omitted or decreased until complete replacement is achieved.
The total daily dosage may then be adjusted to the level which produces maximum
benefit.
For Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms
For treatment of symptoms of extrapyramidal dysfunction
induced by tranquilizer drugs during the therapy of mental disorders, the dosage
of procyclidine hydrochloride will depend on the severity of side effects
associated with tranquilizer administration. In general, the larger the dosage
of the tranquilizer, the more severe will be the associated symptoms, including
rigidity and tremors. Accordingly, the drug dosage should be adjusted to suit
the needs of the individual patient and to provide maximum relief of the
induced symptoms. A convenient method to establish the daily dosage of
procyclidine is to begin with the administration of 2.5 mg three times daily.
This may be increased by 2.5 mg daily increments until the patient obtains
relief of symptoms. In most cases excellent results will be obtained with 10 to
20 mg daily.
HOW SUPPLIED
White, scored tablets containing 5 mg procyclidine
hydrochloride, imprinted with “KEMADRIN” and “S3A” in bottles of 100 (NDC 61570-059-01). Store at 15° to 25°C (59° to 77°F) in a dry place.
Distributed by: Monarch Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Bristol, TN 37620. Manufactured by: DSM Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Greenville, NC 27834. Prescribing
Information as of August 2003.