Kemadrin is an anticholinergic medicine used to help control Parkinson’s disease symptoms—especially tremor, stiffness, drooling—and to relieve extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as dystonia, akathisia, and rigidity caused by antipsychotic medications. By restoring the balance between acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain, Kemadrin can improve motor control and comfort. It is generally prescribed as oral tablets, taken with or after food. Because anticholinergics can affect vision, cognition, and heat regulation, Kemadrin requires careful dose titration, close monitoring in older adults, and a plan to taper rather than stop suddenly. Always use under clinician guidance.
Kemadrin, the brand name for procyclidine hydrochloride, is an anticholinergic medicine used primarily for two indications: Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced movement disorders known as extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS). In Parkinson’s disease, Kemadrin helps relieve tremor, muscle rigidity, drooling (sialorrhea), and some aspects of bradykinesia by reducing overactive cholinergic signaling in the basal ganglia. This cholinergic-dopaminergic rebalance is especially useful in patients whose predominant symptom is tremor.
Kemadrin is also effective for EPS caused by antipsychotics and certain antiemetics. These include acute dystonic reactions (painful sustained muscle contractions, often of the neck, jaw, or eyes), akathisia (inner restlessness), and parkinsonism (tremor, rigidity, bradykinesia) that can appear after initiating or increasing dopamine-blocking drugs. Procyclidine can be used short term to treat acute reactions or longer term when antipsychotics cannot be changed and EPS persist.
While Kemadrin improves symptoms, it is not a disease-modifying therapy for Parkinson’s disease. Clinicians often consider it when tremor is prominent, in younger patients more tolerant of anticholinergic effects, or when dopaminergic therapies alone do not sufficiently control tremor. In drug-induced EPS, it is commonly combined with ongoing psychiatric treatment to restore comfort and function.
Dosing is individualized. A common approach for adults starting Kemadrin for Parkinson’s disease or antipsychotic-induced parkinsonism is 2.5 mg by mouth two to three times daily with or after food to reduce stomach upset. The dose may be increased by 2.5 mg increments every few days based on response and tolerability. Typical maintenance is 5 mg taken three times daily; some patients may require a bedtime dose for nocturnal symptoms. The lowest effective dose for the shortest duration is preferred, especially in older adults.
For acute dystonic reactions (e.g., oculogyric crisis or torticollis), clinicians often treat promptly with an anticholinergic; after stabilization, an oral procyclidine regimen of 2.5–5 mg up to three times daily may be used to prevent recurrence if the offending medication must be continued. Prophylactic use with antipsychotics is generally discouraged; instead, target the lowest antipsychotic dose and treat EPS if they arise.
Administration tips: take Kemadrin consistently with meals or a light snack, and maintain good hydration. Avoid alcohol and other sedatives that may amplify drowsiness or confusion. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medicine affects you, as blurred vision and dizziness can occur. Never stop suddenly—abrupt withdrawal can cause rebound symptoms. If a taper is needed, your clinician will reduce the dose gradually over days to weeks.
Special populations: Older adults are more sensitive to anticholinergic effects, including confusion, constipation, and urinary retention; start low, go slow, and reassess frequently. Use caution in hepatic impairment; although dose adjustment is not rigidly defined, careful monitoring is prudent. Safety in pregnancy and lactation is not well established; use only if potential benefits justify the risks after clinician review.
Kemadrin’s anticholinergic effects can impact vision, cognition, bowel and bladder function, and heat regulation. Tell your clinician about glaucoma risk, prostate enlargement or urinary hesitancy, chronic constipation, intestinal motility disorders, cardiovascular disease, and any history of cognitive impairment or delirium. People in hot climates or with physically demanding jobs should be counseled on heat intolerance; reduced sweating increases the risk of overheating and heatstroke.
Monitor for mental status changes, especially in older adults: confusion, memory problems, agitation, or hallucinations can emerge. If you have Parkinson’s disease, note that anticholinergics often improve tremor more than rigidity or bradykinesia; your clinician may pair Kemadrin with dopaminergic therapies (e.g., levodopa) and adjust doses to optimize overall control.
Practical tips: carry water or sugar-free lozenges for dry mouth, add fiber and fluids to help prevent constipation, and rise slowly from sitting to reduce dizziness. If antacids are needed, separate them from Kemadrin dosing to preserve absorption. Schedule periodic eye checks, particularly if you have glaucoma risk factors.
Do not use Kemadrin if you have a known hypersensitivity to procyclidine or any component of the formulation. It is generally contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle (angle-closure) glaucoma, untreated urinary retention, severe prostatic hypertrophy with obstruction, gastrointestinal obstruction or paralytic ileus, and in myasthenia gravis due to risk of worsening weakness.
Use extreme caution—or avoid—if there is a recent history of toxic megacolon, severe ulcerative colitis flare, or significant cognitive impairment where anticholinergic burden could precipitate delirium. Discuss all conditions with your clinician to determine the safest approach.
Common side effects reflect its anticholinergic profile: dry mouth, blurred vision, dilated pupils, constipation, mild nausea, decreased sweating, dizziness, and drowsiness. Palpitations or a faster heart rate may occur. These effects are often dose-related and may lessen as your body adjusts or with dose reduction. Taking Kemadrin with food, increasing fluids and fiber, and using artificial tears or saliva substitutes can help manage mild symptoms.
Less common but important effects include difficulty urinating (especially in men with prostate enlargement), confusion, memory problems, agitation, anxiety, or hallucinations—more likely in older adults or at higher doses. Heat intolerance is a notable risk; avoid excessive heat, stay hydrated, and seek shade or cooling if you feel overheated. Visual disturbances may impair driving; use caution with activities requiring clear vision.
Rare but serious side effects include allergic reactions (rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing), severe constipation or abdominal pain suggestive of bowel obstruction, and acute glaucoma symptoms (eye pain, severe headache, halos around lights). If any severe or rapidly worsening symptoms occur, stop the medication and seek urgent medical care.
Kemadrin may potentiate the anticholinergic effects of many drugs, increasing the risk of constipation, urinary retention, blurred vision, and confusion. Use caution with tricyclic antidepressants (amitriptyline), first-generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine), other anticholinergics (benztropine, trihexyphenidyl), amantadine, and certain antipsychotics with anticholinergic properties (clozapine, quetiapine). Combining multiple anticholinergics raises the total anticholinergic burden—particularly risky in older adults.
Antacids can reduce the absorption of procyclidine; separate doses by at least 1–2 hours. Procyclidine can slow gastric emptying and alter the absorption of other oral medications; consult your clinician if you take narrow-therapeutic-index drugs. Opposing pharmacology exists with cholinesterase inhibitors used for dementia (donepezil, rivastigmine, galantamine); combining them may reduce effectiveness of either drug and increase side effects.
CNS depressants (alcohol, benzodiazepines, opioids, sedating antihistamines) may intensify drowsiness or cognitive impairment. Monitor closely if used together and avoid alcohol. While Kemadrin is sometimes co-prescribed with levodopa for Parkinson’s disease, dose adjustments may be needed to balance tremor control with cognitive effects. Anticholinergics can worsen tardive dyskinesia; if involuntary choreoathetoid movements emerge, seek prompt reassessment, as Kemadrin may not be appropriate.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is within a few hours of your next scheduled dose. If so, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to make up for a missed dose. If you miss doses frequently, consider setting reminders or using a pill organizer and talk with your clinician about simplifying your regimen.
Procyclidine overdose can cause classic anticholinergic toxicity: severe dry mouth, hot flushed skin, hyperthermia, dilated pupils with blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, urinary retention, decreased bowel sounds, agitation, confusion, hallucinations, and delirium. Severe cases may progress to seizures, arrhythmias, or coma. Children and older adults are especially vulnerable.
If an overdose is suspected, call emergency services immediately. In the United States, contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or use poisonhelp.org for real-time guidance while awaiting care. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a medical professional. Treatment may include supportive care, cooling, cardiac monitoring, and, in selected cases, administration of physostigmine by experienced clinicians.
Store Kemadrin tablets at room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), protected from moisture, heat, and direct light. Keep the medication in its original container with the lid tightly closed. Do not store in bathrooms or places prone to humidity. Always keep out of reach and sight of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medication through a take-back program or follow local guidance; do not flush unless specifically instructed.
Availability note: Procyclidine (Kemadrin) is widely used internationally; in the United States, its availability is more limited and may vary by state and pharmacy channel. Laws require that prescription medicines be dispensed only with appropriate clinical oversight. If you are considering Kemadrin for Parkinson’s tremor or antipsychotic-induced extrapyramidal symptoms, a licensed clinician should confirm that it is appropriate for your condition and that benefits outweigh risks.
HealthSouth Hospital of Altamonte Springs offers a legal and structured solution to acquire Kemadrin without a formal prescription in hand. Through a compliant online process, you complete a health questionnaire that is reviewed by a licensed provider. When clinically appropriate and permitted by jurisdiction, the provider authorizes dispensing so you can buy Kemadrin without prescription from your own doctor, ensuring that regulatory requirements and patient safety standards are met. This approach helps you access treatment with proper assessment, documentation, and follow-up, rather than unsupervised self-medication.
What to expect: secure intake, verification of your medications and conditions, careful screening for contraindications (glaucoma, urinary retention, bowel obstruction, myasthenia gravis), dosing guidance, and clear counseling about side effects, interactions, and tapering. Orders are fulfilled and shipped discreetly where allowed by law. Because state and federal rules can change, availability and eligibility may differ by location; HealthSouth Hospital of Altamonte Springs will advise you about options and any additional steps required in your state. Always seek medical advice promptly if symptoms worsen or side effects occur during treatment.
Kemadrin is the brand name for procyclidine, an anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms such as tremor and rigidity, and to relieve drug‑induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) like acute dystonia and parkinsonism caused by antipsychotics.
It blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, restoring the dopamine–acetylcholine balance in basal ganglia circuits, which reduces tremor, muscle stiffness, and involuntary muscle contractions.
Tremor and rigidity respond most reliably; sialorrhea (drooling) may improve. It is less effective for bradykinesia. In EPS, it can quickly relieve acute dystonia and drug‑induced parkinsonism; its effect on akathisia is limited.
Younger people with tremor‑predominant Parkinson’s disease or patients with antipsychotic‑induced dystonia or parkinsonism may benefit. It is generally avoided or used cautiously in older adults due to cognitive and fall risks.
Avoid in narrow‑angle glaucoma, urinary retention, severe constipation, bowel obstruction, myasthenia gravis, and untreated prostatic hypertrophy. Use caution in elderly patients, those with cognitive impairment, cardiovascular disease, or liver/kidney problems.
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty urinating, tachycardia, and reduced sweating. Cognitive effects such as confusion or memory problems can occur, especially in older adults.
Severe confusion or hallucinations, very fast heartbeat, fever or overheating (heat stroke) from impaired sweating, severe constipation or ileus, acute urinary retention, eye pain/vision changes suggesting angle‑closure glaucoma, or allergic reactions.
For drug‑induced acute dystonia, injectable procyclidine can work within minutes to an hour. With oral tablets, some benefit may appear within hours, with full effect often assessed over several days.
Use caution. Blurred vision, dizziness, and drowsiness can impair reaction time. Avoid driving until you know how it affects you.
Yes. Combining with other anticholinergics (e.g., antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, some bladder or IBS antispasmodics) increases side effects. Cholinesterase inhibitors (for dementia) can oppose its effects. Alcohol and sedatives add to drowsiness. Always check with your prescriber or pharmacist.
It is best to limit or avoid alcohol, which can increase dizziness, drowsiness, dehydration, and confusion, especially in hot weather or with high doses.
Human data are limited. Use only if the potential benefit outweighs risks, under specialist guidance. If breastfeeding, monitor infants for poor feeding, constipation, or unusual sleepiness.
Take exactly as prescribed, usually in divided doses with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it is near the next dose; do not double up. Do not change the dose without medical advice.
Avoid abrupt discontinuation. Stopping suddenly can cause rebound symptoms (worsening tremor, rigidity, cholinergic symptoms). Taper gradually with your clinician’s guidance.
Yes. As an anticholinergic, it reduces sweating and can raise the risk of overheating or heat stroke. Stay hydrated, avoid excessive heat, and stop strenuous exercise in hot environments.
Anticholinergics can impair memory, attention, and thinking, especially in older adults, and long‑term cumulative exposure has been linked to increased dementia risk. Use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and reassess regularly.
Procyclidine is widely used in the UK and some other countries but is not marketed in the United States. Alternatives in the same class are commonly used where procyclidine is unavailable.
It can sometimes worsen or unmask tardive dyskinesia. Anticholinergics are generally avoided for TD; specialized VMAT2 inhibitors are preferred. Discuss any abnormal movements with your clinician.
Sip water or use sugar‑free gum for dry mouth, increase dietary fiber and fluids for constipation, rise slowly to reduce dizziness, protect eyes from glare due to blurred vision, and review all over‑the‑counter meds for hidden anticholinergic effects.
Both are anticholinergics effective for tremor‑predominant Parkinson’s disease and drug‑induced parkinsonism. Efficacy is broadly similar; choice depends on availability, patient response, and tolerability. Trihexyphenidyl is more widely available globally; procyclidine is common in the UK.
Both relieve acute dystonia and drug‑induced parkinsonism. Benztropine is widely used in North America and can be given IM/IV for rapid relief; procyclidine offers similar benefits where available. Individual response and side effects guide selection.
They are closely related antimuscarinics with similar efficacy for tremor and EPS. Biperiden is common in parts of Europe and Latin America; procyclidine is common in the UK. Differences are modest; dosing schedules and availability often decide.
All anticholinergics can impair cognition, especially in older adults. Head‑to‑head data do not show a consistently “safer” option; the lowest effective dose, shorter duration, and patient‑specific sensitivity are more important than the brand.
Sedation can occur with any of them and varies by person and dose. Some patients report more drowsiness with benztropine; others with procyclidine or trihexyphenidyl. Monitor your response and adjust with your prescriber.
Both can reduce tremor when dopaminergic drugs are not enough or not tolerated. Trihexyphenidyl has more published data historically; procyclidine shows comparable tremor control in practice. Risk of anticholinergic side effects is similar.
Injectable formulations provide the fastest relief. Benztropine IM/IV is commonly used in North America; procyclidine IM is used in the UK. Onset is typically within minutes to an hour for both when given parenterally.
Yes. Benztropine is often once or twice daily; trihexyphenidyl and procyclidine are commonly taken two to four times daily. Simpler schedules may improve adherence but must be balanced against efficacy and side effects.
Anticholinergics are not reliably effective for akathisia. Propranolol or benzodiazepines are often preferred. If parkinsonism coexists, an anticholinergic may help that component, but expectations for akathisia relief should be modest.
Both reduce salivation via antimuscarinic effects and may help mild drooling. For troublesome sialorrhea, targeted options like glycopyrronium, atropine eye drops sublingually, or botulinum toxin to salivary glands may be considered.
Yes. Procyclidine is inexpensive and widely available in the UK but absent in the US. Benztropine and trihexyphenidyl are low‑cost generics in the US. Regional formularies and supply often drive the choice more than efficacy.
No. These are class effects from muscarinic blockade. Glycopyrrolate causes fewer central cognitive effects but is not typically used for Parkinson’s tremor; it may be used for drooling. Dose minimization remains key.
None are ideal; the entire class is on Beers criteria for potentially inappropriate use in older adults due to delirium, falls, constipation, and urinary retention. If necessary, use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time and reassess frequently.
Sometimes. Patients differ in sensitivity; a cautious cross‑taper may improve tolerability or scheduling convenience. However, the side‑effect profiles overlap, so benefits are not guaranteed and require clinical supervision.
Yes. Anticholinergics can worsen or mask tardive dyskinesia. This is a class effect; they should generally be avoided for TD, with VMAT2 inhibitors considered instead.