Important Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before using any medication.
ACHTENON 2 mg (20 Tablets)
Manufacturer: ARAB DRUG COMPANY (ADCO)
Category: Antiparkinson Agent (Anticholinergic)
Active Ingredient per Tablet: Biperiden Hydrochloride 2 mg
Summary
ACHTENON contains Biperiden, an anticholinergic medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (like stiffness and tremors) and to control similar movement disorders (extrapyramidal symptoms) caused by certain antipsychotic drugs. It works by helping to restore the balance of specific neurotransmitters in the brain.
Mechanism of Action
Biperiden is a centrally acting anticholinergic agent. It works by blocking muscarinic receptors in the brain, particularly in the basal ganglia. This action helps to correct the relative excess of acetylcholine that occurs in parkinsonian syndromes, thereby reducing tremors, rigidity, and improving muscle control.
Indications
- Treatment of all forms of Parkinson's disease, often as an adjunct to other therapies.
- Control of drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS), such as acute dystonia, akathisia, and parkinsonism.
Dosage
Important: The dose is highly individualized and must be determined by a physician.
- For Parkinson's Disease: Starting dose is often 1 mg (half a tablet) twice daily, increased gradually by the doctor.
- For Drug-Induced EPS: A common dose is 2 mg, one to three times daily.
- Tablets should be taken with or after meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
Contraindications
Do not use this medication if you have:
- Known hypersensitivity to Biperiden.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Myasthenia gravis.
- Bowel obstruction (megacolon or paralytic ileus).
Warnings and Precautions
- Cognitive Effects: Use with extreme caution in the elderly, as it may cause confusion, memory impairment, or hallucinations.
- Abrupt Withdrawal: Do not stop taking the medication suddenly. The dose must be tapered off slowly under medical supervision.
- Heat Regulation: May impair the body's ability to regulate temperature. Avoid overheating and stay hydrated in hot weather.
- Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate), urinary retention, or epilepsy.
- Tardive Dyskinesia: This drug may mask the early signs of tardive dyskinesia, a serious movement disorder caused by long-term antipsychotic use.
Possible Side Effects
- Common: Dry mouth, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, difficulty urinating.
- Less Common: Nausea, nervousness, confusion, memory problems.
- Serious/Rare: Hallucinations, severe allergic reactions, acute glaucoma.
Drug Interactions
- Other Anticholinergics: Increased risk of side effects when taken with other anticholinergic drugs (e.g., some antidepressants, antihistamines).
- CNS Depressants: Alcohol and other sedatives can worsen drowsiness and dizziness.
- Levodopa: May enhance the risk of involuntary movements (dyskinesia).
Key Patient Advice
- Take this medication with food to reduce stomach upset.
- For dry mouth, try sugarless gum or sipping water.
- Avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Stand up slowly to prevent dizziness.
- Inform your doctor or dentist you are taking this medication before any surgery.
- Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, and keep out of the reach of children.