Isolated instances of mental confusion, euphoria, agitation and disturbed behavior have been reported in susceptible patients. Also, the central anticholinergic syndrome can occur as an adverse reaction to properly prescribed anticholinergic medication, although it is more frequently due to overdosage. It may also result from concomitant administration of an anticholinergic agent and a drug that has secondary anticholinergic actions (see PRECAUTIONS - DRUG INTERACTIONS and OVERDOSAGE sections). Caution should be observed in patients with manifest glaucoma, though no prohibitive rise in intraocular pressure has been noted following either oral or parenteral administration. Patients with prostatism, epilepsy or cardiac arrhythmia should be given this drug with caution.

Occasionally, drowsiness may occur, and patients who drive a car or operate any other potentially dangerous machinery should be warned of this possibility. As with other drugs action on the central nervous system, the consumption of alcohol should be avoided during AKINETON (biperiden) therapy.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy Category C

Animal reproduction studies have not been conducted with AKINETON (biperiden) . It is also not known whether AKINETON (biperiden) can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. AKINETON (biperiden) should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly needed.

Nursing Mothers

It is not known whether this drug is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised when AKINETON (biperiden) is administered to a nursing woman.

Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in children have not been established.

Last reviewed on RxList: 4/13/2009
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.