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profenamine

N04AA05

Forms & Strengths

Oral tablets 50 mg

Adult Dosing

Initial: 50 mg orally once or twice daily
Titration: Increase gradually by 50 mg every few days based on response and tolerability
Maintenance: 100 mg to 300 mg daily administered in divided doses
Maximum daily dose: 400 mg

Pediatric Dosing

Safety and efficacy in pediatric patients have not been established
Use in children is generally not recommended

Indications

Symptomatic treatment of Parkinson's disease (idiopathic, post-encephalitic, and arteriosclerotic)
Control of extrapyramidal symptoms induced by neuroleptics (antipsychotics)

Mechanism of Action

Centrally acting anticholinergic (antimuscarinic) agent
Blocks central cholinergic receptors to help restore the balance between dopaminergic and cholinergic activity in the basal ganglia
Possesses mild antihistaminic and local anesthetic properties

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to profenamine or related phenothiazines
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Gastrointestinal obstruction, achalasia, or paralytic ileus
Severe urinary retention or prostatic hypertrophy with residual urine
Myasthenia gravis

Adverse Reactions

Dry mouth, blurred vision, cycloplegia, and mydriasis
Constipation, urinary retention, and reduced sweating
Tachycardia, palpitations, and orthostatic hypotension
Drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, memory impairment, and hallucinations (especially in elderly patients)
Nausea, vomiting, and gastric distress

Drug Interactions

Additive anticholinergic effects when co-administered with other anticholinergics, tricyclic antidepressants, or certain antihistamines
May decrease the gastrointestinal absorption of levodopa due to delayed gastric emptying
Central nervous system depression may be enhanced when combined with alcohol, sedatives, or hypnotics
May counteract the therapeutic effects of prokinetic agents such as metoclopramide or cisapride

Curated Content: Needs Vetting Before Put to Clinical Use