Anticholinergics
From Holoprosencephaly
Anticholinergics
Names:
Trihexyphenidyl (Artane) Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) Transderm Scopolamine Patches
Uses:
Anticholinergics are a class of medications that inhibit parasympathetic nerve impulses responsible for the involuntary movements of smooth muscles present in the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, lungs, etc.
Anticholinergic drugs are used to treat a variety of disorders such as gastrointestinal cramps, urinary bladder spasm, asthma, motion sickness, muscular spasms, poisoning with certain toxic compounds, and as an aid to anesthesia.
For children with neurological problems:
- Trihexyphenidyl (Artane) is commonly prescribed for management of dystonia and also for drooling.
- Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) is sometimes prescribed for dystonia but often prescribed for drooling.
- Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) may be prescribed in combination with other medications to treat ulcers but is often prescribed for drooling.
- Transderm Scopolamine Patches are prescribed for drooling.
Forms:
- Trihexyphenidyl (Artane) comes as a tablet, liquid, and extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth.
- Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) comes as a tablet to take by mouth and can also be given by injection.
- Glycopyrrolate (Robinul) comes as a tablet or oral solution to take by mouth.
- Scopolamine comes as a patch. One patch is applied to a clean, dry, hairless area behind the ear. Most children find relief with ¼ to ½ patch every 2-3 days as ordered by a physician.
Side effects:
This is an incomplete list of potential side effects that may be experienced with anticholinergic medications. For more information, please consult your physician.
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
•drowsiness •dizziness or blurred vision •dry mouth •upset stomach •vomiting •diarrhea •constipation •increased sensitivity to light (especially with Cogentin) •difficulty urinating •decreased sweating (with Robinul) •loss of taste (with Robinul)
If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
•skin rash or hives •fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat •fever •confusion •depression •hallucinations (especially with Transderm Scopolomine Patches) •eye pain •difficulty breathing or swallowing •erratic body temperature (especially with Robinul) •extreme weakness
Precautions:
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what supplements, prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symmetrel), digoxin, haloperidol (Haldol), levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), tranquilizers, ipratropium (Atrovent), medications that decrease mental alertness; cough, cold, and allergy products, antidepressants and vitamins.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, heart or blood pressure problems, problems with your urinary system, overactive thyoid (hyperthyroidism), stomach problems, intestinal obstruction or history of nervous system problems.
- If you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking an anticholinergic medication.
- Benztropine mesylate (Cogentin) may make your skin sensitive to sunlight. Plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
- It is important to follow manufacturers directions for use and handle Transderm Scopolomine patches with care. Avoid contact with eyes.
- Patients who wear Transderm Scopolamine Patches may experience dilation of pupils. Take precautions to protect the eyes in sunlight.
- You should know that glycopyrrolate(Robinul) reduces the body's ability to cool off by sweating. In very high temperatures, it can cause fever and heat stroke.
For more detailed information about anticholinergics, contact your healthcare provider.
Click here to learn more about Dystonia
Click here to learn more about managing excessive saliva and secretions
