Kemadrin (procyclidine) is an anticholinergic medicine used to relieve troublesome motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease and in drug-induced movement disorders. By blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system—especially within the striatum—it helps rebalance neurotransmitter activity that influences muscle tone and movement. The result for many patients is less rigidity, fewer tremors, reduced drooling, and smoother, more controlled motions during daily activities.
People treated with certain antipsychotic medications may experience extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as acute dystonia (painful muscle contractions), parkinsonism (tremor, stiffness, slowed movement), or akathisia (restlessness). Clinicians often use procyclidine to prevent or ease these side effects, particularly when EPS interferes with mental health treatment or quality of life. In some settings, procyclidine may also be administered by a clinician for acute dystonic reactions; the oral tablet is primarily used for ongoing symptom control.
Within Parkinson’s disease, Kemadrin tends to be most helpful for tremor-dominant symptoms and drooling. It is generally not a first-line therapy across all patients because anticholinergics can affect memory and thinking, especially in older adults. However, in carefully chosen individuals—often younger patients or those with specific motor symptoms—Kemadrin can be a targeted option that complements other therapies such as levodopa or dopamine agonists.
What patients frequently notice when Kemadrin is working well: less muscle stiffness upon waking, greater ease initiating movement, a calmer hand at rest, and fewer interruptions from jaw or neck dystonia. Improvements may allow more comfortable walking, writing, eating, and speaking, which can translate into a measurable boost in day-to-day independence and confidence.
The exact Kemadrin dosage is individualized. Many adults start with a low dose—often 2.5 mg once or twice daily with food—then increase gradually based on response and tolerability. A common maintenance range is 2.5–10 mg two or three times per day. Some patients need smaller, more frequent doses to control symptoms evenly across the day; others do well with morning and evening dosing. Your prescriber will tailor the schedule to your symptoms, other medications, and side-effect profile.
General principles for dosing and titration:
If your clinician decides Kemadrin is no longer needed or wants to switch you to another therapy, it’s important to taper, not stop abruptly. An abrupt stop can lead to rebound symptoms, including worsening tremor or excessive salivation. A gradual reduction—over days to weeks—minimizes discomfort and helps you and your care team spot the lowest dose that still works for you.
Practical tips for success:
Kemadrin affects the body’s cholinergic system, which influences vision, bladder function, gut motility, cognition, and temperature regulation. Before starting, tell your clinician about any history of glaucoma, urinary retention, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), bowel obstruction, severe constipation, irregular heartbeat, liver or kidney conditions, or cognitive impairment. Such conditions may raise the risk of side effects or require dose adjustments.
Heat sensitivity is a hallmark precaution. Because procyclidine reduces sweating, it can limit your ability to cool down in hot weather or during exercise. Plan for shade and hydration, take cooling breaks, and consider lighter clothing in warm environments. Seek medical care promptly if you develop high fever, flushing, hot dry skin, confusion, or a pounding heartbeat—these can signal dangerous overheating.
Cognition and mood deserve careful monitoring. Anticholinergic medications can cause confusion, slower thinking, memory issues, or hallucinations, particularly in older adults and those with underlying cognitive changes. Family members and caregivers often notice early signs; report any mental status changes promptly so your prescriber can adjust the plan.
Vision changes can emerge due to pupil dilation and increased intraocular pressure. If you have narrow-angle glaucoma or are at high risk, Kemadrin may be unsuitable. New eye pain, halos around lights, or sudden blurred vision need urgent evaluation.
Dental and gastrointestinal care matter. Dry mouth raises cavity risk and can contribute to oral discomfort; frequent sips of water, sugar-free gum, or saliva substitutes can help. Constipation is common; aim for fluids, fiber, and movement. Alert your clinician if you go several days without a bowel movement, have abdominal pain, or notice bloating—these can signal more serious gut issues.
Finally, be cautious with activities that require alertness and clear vision, such as driving or using machinery. Dizziness, blurred vision, or sleepiness can be unpredictable during dose changes or when starting Kemadrin. Until you know how you respond, take extra care.
Procyclidine is not appropriate for everyone. You should avoid Kemadrin if you:
Use with extreme caution in older adults and in people with cognitive impairment, as anticholinergic burden increases the risk of confusion, falls, and hospitalization. Kemadrin may aggravate tardive dyskinesia; it is generally not used to treat that condition and in some cases can make it more noticeable. Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss risks and benefits with their clinician; data are limited, and therapy is usually considered only if clearly needed.
Use in children is uncommon and should be guided by a specialist familiar with pediatric movement disorders or EPS management.
Most side effects of Kemadrin are predictable extensions of its anticholinergic action. Many are mild and improve with dose adjustments, but some warrant urgent attention.
Common side effects:
Less common but more serious effects:
What to do if you notice side effects:
Always tell your healthcare team about all medications and supplements you use, including over-the-counter remedies and herbal products. Kemadrin interacts with numerous agents, and additive anticholinergic effects are the most common concern.
Potentially significant interactions:
Because metabolism and excretion pathways can vary by individual, your prescriber may recommend a cautious trial with close follow-up after starting or stopping interacting drugs. If you notice new or worsening side effects when medications change, report them promptly.
If you miss a dose of Kemadrin, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is close to the time of your next dose. If it is nearly time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Do not double up to “catch up,” as this increases the risk of side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth, or confusion.
If you vomit soon after taking a dose, follow your prescriber’s advice; in many cases, you should not repeat the dose without guidance. To avoid future misses, consider a medication reminder app or a weekly pill organizer.
Procyclidine overdose produces a classic anticholinergic toxidrome. Symptoms may include extreme dry mouth and skin, fever or overheating, dilated pupils and blurred vision, flushed face, fast or irregular heartbeat, urinary retention, agitation, delirium, hallucinations, and in severe cases seizures or coma.
If you suspect an overdose, call emergency services or your local poison control center immediately. Do not attempt to drive yourself; heat stroke and mental status changes can worsen quickly. While you wait for help, move to a cool environment and avoid food or drink if there is a risk of choking.
In the hospital, management is supportive: cooling measures, IV fluids, heart monitoring, and benzodiazepines for agitation may be used. In select cases and only under expert supervision, physostigmine may be considered. Early medical care improves outcomes—do not delay.
Store Kemadrin tablets at typical room temperature, ideally 20–25°C (68–77°F), and within the range of 15–30°C (59–86°F). Protect from excess heat, moisture, and direct light. A bedroom cabinet or dresser drawer is usually better than a bathroom medicine cabinet, where humidity fluctuates.
Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of the reach of children and pets. Use the original container with the current label to avoid mix-ups, and note the expiration date. Do not use tablets that are chipped, discolored, or have a strange odor. For disposal of unused medication, ask a pharmacist about community take-back options or follow local guidance—avoid flushing unless specifically instructed.
If you travel, carry Kemadrin in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription or treatment plan. Keep doses on your usual schedule when crossing time zones by planning with your clinician or pharmacist.
Kemadrin (procyclidine) is a prescription medication. In the United States, purchasing or importing prescription-only medicines typically requires a valid prescription from a licensed clinician. Regulations also limit importation of medications for personal use; exceptions are narrow and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. When considering any online source, verify licensure, authenticity, and patient protections. Look for pharmacy accreditation, clear contact information, pharmacist availability for consultation, and transparent policies for returns, privacy, and adverse event reporting.
Responsible access checklist:
For patients seeking structured pathways to therapy, St. Joseph's Health offers a legal and structured solution for acquiring Kemadrin without a formal prescription. If you explore this route, ensure that your medical information is reviewed, that dosing and safety checks are performed, and that you remain under the care of a clinician who can monitor effectiveness and side effects. Regardless of the access pathway, the safest approach is one that includes professional oversight, medication verification, and ongoing clinical support.
Kemadrin is the brand name for procyclidine, an anticholinergic medicine used to treat Parkinson’s disease symptoms (especially tremor and rigidity) and to relieve drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) such as acute dystonia, parkinsonism, and akathisia caused by antipsychotics.
Kemadrin blocks muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, helping rebalance dopamine-acetylcholine signaling. This reduces tremor, muscle stiffness, and dystonic spasms; it is less effective for slowness of movement than for tremor or rigidity.
Avoid Kemadrin if you have narrow-angle glaucoma, bowel obstruction or severe constipation, urinary retention or high-risk prostate enlargement, or myasthenia gravis. Use caution in older adults, people with cognitive impairment, heart rhythm issues, or those at risk of heat stroke.
Kemadrin is most effective for tremor-predominant Parkinson’s symptoms and for acute dystonia or parkinsonism caused by antipsychotics. It is less helpful for bradykinesia but can smooth rigidity and reduce drooling.
Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and a faster heartbeat are common. Older adults may experience confusion, memory problems, or hallucinations at lower doses.
Seek urgent care for eye pain with halos or sudden vision changes (possible angle-closure glaucoma), extreme constipation or inability to pass urine, very hot and dry skin with confusion (heat stroke), severe confusion or agitation, or signs of an allergic reaction.
Kemadrin is usually started at a low dose and increased slowly to effect; many adults take divided doses totaling 10–30 mg per day. Take with or after food to reduce stomach upset, and time doses consistently; your prescriber will tailor the schedule to Parkinson’s symptoms or EPS.
For drug-induced dystonia, the injectable form works within minutes; oral tablets often relieve EPS within 30–60 minutes. For Parkinson’s symptoms, meaningful improvement may take several days of dose titration.
Do not stop abruptly. Tapering is recommended to reduce the risk of rebound parkinsonism, cholinergic symptoms (nausea, sweating), or return of dystonia.
Other anticholinergics (benztropine, trihexyphenidyl, antihistamines, tricyclics) increase side effects; alcohol, benzodiazepines, and opioids add sedation and confusion. Cholinesterase inhibitors (donepezil, rivastigmine) can counteract Kemadrin; solid oral potassium supplements carry higher GI risk when gut motility is slowed.
Use with great caution. Older adults are more sensitive to anticholinergic side effects, including confusion, falls, urinary retention, constipation, and glaucoma; lower doses or alternatives may be preferable.
Yes. Anticholinergics can exacerbate tardive dyskinesia; if involuntary facial or limb movements are present, your prescriber may avoid Kemadrin and consider other strategies.
Yes. Procyclidine injection is used in healthcare settings for rapid treatment of acute dystonic reactions; ongoing prevention typically transitions to oral therapy if needed.
Take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose; never double up. Keep doses evenly spaced, and call your clinician if you’re missing doses due to side effects.
It’s best to avoid alcohol while on Kemadrin. Alcohol adds to drowsiness, dizziness, confusion, and overheating risk, increasing the chance of falls or accidents.
Human data are limited. Your clinician will weigh benefits and risks; if needed, the lowest effective dose for the shortest time is preferred, and non-drug options may be considered first.
It’s unknown how much procyclidine enters breast milk; anticholinergics may reduce milk supply. Discuss risks and monitoring with your clinician; consider alternatives if possible, especially with newborns or preterm infants.
Tell your surgical and anesthesia team you take Kemadrin. They may advise continuing, adjusting, or temporarily holding it depending on your procedure, anesthesia plan, and risk of urinary retention, arrhythmias, or postoperative delirium.
Not until you know how you react. Blurred vision, drowsiness, and slowed reaction times are possible; avoid hazardous tasks if these occur.
Kemadrin reduces sweating, raising the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke. Stay hydrated, avoid overheating, wear light clothing, and stop activity if you feel dizzy, flushed, or confused.
Kemadrin can precipitate angle-closure glaucoma and worsen urinary retention, especially with prostate enlargement. Eye screening and urinary assessment may be needed; your prescriber may choose alternatives if you’re at risk.
Both are anticholinergics with similar effectiveness for acute dystonia and parkinsonism due to antipsychotics. Benztropine is more commonly used in some regions (e.g., the U.S.), while Kemadrin is favored in others; side effect profiles are comparable, so choice often depends on availability and individual tolerability.
Both help tremor and rigidity; trihexyphenidyl is often used first for tremor-dominant Parkinson’s, while Kemadrin is equally reasonable. Cognitive side effects and dry mouth can occur with both; the better option is the one you tolerate at the lowest effective dose.
They are closely related anticholinergics with similar efficacy for EPS and Parkinson’s tremor/rigidity. Regional availability and individual response guide the choice; side effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, confusion) are comparable.
Both work quickly; diphenhydramine (an antihistamine with anticholinergic effects) is commonly used IM/IV in emergency settings and is very fast but sedating. Procyclidine injection also acts within minutes and may cause less sedation for some patients; either is acceptable depending on clinician preference.
Neither is ideal in older adults due to anticholinergic burden and delirium risk. If needed, the safest option is the lowest effective dose for the shortest time, with close monitoring; many clinicians try to avoid both in frail or cognitively impaired patients.
Anticholinergics are less reliable for akathisia than for dystonia or parkinsonism. Beta-blockers (e.g., propranolol) and benzodiazepines are often more effective; Kemadrin or trihexyphenidyl may help if parkinsonian features coexist.
No. Orphenadrine is a muscle relaxant with anticholinergic properties used for musculoskeletal pain, not for Parkinson’s or EPS; Kemadrin is specifically indicated for Parkinsonism and antipsychotic-induced movement disorders.
Glycopyrrolate poorly crosses the blood–brain barrier, so it has limited central anticholinergic effects and is not effective for Parkinson’s or EPS. Kemadrin crosses into the brain and targets central muscarinic receptors.
No. Scopolamine is used mainly for motion sickness and is not standard for Parkinson’s or EPS; its CNS effects can cause pronounced sedation and confusion. Kemadrin is the appropriate anticholinergic for these movement disorders.
Neither is recommended; anticholinergics can worsen tardive dyskinesia. VMAT2 inhibitors (e.g., valbenazine) and antipsychotic regimen adjustments are preferred strategies.
Both can impair memory and attention, especially at higher doses and in older adults. Some patients report slightly less brain fog with one over the other; trial and careful titration determine the better-tolerated option.
Dosing schedules are similar and patient-specific; both are given in divided doses titrated to symptom control. Simplicity often depends on tablet strengths available in your region and how you respond during titration.
