Drug Notes

Biperiden (By mouth)

Biperiden (bye-PER-i-den)

Treats symptoms of Parkinson's disease or side effects of other drugs.

Brand Name(s):

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breast feeding, or if you have a history of seizures. Make sure your doctor knows if you have glaucoma, bowel or stomach problems, enlarged prostate, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of mental problems, or if you have a disease that affects your nervous system. Tell your doctor about any other medical problems you may have.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you are using other medicine that makes you drowsy such as sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, anxiety medicine, or narcotic pain killers. Also make sure your doctor knows if you are using medicine to treat vomiting or mental problems such as prochlorperazine (Compazine®), Mellaril®, Phenergan®, Thorazine®, or haloperidol (Haldol®). Tell your doctor if you are using medicine for depression or other health problems, such as amitriptyline (Elavil®), nortriptyline (Sinequan®), or doxepin (Pamelor®). Make sure your doctor knows if you are taking medicine for heart problems, such as quinidine (Cardioquin®, Quinaglute®).
• This medicine may keep you from sweating enough, which may cause your body to get too hot. Be careful in hot weather, or while doing activities such as exercising or using a sauna or whirlpool.
• This medicine may make you drowsy or cause you to have trouble thinking clearly. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
• Confusion, hallucinations (sensing things that are not there), or extreme behavior changes.
• Drowsiness, fainting, or seizures (convulsions).
• Heartbeat that is too fast, too slow, or uneven.
• Jerky muscle movement you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw).
• Large pupils (round, black part of the center of your eye), eyes sensitive to light.
• Muscle weakness or new trouble with movement.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, swollen belly, or pain in the stomach.
• Severe dry mouth that causes trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of appetite, or weight loss.
• Trouble urinating, or a decrease in how much or how often you urinate.
• Unable to sweat, feeling overheated, skin that is red or hot, or having a fever.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Dry mouth, bad breath, or dry skin.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017