patients taking this medication perspire less; therefore, they should ensure they do not
become overheated because of excessive exercise or hot weather. Patients that have
glaucoma or severe heart disease should use this drug with caution.
g. Belladonna Tincture. This preparation is used for its antispasmodic effect
on the gastrointestinal tract (effect produced chiefly by its atropine content). Side
effects associated with this agent include dryness of the mouth, dizziness, and
constipation.
h. Dicyclomine (Bentyl). This preparation is used to relieve smooth muscle
spasm of the gastrointestinal tract. Side effects that can be caused by this drug include
constipation (caused by decreased peristalsis), difficult urination, and dizziness.
Persons taking this drug should be cautioned against taking alcohol or other central
nervous system (CNS) depressants.
i. Trihexyphenidyl (Artane). This drug is used in the treatment of
parkinsonism. Side effects that can be caused by trihexyphenidyl include constipation,
difficult urination, dizziness, dry mouth, and reduced perspiration. Patients taking this
preparation should be told several things. Do not take with alcohol or other central
nervous system depressants. Some patients perspire less; therefore do not become
overheated because of exercise or hot weather.
j. Benztropine (Cogentin). Benztropine is used in the treatment of
parkinsonism. The side effects and patient instructions for trihexyphenidyl (Artane),
above, also apply to benztropine.
Sometimes trihexyphenidyl (Artane) and benztropine
IMPORTANT NOTE:
(Cogentin) will be prescribed with certain phenothiazine
tranquilizers to help reduce some of the centrally induced
side effects produced by the tranquilizers.
NOTE:
Drugs listed in k and l below are both antiparkinsonism drugs; however,
they are NOT cholinergic blockers.
k. Levodopa (Larodopa). This drug is used in the treatment of parkinsonism.
Side effects associated with this agent include depression, difficult urination, unusual
and uncontrolled movements of the body (that is, face, tongue, and arms), and mood
changes. Patients taking this drug should be informed of several things. Take this
medication with solid food to decrease the possibility of stomach upset. This drug may
cause drowsiness in some patients; therefore, know how the drug will affect him before
he drives or performs any job that requires alertness). This drug may cause dizziness
or fainting in some patients; therefore, persons taking the drug should get up slowly
from a lying or sitting position.
MD0805
10-5