ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses biperiden, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Akineton®, biperiden is prescribed for drug-induced and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. The exact mechanism of antiparkinsonian action of biperiden is unknown. However, it is believed to be directly related to its central anticholinergic activity (i.e., competitive antagonism of acetylcholine at the cholinergic receptors within the corpus striatum). Biperiden pharmacotherapy has been commonly associated with blurred vision and a dry mouth, and several other adverse drug reactions. Acute overdosage may progress to stupor, coma, cardiac and respiratory arrest, and coma.
