Artane

Artane product description

Drug uses

Artane is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease in adults and elderly patients. Antiparkinson drug Artane provides antispasmodic (spasmolytic) effect, and affects the parasympathetic nervous system by its direct inhibitory action.

Under this effect, sweating and sebaceous glands secretion are reduced, excessive salivation and tremors are decreased in the patient. Artane provides a relaxing effect on smooth muscles, reduces the rigidity of muscle spasm, thanks to it, the patient is able to move and walk easier.

Antiparkinson drug Artane is recommended to treat Parkinsonism of various etiologies (arteriosclerotic, idiopathic, and post-encephalitic). Artane is to be dosed in accordance with the individual patient's needs, thus the treatment is advised to start with a low dose of antiparkinson drug, gradually increasing it.

An initial daily dose makes 1 mg of antispasmodic Artane. A standard maintaining dose of Artane is from 6 to 10 mg per day, equally spaced throughout the day. The maximum daily Artane dosage should not exceed 15 mg.

Missed dose

In some cases, patients on antiparkinsonian drugs may need someone’s assistance, support and care. If it is hard for the patient to take meds on time and to remember about Artane pills intake, always better skip the pill and take the next dose at the scheduled time and at the prescribed dose.

It is strictly not recommended to take two doses of Artane at once; this may cause undesirable effects and drug overdose. The patient should take the Artane missed dose within 2 hours, otherwise better skip it.

More information

Depending upon the patient’s response, the antiparkinson drug is advised to be taken during or right after a meal. In some cases, Artane may be coadministered with L-DOPA, so dosage of both antiparkinsonian drugs should be reduced.

Artane may cause some cognitive dysfunctions (including memory loss, confusion) in some elderly patients (over 60 years). High doses of Artane are indicated with caution to patients with a history of idiosyncrasy to other drugs, or atherosclerosis, because the drug may cause emotional disturbance, vomiting, and delirium.

Storage

Artane should be stored at controlled room temperature (15°-30°C) either in the original pack or in containers that prevent access of moisture.

Artane safety information

Warnings

Clinical studies have revealed that Artane in high doses may cause vivid visual hallucinations and euphoria in some patients, so patients aged 65 and over should take extra caution while on the drug. During treatment with Artane, the patients are advised to avoid alcohol and CNS depressants. Their combination may increase a therapeutic effect of the antiparkinson drug.

Patients suffering from heart disease (including atherosclerosis, ischemic heart disease) should take Artane with caution, because the drug may cause coronary ischaemia and/or tachycardia. Abrupt withdrawal of the antiparkinson drug may exacerbate Parkinson's disease symptoms.

Disclaimer

The review on muscle relaxant Artane is intended purely as general information and should not be considered instead of consultation with the specialist in neurological conditions or movement disorders. In no event, the online pharmacy shall not be liable for any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever arising from use or loss of use of this review on Artane.

Artane side effects

Artane may cause certain adverse events, such as dizziness, nervousness, mild nausea, dryness of the mouth, constipation, and blurring of vision during the drug administration. These adverse events are reported to be met in the first days of the treatment, quite mild and resolved quickly. If adverse events do not disappear during the treatment with Artane, the dosage is recommended to be reduced.

Adult patients may also experience such adverse events, as tachycardia, rash, headache, dry skin, some neurologic disorders (dilation of pupils, cycloplegia), and psychotic disorders (hallucinations, delusions). Children may experience adverse events as well, most common are observed as restlessness, forgetfulness, psychosis, sleep disorders, hyperkinesia, and weight loss.