What Is Biperiden Used For?

Biperiden Uses for Parkinsonism

Biperiden is approved to treat parkinsonism, which includes Parkinson's disease and several other Parkinson's-like conditions. Specifically, it is approved to treat the following:

 

 

Although other types of medications (typically carbidopa-levodopa medicines) are the mainstay of Parkinson's disease treatment, biperiden can be helpful when used in addition to such medications.

 

How Does Biperiden Work?

Biperiden is an anticholinergic medication. It works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (a chemical in the nervous system). Normal muscle movement control requires a careful balance of acetylcholine and dopamine (another neurotransmitter). In Parkinson's disease (and with extrapyramidal disorders caused by antipsychotic medications), dopamine levels are decreased, creating an imbalance between dopamine and acetylcholine. By blocking the effects of acetylcholine, biperiden helps to reestablish a normal balance between these two chemicals.

 

Biperiden Use in Children

Biperiden is not approved for use in children. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of the drug with your child's healthcare provider.

 

Is Biperiden Used for Off-Label Reasons?

On occasion, your healthcare provider may recommend biperiden for something other than the conditions discussed in this article. At this time, using the drug to treat excess salivation ("drooling") due to medications or other causes is considered an off-label biperiden use.