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What Is Biperiden Used For?
Biperiden is used for treating several conditions, such as Parkinson's disease and certain movement disorders caused by antipsychotic medications. Healthcare providers may also occasionally recommend off-label biperiden uses, such as treating excessive drooling due to several causes. This prescription medication works by balancing certain chemicals in the nervous system that are responsible for movement. Biperiden is not approved for use in children.
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Biperiden hydrochloride (Akineton®) is a prescription medication approved to treat the following conditions:
- Extrapyramidal disorders (movement or muscle tension disorders) caused by antipsychotic medications
- Parkinson's disease and similar conditions (when used in combination with other medications).
Biperiden belongs to a group of medicines known as anticholinergics.
Extrapyramidal symptoms (also known as EPS) are a set of side effects that are common with antipsychotic medications, as well as with a few other types of medications. Older antipsychotic medications are believed to be more likely to cause such symptoms, although any antipsychotic medication can cause EPS. Extrapyramidal symptoms are usually divided into different categories. Dyskinesias are movement disorders, while dystonias are muscle tension disorders. "Tardive" symptoms are those that appear during long-term treatment (often after several years). Unlike earlier symptoms, tardive symptoms are more likely to be permanent, even after the medication is stopped.
Biperiden can be effective for controlling most extrapyramidal symptoms. However, the drug should not be used to treat tardive dyskinesia, as it is not effective for this use and can even make this condition worse.
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD