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General Medication Fact Sheet for Trihexyphenidyl
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Trihexyphenidyl |
| Brand Name Versions | Artane |
| Purpose | Treats symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. |
| Mechanism of Action | Anticholinergic that blocks acetylcholine, reducing muscle rigidity and tremors. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral tablets, Elixir |
| Available Strengths | 2 mg, 5 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically 3-4 times daily, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, urinary retention, dizziness. |
| Serious Side Effects | Confusion, hallucinations, rapid heartbeat, severe constipation. |
| Drug Interactions | Other anticholinergics, antihistamines, antipsychotics, certain antidepressants. |
| Important Notes | Use caution when driving or operating machinery due to dizziness or blurred vision; avoid alcohol. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Benztropine, Amantadine, Propranolol, Levodopa/Carbidopa |
Trihexyphenidyl Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Benztropine (Cogentin) | Anticholinergic; blocks acetylcholine activity in the brain. | Used for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. |
| Amantadine (Gocovri) | Increases dopamine release and blocks dopamine reuptake. | Also used for influenza A. |
| Propranolol (Inderal) | Beta-blocker; can reduce tremors. | Used for essential tremor, not specifically for Parkinson’s tremors. |
| Levodopa/Carbidopa (Sinemet) | Levodopa converts to dopamine in the brain; carbidopa prevents levodopa breakdown. | First-line treatment for Parkinson’s disease; addresses dopamine deficiency. |
Trihexyphenidyl Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth | Confusion |
| Blurred vision | Hallucinations |
| Constipation | Rapid heartbeat |
| Urinary retention | Severe constipation (ileus) |
| Dizziness | Angle-closure glaucoma |
Trihexyphenidyl Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parkinson’s Disease | 1 mg daily | 6-10 mg daily in divided doses | Take with or without food. Adjust dose gradually. |
| Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Symptoms | 1 mg daily | 5-15 mg daily in divided doses | Take with or without food. Adjust dose gradually. |
