Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride
Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (Artane)
Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride
(try-hex-ee- FEN-ih-dill)
Pregnancy Category: C Aparkane Apo-Trihex Artane Artane Sequels Novo-Hexidyl PMS-Trihexyphenidyl Trihexy-2 and -5 Trihexyphen (Rx)

Classification: Antiparkinson agent, anticholinergic

See Also: See also Cholinergic Blocking Agents and Antiparkinson Drugs .

Action/Kinetics: Synthetic anticholinergic, which relieves rigidity but has little effect on tremors. Causes a direct antispasmodic effect on smooth muscle. High incidence of side effects. Small doses cause CNS depression, whereas larger doses may result in CNS excitation. Onset, PO: 60 min. Duration, PO: 6-12 hr.

Uses: Adjunct in the treatment of all types of parkinsonism (often used as adjunct with levodopa). Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms. Sustained-release medication is for maintenance dosage only.

Additional Contraindications: Arteriosclerosis and hypersensitivity to drug.

Additional Side Effects: Serious CNS stimulation (restlessness, insomnia, delirium, agitation) and psychotic manifestations.

Additional Drug Interactions: Effectiveness with levodopa; do not use together for psychoses.

How Supplied: Elixir: 2 mg/5 mL; Tablet: 2 mg, 5 mg

Dosage
?Elixir, Tablets Parkinsonism.
Initial (day 1): 1-2 mg; then, increase by 2 mg q 3-5 days until daily dose is 6-10 mg given in divided doses. Some clients may require 12-15 mg/day (especially those with postencephalitic parkinsonism).
Adjunct with levodopa.
Adults: 3-6 mg/day in divided doses.
Drug-induced extrapyramidal reactions.
Initial: 1 mg/day; then, increase as needed to total daily dose of 5-15 mg.