Trihexyphenidyl

Pronunciation What do I do if I miss a dose?

Brand Names What are the precautions when taking this

medicine?
Foreign Brand Names
What are the common side effects of this
Therapeutic Categories medicine?
What should I monitor?
Reasons not to take this medicine
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
What is this medicine used for?
How should I store this medicine?
How does it work?
General statements
How is it best taken?

Pronunciation
(trye heks ee FEN i dil)

Brand Names
Artane®

Foreign Brand Names

Apo-Trihex® (Canada); Novo-Hexidyl® (Canada); PMS-Trihexyphenidyl (Canada); Trihexyphen®
(Canada); Hipokinon® (Mexico)

Therapeutic Categories
Anticholinergic Agent; Anti-Parkinson's Agent (Anticholinergic)

Reasons not to take this medicine

 If you have an allergy to trihexyphenidyl or any other part of the medicine.

 If you have any of the following conditions: Narrow-angle glaucoma, blockage in the
gastrointestinal tract, severe peptic ulcer disease, blockage in the urinary tract,
myasthenia gravis.

What is this medicine used for?

 This medicine is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease

 It is also used to treat side effects related to mood stabilizing medicines and those used
 for schizophrenia.

How does it work?

 When used in Parkinson's disease and with mood stabilizing medicines, it improves the
chemical balance in the brain.

How is it best taken?

 Take with food.

 Make sure you are drinking enough liquids unless told to drink less by healthcare
provider. Avoid products with caffeine.

 A liquid (elixir) is available if you cannot swallow pills. Those who have feeding tubes can
also use the liquid. Flush the feeding tube before and after medicine is given.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

 Take a missed dose as soon as possible.

 If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Return to your regular schedule.

 Do not take a double dose or extra doses.

What are the precautions when taking this medicine?

 If you are 65 or older, you may have more side effects.

 Men 65 or older with problems urinating should not take this medicine.
 You may not be alert. Avoid driving, doing other tasks or activities until you see how this
medicine affects you.
 Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor) and other medicines and herbs that slow
your actions and reactions. This includes sedatives, tranquilizers, mood stabilizers, or
pain medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
 Be careful in hot weather. Can increase risk of heat stroke.
 You can get sunburned more easily. Avoid lots of sun. Use sunscreen; wear protective
clothing and eyewear.
 Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the
allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness
of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms
involved.
 Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.

What are the common side effects of this medicine?

 Feeling sleepy, lightheaded, dizzy, or having blurred vision. Avoid driving, doing other
tasks or activities that require you to be alert until you see how this medicine affects you.
 Dry mouth. Frequent mouth care, sucking hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
 Constipation. More liquids, regular exercise, or a fiber-containing diet may help. Talk with
healthcare provider about a stool softener or laxative.

 Unable to pass urine. Go to the bathroom before taking medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider if it becomes a problem.

What should I monitor?

 Follow up with healthcare provider.

Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately

 Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; tightness in the chest; fever;
itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
 Changes in thinking clearly and logically.
 Passing out, fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
 Any rash.

 No improvement in condition or feeling worse.

How should I store this medicine?

 Store at room temperature.

General statements

 Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
 Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
 Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements, vitamins, over-the-
counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, pharmacist,
physician assistant).

 Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter
or natural products (herbs, vitamins).
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