About Trihexyphenidyl 2 mg Tablet
Trihexyphenidyl 2 mg Tablet contains Trihexyphenidyl 2 mg. Trihexyphenidyl (also called benzhexol) is an anticholinergic medicine. It is used to reduce tremor, stiffness and abnormal movements in Parkinson's disease, and to control movement side effects caused by some antipsychotic medicines. Your doctor will start with a low dose and increase it slowly. It should not be stopped suddenly.
Uses of Trihexyphenidyl 2 mg Tablet
- Parkinson's disease (to reduce tremor and stiffness)
- Movement side effects caused by antipsychotic medicines (drug-induced parkinsonism and muscle spasms)
Benefits
In Parkinson's disease and drug-induced movement problems
It can reduce shaking, stiffness and muscle spasms, making movement and daily activities easier.
Side effects
Dry mouth and blurred vision are common and may improve. Talk to your doctor if side effects bother you. Do not stop it suddenly.
Common
- Dry mouth
- Blurred vision
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Nervousness
Get medical help if you notice
- Confusion, hallucinations or memory problems, especially in older people — contact your doctor
- Unable to pass urine — contact your doctor straight away
- Eye pain with blurred vision or seeing haloes — may be raised eye pressure; seek medical help
- Very hot, dry skin, high temperature or feeling faint in hot weather — may be heat stroke; seek emergency care
- Fast or irregular heartbeat — contact your doctor
How to use
Take it exactly as your doctor prescribed, usually with or after food. Swallow the tablet with water.
How it works
Trihexyphenidyl blocks acetylcholine, a chemical messenger in the brain. In Parkinson's disease and with some antipsychotics, the balance between acetylcholine and dopamine is upset; blocking acetylcholine helps restore balance and reduce movement problems.
Safety advice
Alcohol Unsafe
Avoid alcohol. It adds to drowsiness and confusion.
Pregnancy Consult your doctor
Use only if your doctor advises it.
Breastfeeding Consult your doctor
Ask your doctor before using it while breastfeeding.
Driving Caution
It can cause blurred vision, dizziness or confusion. Do not drive until you know how it affects you.
Kidney Caution
Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease.
Liver Caution
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
If you miss a dose
If you miss a dose, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses together.
Quick tips
- Do not stop it suddenly; your doctor will lower the dose slowly.
- Take only the dose prescribed — misuse of this medicine has been reported.
- Avoid getting overheated in hot weather or during exercise, as it reduces sweating.
- Tell your doctor if you have glaucoma, problems passing urine, or heart problems.
Substitutes
Same salts in the same strength from other makers. Only switch brands on your doctor's or pharmacist's advice; our pharmacist checks every order against the prescription.
Fact box
- Chemical class
- Piperidine derivative (tertiary amine)
- Therapeutic class
- Neurology / anti-Parkinson
- Action class
- Anticholinergic (antimuscarinic)
- Habit forming
- No
- Prescription
- Required
Interactions with other medicines
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin and herbal product you take.
| Medicine | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Other medicines with anticholinergic effects (some antihistamines, tricyclic antidepressants, flavoxate) | More dry mouth, constipation, urinary problems and confusion |
| Alcohol, sedatives and sleeping pills | More drowsiness and confusion |
| Antacids | May reduce absorption; take them at different times |
This page is general information to help you understand your medicine. It is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Do not start, stop or change a medicine on your own.
Written by the Asthra Health Care team from the approved prescribing information (Trihexyphenidyl prescribing information (CDSCO-approved labelling); NICE BNF: trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride). Pharmacist review pending.