Chemical Name:            Trihexphenidyl HCL

Brand Name:              Artane

Manufacturer:           Lederle Pharmaceutical Division

Description:            A synthetic antispasmodic

 

Indications and Use:  Indicated for adjunctive therapy of all forms of parkinsonism.  Often useful as adjuvant treatment when treating forms of parkinsonism with levodopa.  Indicated for the control of extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia) due to central nervous system drugs such as phenothiazines.

Contraindications, Warnings and Precautions:  A gonioscope evaluation and close monitoring of intraocular pressure is recommended at periodic intervals. Closely observe patients with high blood pressure, cardiac, liver or kidney disorders. Use cautiously in patients with glaucoma, GI or urinary obstruction and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy.  Antiparkinsonism agents do not alleviate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, and in some instances may aggravate them.  Tardive dyskinesia may appear in some patients on long-term therapy with antipsychotic drugs.  However, tardive dyskinesia and parkinsonism often coexist in patients taking antipsychotics and treatment with Artane may relieve some of the parkinsonism symptoms.

Adverse Reactions:  Possible common side effects may include dry mouth, blurry vision, dizziness, mild nausea or nervousness.  Less common side effects may include headache, hallucinations, drowsiness, weakness, tachycardia, mydriasis, increase intraocular pressure, constipation, urinary hesitancy or urinary retention.

Dosing Range:  Dosage should be individualized according to reason for use and age of patient. 

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007