Trihexyphenidyl: MedlinePlus Drug Information

T Why is this medication prescribed?
P Trihexyphenidyl is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease and tremors caused by other medical problems or drugs.
P This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

T How should this medicine be used?
P Trihexyphenidyl comes as a tablet, liquid, and extended-release (long-acting) capsule to take by mouth. It usually is taken three or four times a day (with meals and at bedtime). The controlled-release capsules are taken once a day (after breakfast) or twice a day, every 12 hours. You may have to take trihexyphenidyl for a long time to treat Parkinson's disease. However, trihexyphenidyl may only be needed for a short period to treat other conditions. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take trihexyphenidyl exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
P Do not stop taking trihexyphenidyl suddenly without talking with your doctor, especially if you are also taking other medications. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.
P Do not open the extended-release capsules and do not chew the tablets. Swallow them whole.

T What special precautions should I follow?
t Before taking trihexyphenidyl,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to trihexyphenidyl or any other drugs.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially amantadine (Symmetrel), digoxin, haloperidol (Haldol), levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet), tranquilizers, and vitamins.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney or liver disease, myasthenia gravis, heart or blood pressure problems, problems with your urinary system or prostate, or stomach problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking trihexyphenidyl, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking trihexyphenidyl.
- you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects you.
- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this drug.

T What special dietary instructions should I follow?
P Trihexyphenidyl may cause an upset stomach. Take trihexyphenidyl with food or milk.

T What should I do if I forget a dose?
P Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

T What side effects can this medication cause?
t Trihexyphenidyl may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- drowsiness
- dizziness or blurred vision
- dry mouth
- upset stomach
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- increased eye sensitivity to light
- difficulty urinating
t If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- skin rash
- fast, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
- fever
- confusion
- depression
- delusions or hallucinations
- eye pain
P If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

T What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
P Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).
P Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.
P It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

T In case of emergency/overdose
P In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

T What other information should I know?
P Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to trihexyphenidyl.
P Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
P It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
P 

T Brand names
- Artane®¶
- Tremin®¶

