Artane (Trihexyphenidyl)

Common Use

Artane contains the active ingredient trihexyphenidyl, which belongs to a class of medications called anticholinergics—in simple terms, it works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain that control movement. It is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological condition where the brain produces less dopamine, leading to movement problems.

Artane helps control several symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including:

Rigidity (stiffness of the muscles)

Tremors (shaking, especially in the hands)

Drooling (excessive saliva)

Problems with walking and balance

Slowed movement (bradykinesia)

Artane can be prescribed alone or in combination with other medications such as levodopa for more effective management of Parkinson’s symptoms.

In addition, Artane is used to prevent or reduce similar movement symptoms (called extrapyramidal symptoms) caused by certain psychiatric medications, including:

Chlorpromazine (Thorazine)

Fluphenazine (Prolixin)

Perphenazine (Trilafon)

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Other antipsychotic medications

These medications can sometimes cause side effects such as muscle stiffness, restlessness, or involuntary movements, and Artane helps manage these unwanted effects.

Dosage and Direction

Artane should be used only by the patient for whom it has been prescribed. Do not take less or more, or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Artane comes in several forms:

Capsules

Tablets

Liquid (oral solution)

Controlled-release tablets

Standard forms (capsules, tablets, liquid): Usually taken 3–4 times a day, often with food and sometimes at bedtime to help with overnight symptoms

Controlled-release tablets: Usually taken once to twice a day, approximately every 12 hours

Your dosage depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to find the dose that works best for you.

Precautions

Before taking Artane, discuss with your doctor if you have:

Liver disease (liver impairment)

Kidney disease (renal impairment)

Glaucoma (especially narrow-angle glaucoma)

Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia)

Myasthenia gravis (a condition causing muscle weakness)

Urinary retention (difficulty emptying the bladder)

Heart problems

Important safety information:

Artane may cause dizziness or lightheadedness. Avoid drinking alcohol while taking this medication, as it can make these side effects worse

Do not drive or perform other unsafe activities (such as operating machinery) until you know how this medication affects you

Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice while taking Artane, as grapefruit can affect how the medication works

Proper dental care is needed while taking Artane, because anticholinergic medications can cause dry mouth, which may increase the risk of tooth decay. Brush and floss regularly and visit your dentist as recommended

If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor

Contraindications

You may need a special dosage adjustment, or you may not be able to take this medication, if you have:

Glaucoma (especially narrow-angle glaucoma)

Gastrointestinal problems such as obstruction or severe constipation

Enlarged prostate with urinary retention

Myasthenia gravis

Allergy to trihexyphenidyl or any of its components

Possible Side Effects

Serious side effects (require immediate medical attention) may include:

Severe neutropenia – very low white blood cell count, which can increase the risk of serious infections

Hemorrhage – bleeding, either in the gastrointestinal tract or in the brain (cerebral hemorrhage)

Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) – a rare blood disorder causing small clots to form throughout the body

Severe allergic reactions – rash, swelling, difficulty breathing

Common side effects may include:

Headache

Indigestion or heartburn

Flushing (redness and warmth of the skin)

Dry mouth

Blurred vision

Constipation

Dizziness

Nausea

Seek medical help immediately if your side effects do not ease off during several hours or if they become severe.

Drug Interactions

Artane can interact with several medications. Discuss with your doctor if you are taking any of the following:

Phenytoin (Dilantin) – a seizure medication

Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) – used for breast cancer

Tolbutamide (Orinase) – a diabetes medication

Torsemide (Demadex) – a diuretic (water pill)

Fluvastatin (Lescol) – a cholesterol-lowering medication

Blood thinners (anticoagulants) such as:

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Heparin, enoxaparin (Lovenox), dalteparin (Fragmin)

Dipyridamole (Persantine)

Ticlopidine (Ticlid)

Streptokinase, urokinase, and other clot-busting medications

This list is not complete. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter products, and herbal supplements.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember—unless it is almost time for your next dose. If that’s the case, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Overdose

The specific symptoms of Artane overdose are not fully known, but they may include severe confusion, hallucinations, extreme drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, difficulty urinating, and seizures. If you think that you have overdosed on this medicine, seek medical help immediately.

Storage

Store Artane at room temperature between 15–30°C (59–86°F), away from heat, moisture, light, and out of reach of children.

Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications, which does not cover all directions, possible drug interactions, or precautions. Information on this site cannot be used for self-treatment or self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed upon with your healthcare adviser or the doctor in charge of your case. We disclaim reliability of this information and any mistakes it may contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special, or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site, nor for the consequences of self-treatment.

About Our Service Cydoctors.com is an online pharmacy based right here in Cyprus. We understand that managing Parkinson’s disease or medication-induced movement symptoms requires consistency, reliability, and support—so we’ve made our service straightforward, dependable, and built with your convenience in mind. Because we’re local to the island, we can arrange delivery in the shortest possible time. For our customers in Nicosia, Limassol, and Larnaca, we’re pleased to offer overnight delivery, so your Artane can be with you by the next day, helping you manage your symptoms and stay steady on your feet.