How does it work?

This medicine contains the active ingredient benzhexol hydrochloride (sometimes known as trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride), which is a type of medicine called an anticholinergic. Anticholinergic medicines (sometimes called antimuscarinics) work by preventing the activity of a neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Neurotransmitters are chemical compounds that are found in the brain and nerves, and act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. There are various different neurotransmitters in the body, with various different functions. Several diseases and conditions involve either overactivity or underactivity of certain neurotransmitters. In Parkinson's disease there is a deficiency in the brain of a neurotransmitter called dopamine. Normally in the brain there is a balance between the activity of dopamine and the activity of acetylcholine. However, in Parkinson's disease, the deficiency of dopamine causes overactivity of acetylcholine. This causes some of the symptoms of the disease. Benzhexol works by blocking the receptors that acetylcholine acts on. This reduces the activity of the acetylcholine, and helps restore the balance of acetylcholine and dopamine in the brain. In this way, benzhexol helps control some of the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is most effective at reducing the tremor and rigidity associated with the disease, but it has little effect on the slow movements (bradykinesia). By contrast, some mental illnesses, for example schizophrenia, are associated with overactivity of dopamine in the brain. Antipsychotic medicines that are used to treat these diseases work by decreasing the activity of dopamine in the brain. However, because they decrease dopamine they can produce side effects that resemble the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These side effects are known as extrapyramidal side effects, and include abnormal face and body movements, restlessness and tremor. Benzhexol is therefore also used to reduce this type of side effect.

What is it used for?

Abnormal movements of the hands, legs, face, neck and tongue (extrapyramidal symptoms) which are side effects of another medicine

Parkinson's disease

Warning!

This medicine is not recommended for use in children.

This medicine should not be stopped suddenly after long term use. It should be withdrawn gradually, following the instructions given by your doctor or pharmacist.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or a reduction in alertness. If affected, you should take care when performing potentially hazardous tasks such as driving or operating machinary.

Use with caution in

Decreased heart function

Decreased kidney function

Decreased liver function

Enlarged prostate gland

Glaucoma

High blood pressure

Obstruction of the gut

Obstruction of the reproductory and the excretory systems (genito-urinary obstruction)

Not to be used in

Known sensitivity or allergy to any ingredient

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

There is no information available on the safety of this medicine during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It should be used with caution, and only if the benefit outweighs any potential risk to the infant. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Constipation

Difficulty in sleeping (insomnia)

Confusion

Agitation

Restlessness

False perceptions of things that are not really there (hallucinations)

A state of well-being, optimism and cheerfulness (euphoria)

Memory problems

Blurred vision

Dry mouth

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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