Trihexyphenidyl oral elixir

What is this medicine?

TRIHEXYPHENIDYL (trye hex ee FEN i dil) is for Parkinsonism or for movement problems caused by certain drugs.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Use a specially marked spoon or container to measure your medicine. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you should take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• hallucinations, loss of contact with reality

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety or nervousness

• dizziness

• nausea

• tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

• atropine

• antihistamines for allergy, cough and cold

• certain medicines for bladder problems like oxybutynin, tolterodine

• certain medicines for stomach problems like dicyclomine, hyoscyamine

• certain medicines for Parkinson's disease like benztropine

• certain medicines for travel sickness like scopolamine

• ipratropium

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma

• heart disease

• high blood pressure

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• prostate problems

• an unusual or allergic reaction to trihexyphenidyl, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe. Your doctor or health care professional may want you to have eye exams while you are taking this medicine.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.