Drug Name

Artane (Trihexyphenidyl)

Drug Uses

Artane alters unusual nerve impulses and relaxes stiff muscles.

How to use

Use Artane as directed by your doctor.

• Take Artane by mouth before or after meals.
• If Artane tends to dry your mouth excessively, it may be better to take it before meals, unless it causes nausea. If taken after meals, thirst can be improved by sucking hard sugarless candy, chewing gum, or drinking water.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Artane.

Drug Class and Mechanism

Artane is used to treat the stiffness, tremors, spasms, and poor muscle control of Parkinson's disease. It is also used to treat and prevent the same muscular conditions when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), haloperidol (Haldol), thiothixene (Navane), and others.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Artane and are taking it regularly, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Artane at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep in a tight, light-resistant container. Keep Artane out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not use Artane if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Artane.

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important:

• Artane may cause dizziness, drowsiness, or blurred vision. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Artane with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
• Artane may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting; alcohol, hot weather, exercise, or fever may increase these effects. To prevent them, sit up or stand slowly, especially in the morning. Sit or lie down at the first sign of any of these effects.
• Do not become overheated in hot weather or while you are being active; heatstroke may occur.
• Lab tests, including eye exams, may be performed while you use Artane. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• Pregnancy and breast-feeding: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Artane while you are pregnant. It is not known if Artane is found in breast milk. If you are or will be breast-feeding while you use Artane, check with your doctor. Discuss any possible risks to your baby.

Possible Side Effects

Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:

• blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; headache; increased sensitivity of the eyes to light; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; trembling of the hands; vomiting; weakness.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these severe side effects occur:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); agitation; chest pain; confusion; delusions; difficult swallowing; difficult urination; facial pain or swelling; fast or pounding heartbeat; fever or chills; hallucinations; mood or mental changes; severe constipation; swollen throat glands; uncontrolled movements.

More Information

Artane is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.