Trihexyphenidyl is an antiparkinson agent of the antimuscarinic class of agents and is chemically a tertiary amine. It has been in clinical usage for decades. The drug is available as hydrochloride.
Pharmacology
The exact mechanism of action in parkinsonian syndromes is not precisely understood, but it is known that Trihexyphenidyl blocks efferent impulses in parasympathetically innervated structeres like smooth muscles (spasmolytic activity), salvia glands and eyes (mydriasis). In higher doses direct central inhibition of cerebral motor centers may contribute. In very high doses central toxicity as seen in
atropine overdose is noted.
Pharmacokinetics
Trihexyphenidyl is rapidly absorbed from the GI-Tract. The onset of action is within 1 hour after oral dosing. The peak activity is noted after 2 to 3 hours. The duration of action of one single dose is 6 to 12 hours in a dose dependent manner. It is excreted in the urine, probably as unchanged drug. More precise data in animals and humans have so far not been determined.
More on
[ Trihexyphenidyl ]
Trihexyphenidyl - Familydoctor.org - Information for patients in English and Spanish.