Review Drug

Brand names Artane, Broflex

Used in the following combined preparations None

GENERAL INFORMATION

Benzhexol is an anticholinergic drug that is sometimes used in the treatment of parkinsonism. It partially corrects the balance between dopamine and acetylcholine in the brain by reducing the effect of acetylcholine.

Benzhexol is moderately effective in reducing tremor, but is less effective against rigidity and slow movement. Because of side effects that are often troublesome, it is not as widely used as drugs such as levodopa. Benzhexol ism primarily prescribed together with levodopa to boost the response to treatment, and used alone for patients unable to tolerate levodopa.

Benzhexol is particularly useful in the treatment of the parkinsonian tremor induced by some drugs, most commonly antipsychotic drugs.

QUICK REFERENCE

Drug group Drug for parkinsonism

Overdose danger rating Medium

Dependence rating Medium

Prescription needed Yes

Available as generic No

INFORMATION FOR USERS

Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Do not alter dosage without checking with your doctor.

How taken

Tablets, liquid.

Frequency and timing of doses

3-4 x daily before or after meals.

Adult dosage range

Small doses initially; 5-15mg daily (maintenance dose).

Onset of effect

Within 1 hour.

Duration of action

6-8 hours.

Diet advice

None.

Storage

Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.

Missed dose

Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 2 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.

Stopping the drug

Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor. Stopping the drug may lead to worsening of the underlying condition.

Exceeding the dose

An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. If a large overdose has been taken, seek immediate medical advice.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE EFFECTS

Many patients taking benzhexol experience dry mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, nausea, or nervousness. These reactions usually subside as treatment continues. If dry mouth is a problem, use peppermints, chewing gum, or water to ease
dryness, and take benzhexol before meals. If nausea is a problem, take after meals.

INTERACTIONS

Glyceryl trinitrate may be less effective in the relief of heart pain because the dry mouth associated with benzhexol may prevent the drug from dissolving under the tongue.

SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS

Be sure to tell your doctor if:

You suffer from or have a family history of glaucoma.

You have long-term liver or kidney problems.

You have a heart condition or raised blood pressure.

You suffer from prostate problems.

You have obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal or urinary tract.

You have had a psychiatric illness.

You suffer from arteriosclerosis.

You are taking other medications.

Pregnancy

Not usually prescribed. Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.

Breast-feeding

Not usually prescribed. Discuss with your doctor.

Infants and children

Not recommended.

Over 60

Reduced dose necessary.

Driving and hazardous work

Avoid such activities until you have learned how benzhexol affects you because the drug may cause blurred vision, dizziness, and confusion.

Alcohol

Avoid. Alcohol increases the likelihood of confusion while taking this drug.

Antihistamines may increase the side effects of benzhexol.

Antidepressant drugs may increase the side effects of benzhexol.

PROLONGED USE

No problems expected.

Monitoring Periodic checks are carried out on blood pressure, heart function, and general well-being; eye examinations are carried out at intervals to check for glaucoma.