Tricalm®

Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride

Prescribing Details



Description

Tricalm® is a preparation of Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride which is a synthetic antispasmodic. Trihexyphenidyl exerts a direct inhibitory effect upon the parasympathetic nervous system. It also has a relaxing effect on smooth musculature; exerted both directly upon the muscle tissue itself and indirectly through an inhibitory effect upon the parasympathetic nervous system. Its therapeutic properties are similar to those of atropine.


Uses
No Data

Indications

Tricalm® is indicated-

  • In the treatment of all forms of Parkinsonism (postencephalitic, arteriosclerotic and idiopathic)
  • As adjuvant therapy in treating Parkinsonism with levodopa
  • In reducing the rigidity of muscle spasm, tremor and excessive salivation associated with Parkinsonism
  • To control extrapyramidal disorders caused by central nervous system drugs such as the dibenzoxazepines, phenothiazines, thioxanthenes and butyrophenones

Dosage and administration

Adults
The usual dosage for Parkinsonism is 6 to 10 mg per day. It should be given orally either 3 or 4 times a day at mealtimes.

In Idiopathic Parkinsonism
As initial therapy for Parkinsonism, 1 mg may be administered the first day. The dose may then be increased by 2 mg increments at intervals of 3 to 5 days until a total of 6 to 10 mg is given daily.

Concomitant use with Levodopa
When Trihexyphenidyl is used concomitantly with levodopa, the usual dose of each may need to be reduced. The total daily dosage usually 3 to 6 mg, in divided doses, is usually adequate.

Treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal disorder
The total daily intake of Trihexyphenidyl is tolerated best if divided into 3 doses & taken at mealtimes. High doses (more than 10 mg daily) may be divided into 4 parts, with 3 doses administered at mealtimes & the fourth at bedtime.

In drug-induced Parkinsonism
The total daily dosage usually ranges between 5 to 15 mg, although some cases have been controlled by 1 mg daily. In all cases, dosage should be increased or decreased only by small increments over a period of several days. In initial therapy the dose should be 1 mg the first day, 2 mg the second day with further increases of 2 mg per day at 3 to 5 days intervals until the optimum dose is reached.

Elderly
Patients over 65 years of age tend to be relatively more sensitive and require smaller amounts of the drug.

Children
Not recommended.


Use in pregnancy & lactation

Pregnancy
Trihcxyphenidlyl is a Prcgnam:y Category C. There is inadequate information regarding the use of Trihexyphenidyl in pregnancy.Trihcxyphcnidyl should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Lactation
It is not known whether Trihexyphenidyl or its active metabolites are excreted in human milk. Therefore, Trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in lactating mother.


Geriatric use
No Data

Precautions

Patients with cardiac, liver or kidney disorders or with hypertension should closely be observed. Since Trihexyphenidyl has parasympathetic activity, it should be used with caution in patients with glaucoma, obstructive disease of the gastrointestinal or genitourinary tracts and in elderly males with possible prostatic hypertrophy. Trihexyphenidyl is not recommended for use in patients with tardive dyskinesia unless they have concomitant Parkinson's disease.

Warnings
Trihexyphenidyl may be the subject of abuse (on the basis of hallucinogenic or euphoriant properties, common to all anti­cholinergic drugs) if given in sufficient amounts.


Side effects
The most common side effects are dryness of mouth with difficulty in swallowing, constipation, blurring of vision, dizziness, mild nausea, hypersensitivity & nervousness. Elderly and patients with arteriosclerosis may exhibit restlessness, confusional states, agitation, delusions, hallucinations, insomnia. Trihexyphenidyl may also causes dilatation of the pupils with loss of accommodation and photophobia, raised intraocular pressure, tachycardia, decreased bronchial secretions, constipation, nausea, vomiting, flushing and dryness of skin, skin rashes, urinary retention and difficulty in micturition.

Contraindications
Trihexyphenidyl is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to Trihexyphenidyl or any of the other ingredients. It is also contraindicated in patients with narrow angle glaucoma.

Drug interactions

Extra care should be taken when Trihexyphenidyl is given concomitantly with phenothiazines, clozapine, antihistamines, disopyramide, nefopam, amantadine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, tricyclic antidepressants, metocloprarnide, domperidone, levodopa and parasympathomimetics.


Overdose
Symptoms of overdose with antimuscarinic agents include flushing and dryness of the skin, dilated pupils, dry mouth and tongue, tachycardia, rapid respiration, hyperpyrexia, hypertension, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, confusion, hallucinations, paranoid, psychotic reactions, incoordination, delirium and occasionally convulsions. In severe overdose, CNS depression, circulatory and respiratory failure and death. Treatment should always be supportive. An adequate airway should be maintained. Diazepam may be administered to control excitement and convulsions but the risk of central nervous system depression should be considered. Hypoxia and acidosis should be corrected. Antiarrhythmic drugs are not recommended if dysrhythmias occur.

Preparation

No Data


Pharmaceutical precautions

Keep away from the reach of children. Store in a cool & dry place. Protect from light.


Presentation

Tricalm® 2 tablet: Each tahlet contains Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride USP 2 mg. 

Tricalm® 5 tablet: Each tahlet contains Trihexyphenidyl Hydrochloride USP 5 mg. 


Package quantities

Tricalm® 2 tablet: Carton of 50 tablets in blister pack.

Tricalm® 5 tablel: Carton of 50 tablels in blister pack.