Description:

Paxol 5mg Tablets (benzhexol) is a prescription medication containing trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (also known as benzhexol), an anticholinergic/antimuscarinic agent. It is used to treat Parkinson’s disease (to reduce tremors, muscle stiffness, and slow movement) and to control extrapyramidal side effects (drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia, dystonia) caused by antipsychotic medications (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine). It works by blocking muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the brain, restoring dopamine-acetylcholine balance disrupted in parkinsonism. In Ghana (Accra), Paxol (or similar benzhexol 5mg tablets) is available in pharmacies as an affordable option for Parkinson’s symptom management or antipsychotic side effect control.

Prescription:

Prescription-only (requires a doctor’s prescription in Ghana; dispensed by pharmacies with Rx, typically from a neurologist, psychiatrist, or GP due to anticholinergic risks and need for monitoring; not OTC).

Therapeutic Category:

Anticholinergic / Antimuscarinic Agent (for Parkinson’s disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.

Active Ingredients/Composition:

• Active ingredient: Trihexyphenidyl hydrochloride (benzhexol hydrochloride) 5 mg per tablet. Other ingredients (excipients, typical BP formulation): Lactose monohydrate, maize starch, povidone, magnesium stearate, talc, sodium starch glycolate, and film-coating agents (e.g., hypromellose, titanium dioxide). Tablets are uncoated or film-coated (often white/off-white, round, flat, bevelled).

Vitamins: None.

Minerals: None.

Variant:

• Paxol 5mg Tablets (standard 5mg strength; common pack sizes 10, 30, or 100 tablets). Related variants: Benzhexol 2mg tablets (lower dose for starting or children), Artane (original brand name for trihexyphenidyl), or liquid forms (elixir/suspension). The 5mg tablet is the most common adult dose.

Consume Type:

Oral – Tablet (swallow whole with water; can be taken with or without food).

Directions/Usage:

Take exactly as prescribed (start low and titrate slowly to minimize side effects).

• Parkinson’s disease: Starting dose usually 1–2 mg daily (often at bedtime); increase gradually by 2 mg every 3–5 days to usual maintenance 5–15 mg/day (divided 3–4 times daily).
• Drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms: 1–4 mg once or twice daily (up to 5–10 mg/day).
• Maximum daily dose: Usually 20 mg (divided doses).
• Take with food if stomach upset occurs.
• Do not stop suddenly (risk of withdrawal symptoms); taper under supervision.

Common Side Effects: Common (anticholinergic):

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision / dilated pupils
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Drowsiness / dizziness
• Confusion (especially elderly) Other: Nausea, headache, nervousness. Rare/serious (seek help): Confusion/delirium, hallucinations, tachycardia, heat stroke (reduced sweating), glaucoma precipitation, or severe allergic reactions.

Package Type:

Blister packs (commonly 10 tablets per strip, packs of 3×10 = 30 tablets or 10×10 = 100 tablets; foil blisters in carton with patient leaflet).

Storage Advice:

Store at room temperature (below 25–30°C) in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. Keep in original packaging, tightly closed, and out of reach of children.

Safety Advice:

• High anticholinergic burden—caution in elderly (risk of confusion/delirium), glaucoma (may precipitate acute angle-closure), prostate enlargement (urinary retention), or gastrointestinal obstruction.
• Contraindicated in untreated narrow-angle glaucoma, pyloric/duodenal obstruction, achalasia, myasthenia gravis, or megacolon.
• Caution in pregnancy/breastfeeding (limited data; use only if benefits outweigh risks), cardiovascular disease, or epilepsy.
• May cause drowsiness—avoid driving/machinery until effects known.
• Monitor for cognitive impairment or worsening parkinsonism.
• If severe confusion, hallucinations, fast heartbeat, or urinary issues occur, seek urgent care.
• Keep out of reach of children (overdose toxicity).

Product Substitutes:

Similar trihexyphenidyl (benzhexol) 5mg tablets available in Ghana include:

• Generic benzhexol 5mg tablets (various importers).
• Artane (original brand by Sanofi if stocked).
• Other brands like Trihexyphenidyl generics. Alternatives: Biperiden (Akineton), procyclidine, or benztropine (for extrapyramidal symptoms); levodopa/carbidopa for Parkinson’s (consult neurologist). Available at pharmacies like Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy in Accra.

Manufacturer/Marketer:

Varies by batch (Paxol is a branded generic; often manufactured by Indian companies like Intas, Cipla, or local Ghanaian producers for export). Marketed/distributed in Ghana by local importers/pharmacies (e.g., Scab Pharmacy, Country Medical Pharmacy).

Country of Origin:

India (primary source for Paxol benzhexol 5mg tablets imported to Ghana; BP-compliant generics common in African markets).