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.

Prescription:

Prescription-only.

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).