Description
COMPOSITION :
Each Arkine caplet contains 2 mg of Trihexyphenidyl HCl.
ACTIONS :
Trihexyphenidyl exerts a direct inhibitory effect on the parasympathetic nervous system. It also has a relaxing effect on smooth muscles.
INDICATIONS :
For the treatment of all forms of Parkinson’s disease.
Drug induced parkinsonism.
DOSAGE & ADMINISTRATION :
The effective dose of Arkine is usually in the range of 6 – 10 mg. Optimal dosage should always be determined empirically,
usually by initiating therapy at a relatively low level and by subsequent gradual increments until the required dose is achieved.
To initiate therapy, start with 1 mg on the 1st day, 2 mg on the 2nd day with further increases of 2 mg/day at 3 to 5 day
intervals until the optimum dose is reached.
Normal dosage for parkinsonism is 6 – 10 mg / day, although some patients chiefly in the post-encephalitic group may require
an average total dose of 12 – 15 mg daily.
It should be given orally either 3 or 4 times a day at mealtimes. Arkine may be taken before or after meals according to the
way the patient reacts. If Arkine tends to dry the mouth excessively, it may be better to take it before meals, unless it causes
nausea. If taken after meals, induced thirst can be allayed by peppermint, chewing gum or water.
Elderly : Patients > 65 years tend to be relatively more sensitive and require smaller amounts of trihexyphenidyl HCl.
If patients are already being treated with other parasympathetic inhibitors, Arkine should be substituted as part of the therapy.
An increase of the dosage of Arkine should at the same time be followed by a progressive decrease in the dosage of the other
drugs.
Normal dosage for drug-induced parkinsonism is usually 5 – 15 mg/day, although some cases have been controlled by 1 mg
daily.
SIDE – EFFECTS :
Minor side effects, eg dryness of the mouth, blurred vision, dizziness, mild nausea or nervousness will be experienced by 30 –
50 % of all patients. These reactions tend to become less pronounced as treatment continues. Patients with arteriosclerosis or
with a history of other drug idiosyncrasies may exhibit reactions of mental confusion, agitation or nausea and vomiting. Such
patients should be allowed to develop a tolerance using the smaller initial dose, with gradual increases until the effective level
is reached.
PRECAUTIONS :
Since the use of Arkine must, of necessity, continue indefinitely, the patient should be under careful observation over the long
term. It should be administered with care to avoid allergic or other untoward reactions Arkine 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.
PACKING :
10 x 10’s tablet per box
Reg.No.DKL 8821002904A2
On medical prescription only.
