Trihexyphenidyl

The Basics

What is Trihexyphenidyl?

Used along with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and to control extrapyramidal symptoms (tremor, slurred speech) that can be caused by certain medications

Brand names for Trihexyphenidyl

Artane

How Trihexyphenidyl is classified

Antiparkinson Agents, Muscarinic Antagonists, Parasympatholytics

Trihexyphenidyl During Pregnancy

Trihexyphenidyl pregnancy category

Category CNote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Trihexyphenidyl while pregnant

TERATOGENIC EFFECTS PREGNANCY CATEGORY C РAnimal reproduction studies to evaluate teratogenic andembryotoxic potentiaLhave not been conducted with ARTANE. It is also not known whether ARTAN can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman or can affect reproduction capacity. ARTANE should be given to a pregnant woman only if clearly neéded.

Taking Trihexyphenidyl While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Trihexyphenidyl?

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of trihexyphenidyl up to 4 mg daily together with haloperidol did not produce any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Long-term use of trihexyphenidyl might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).

Maternal / infant drug levels

Limited information indicates that maternal doses of trihexyphenidyl up to 4 mg daily together with haloperidol did not produce any adverse effects in breastfed infants. Long-term use of trihexyphenidyl might reduce milk production or milk letdown, but a single dose is not likely to interfere with breastfeeding. During long-term use, observe for signs of decreased lactation (e.g., insatiety, poor weight gain).

Possible effects of Trihexyphenidyl on milk supply

Anticholinergics can inhibit lactation in animals, apparently by inhibiting growth hormone and oxytocin secretion.[2][3][4][5][6] Anticholinergic drugs can also reduce serum prolactin in nonnursing women.[7] The prolactin level in a mother with established lactation may not affect her ability to breastfeed.

One woman with schizophrenia took trihexyphenidyl and haloperidol during 3 pregnancies and postpartum. She was able to breastfeed (extent not stated) all 3 children for 6 to 8 months.[1] The prolactin elevating effect of haloperidol might have counteracted any prolactin lowering effect of trihexyphenidyl.

Possible alternatives to Trihexyphenidyl

None listed