Paper I
2018 February (2010 Scheme) · 40 marks · 120 min

Question

Why is benzhexol used in the treatment of drug induced Parkinsonism.

Q91 marksShort Answers

Answer

Drug-induced parkinsonism results from D2 receptor blockade (e.g., by antipsychotics), which disrupts the normal dopamine-acetylcholine balance in the striatum, leading to relative cholinergic overactivity. Since levodopa is ineffective here (the problem is receptor blockade, not dopamine deficiency, and levodopa can worsen the underlying psychosis), benzhexol (trihexyphenidyl), a centrally-acting anticholinergic, is used instead to restore the dopamine-acetylcholine balance by blocking the excess cholinergic activity, relieving the extrapyramidal symptoms.

Other Years Asked


Revise MBBS
Preview