benztropine

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity;
Angle-closure glaucoma;
Tardive dyskinesia;
Pedi: Children <3 yr.

Use Cautiously in:

Prostatic hyperplasia;
Seizure disorders;
Cardiac arrhythmias;
OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Geri: Appears on Beers list. Not recommended for prevention or treatment of extrapyramidal symptoms due to antipsychotics in older adults; more effective agents available for treatment of Parkinson disease. Avoid use of oral formulation in older adults.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

CV: arrhythmias, hypotension, palpitations, tachycardia

Derm: ↓sweating

EENT: blurred vision, dry eyes, mydriasis

GI: constipation, dry mouth, ileus, nausea

GU: hesitancy, urinary retention

Neuro: confusion, depression, dizziness, hallucinations, headache, sedation, weakness

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

Additive anticholinergic effects with drugs sharing anticholinergic properties, such as antihistamines, phenothiazines, quinidine, disopyramide, and tricyclic antidepressants.
Counteracts the cholinergic effects of bethanechol.
Antacids and antidiarrheals may ↓ absorption.

Drug-Natural Products:

↑anticholinergic effect with angel's trumpet, jimson weed, and scopolia.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

(Generic available)

Tablets: 0.5 mg; 1 mg; 2 mg
Solution for injection: 1 mg/mL

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

Parkinsonism

PO (Adults ): 1–2 mg/day in 1–2 divided doses (range 0.5–6 mg/day).

Acute Dystonic Reactions

IM IV (Adults ): 1–2 mg initially; then 1–2 mg PO twice daily.

Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Reactions

PO IM IV (Adults ): 1–4 mg given once or twice daily (1–2 mg 2–3 times daily may also be used PO).

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Blocks cholinergic activity in the CNS, which is partially responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson disease.
Restores the natural balance of neurotransmitters in the CNS.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduction of rigidity and tremors.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: antiparkinson agents

Pharmacologic Classification: anticholinergics

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Well absorbed following PO and IM administration. IV administration results in complete bioavailability.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: Unknown.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(antidyskinetic activity)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
PO	1–2 hr	several days	24 hr
IM, IV	within min	unknown	24 hr

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain the purpose and side effects of benztropine. Encourage patient to take as directed. Take missed doses as soon as possible, up to 2 hr before the next dose. Taper gradually when discontinuing or a withdrawal reaction may occur (anxiety, tachycardia, insomnia, return of parkinsonian or extrapyramidal symptoms). Advise patient to read Patient Information before starting and with each Rx refill in case of changes.
May cause drowsiness or dizziness. Advise patient to avoid driving or other activities that require alertness until response to the drug is known.
Instruct patient that frequent rinsing of mouth, good oral hygiene, and sugarless gum or candy may ↓ dry mouth. Patient should notify health care professional if dryness persists (saliva substitutes may be used). Also, notify the dentist if dryness interferes with use of dentures.
Caution patient to change positions slowly to minimize orthostatic hypotension.
Instruct patient to notify health care professional if difficulty with urination, constipation, abdominal discomfort, rapid or pounding heartbeat, confusion, eye pain, or rash occur.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult with health care professional before taking other medications, especially cold remedies, or drinking alcoholic beverages.
Caution patient that this medication ↓ perspiration. Overheating may occur during hot weather. Patient should notify health care professional if unable to remain indoors in an air-conditioned environment during hot weather.
Advise patient to avoid taking antacids or antidiarrheals within 1–2 hr of this medication.
Emphasize the importance of routine follow-up exams.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

Pronunciation ⬆ ⬇

Code ⬆

NDC Code

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-826- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-826-02- 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-826-02)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-826- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-826-07- 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-826-07)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-826- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-826-15- 1000 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-826-15)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-827- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-827-02- 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-827-02)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-827- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-827-07- 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-827-07)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-827- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-827-15- 1000 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-827-15)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-832- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-832-02- 30 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-832-02)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-832- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-832-07- 100 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-832-07)

69097- Cipla USA Inc.
- 69097-832- Benztropine Mesylate
  - 69097-832-15- 1000 TABLET in 1 BOTTLE (69097-832-15)

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇