What is benztropine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)?
Benztropine is an oral and injectable synthetic
medication. It is structurally similar to atropine (AtroPen) and diphenhydramine
(Benadryl). Benztropine has anticholinergic effects. Anticholinergic drugs block
the action of acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter (chemical) that nerves use to
communicate with other nerves.
In Parkinson's there is an imbalance between levels of dopamine and
acetylcholine neurotransmitters. Benztropine helps restore balance by blocking
the action of acetylcholine in the central nervous system (brain and spinal
cord). Benztropine may also block the uptake and storage of dopamine in the
central nervous system (CNS),
resulting in the prolongation of the effects of dopamine. Benztropine was
approved by the U.S. Food and Administration (FDA) in 1954.
What brand names are available for benztropine?
Cogentin
Is benztropine available as a generic drug?
Yes
Do I need a prescription for benztropine?
Yes
What are the side effects of benztropine?
Side effects associated with benztropine treatment include
- rapid heartbeat,
- confusion,
- depression,
- heat stroke,
- tiredness,
- memory problems,
- nervousness,
- numbness of fingers,
- psychotic symptoms,
- skin rash,
- constipation,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- dry mouth,
- urinary retention, and
- blurred vision.
Which drugs or supplements interact with benztropine?
: Co-adminstration of benztropine with other
anticholinergic agents increases the risk of anticholinergic side effects such
as:
- dry
mouth, - dry eyes,
- decreased urination,
- constipation, and
- mental confusion).
Commonly used drugs with moderate to significant anticholinergic effects are:
- amantadine (Symmetral),
- amoxapine,
bupropion (Wellbutrin), - clozapine (Clozaril),
- cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril),
- disopyramide (Norpace),
- maprotiline (Ludiomil),
- olanzapine (Zyprexa),
- orphenadrine (Norflex),
- first generation antihistamines
(for example, diphenhydramine), - phenothiazine, and
- tricyclic
anitdepressants.
Benztropine blocks the activity of acetylcholine and can cancel or interfere
with the action of drugs that increase gastrointestinal motility (movement of
food through the GI tract). Example of such drugs includes:
-
metoclopramide
(Reglan), - erythromycin (Erythrocin), and
- tegaserod (Zelnorm).
Umeclidinium (Incruse Ellipta) and tiotropium (Spiriva) may increase the
anticholinergic side effects of benztropine. Coadminstration of these agents
with benztropine is not recommended.
Benztropine may increase the blood levels of thiazide diuretics. Caution
should be used when these agents are used together.
Benztropine may increase the risk of stomach ulcers from using potassium
chloride (Klor-Con). Combination treatment with both agents is generally not
recommended.
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Is benztropine safe to take if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if benztropine is excreted in breast milk.
However, antimuscarinic agents have been reported to suppress lactation in
animals and decrease prolactin levels in the blood of nursing mothers. Due to
the lack of safety data, benztropine should be used cautiously in
females who are
breastfeeding or avoided.
What else should I know about benztropine?
What preparations of benztropine are available?
- Tablets: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
- Solution for injection: 1 mg/ 1 ml
How should I keep benztropine stored?
Tablets should be stored at room temperature between 15 C to 30 C
(59 F to 86 F). Injection solution should be stored at controlled room
temperature between 19.44 C and 25 C (68 F and 77 F).