Benztropine Mesylate

Benztropine Mesylate is an oral drug used as an adjunct in the treatment of all forms of parkinsonism. This is also used to control extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia) due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines).

BenztropineMesylate is available as 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg tablets.

Instructions

You should read the product information leaflet before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication should be taken by mouth as instructed by your doctor. Do not crush or chew the drug because it may diminish its effects. This medication should be taken with a full glass of water unless your doctor tells you otherwise. You should swallow the drug whole.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and the way you will respond to treatment. Take this drug regularly to experience the most benefits. You should also take this drug at the same time each day.

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Continue to use it as prescribed by your doctor or as stated on the package label.

Interactions

Benztropine may interact with medications such as:

• Pramlintide
• Anticholinergics/antispasmodics (e.g., belladonna alkaloids, clidinium)
• Amantadine
• Certain antiarrhythmics (e.g., disopyramide, procainamide, quinidine)
• Cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., donepezil, galantamine)
• Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone)
• MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
• Motion sickness medication (e.g., meclizine, scopolamine)
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., meperidine)
• Potassium tablets/capsules
• Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, doxepin)
• Certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
• Anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety (e.g., alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem)
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (e.g., risperidone, trazodone)

Side Effects

There are no side effects known aside from a possible allergic reaction in people who have previous or unknown hypersensitivity to the drug.

Watch out for signs of allergic reactions such as:

• Rash
• Itching
• Swelling

Warnings

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have the following:

• Allergy to benztropine
• Certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma)
• Blockage of the bladder/esophagus/stomach/intestines (e.g., bowel obstruction)
• Severe ulcerative colitis
• Alcohol use
• Breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema)
• Diarrhea caused by an infection
• Certain eye problem (open-angle glaucoma)
• Heart problems (e.g., angina, heart attack, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat)
• High/low blood pressure
• Intestinal problems (e.g., chronic constipation, ileus, ulcerative colitis)
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Mental/mood problems (e.g., anxiety, dementia, psychosis)
• Certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis)
• Certain nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy)
• Seizure
• Stomach problems (e.g., acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcer)
• Stroke
• Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)
• Problems urinating (e.g., due to enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder)
• Pregnancy or lactation