From the FDA Drug Label
Benztropine mesylate tablets, USP are indicated for use as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism. Useful also in the control of extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia - see PRECAUTIONS) due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines). The use of Benztropine is as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism and in the control of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs, except for tardive dyskinesia 1.
- Key uses:
- Adjunct in parkinsonism therapy
- Control of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs Note that the specific dosage and administration instructions can be found in the drug label, but the primary use of Benztropine is outlined above 1.
From the Research
Use of Benztropine
- Benztropine is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and drug-induced extrapyramidal disorders 2
- It is also used to treat drooling in developmentally-disabled patients, with a significant decrease in drooling demonstrated in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study 3
- Benztropine is used to prevent or treat dystonia, a type of movement disorder, with a non-significantly lower rate of dystonia compared to placebo in a prospective, double-blind trial 4
- It is often used in non-tardive dyskinesia drug-induced movement disorders, but frequently continued for more than 3 months or used in tardive dyskinesia, despite risks of worsening tardive dyskinesia or adverse effects 5
Clinical Efficacy and Pharmacokinetics
- Benztropine has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of dystonia, with a relatively low incidence of anticholinergic side effects 4
- The effect of benztropine on haloperidol-induced dystonia has been demonstrated, with no differences noted in haloperidol mean dose, haloperidol blood levels, or BPRS scores between benztropine and placebo groups 4
Abuse and Overdose
- Benztropine abuse and overdose have been reported, with a case report of recreational overdose in a 19-year-old schizophrenic patient presenting with delirium and anticholinergic manifestations 6
- The literature on benztropine abuse and overdose has been reviewed, highlighting the need for physicians to be aware of the risks of anticholinergic abuse 6