benztropin

Benztropin, more commonly spelled benztropine, is a centrally acting anticholinergic medication used in the management of Parkinson's disease and extrapyramidal symptoms caused by antipsychotic drugs. It is typically available as benztropine mesylate in oral tablet and injectable forms.

Mechanism and uses: Benztropine is a competitive antagonist of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors in the central nervous system. By reducing cholinergic activity in the basal ganglia, it helps rebalance dopamine and acetylcholine signaling and can alleviate tremor and rigidity. It is often used as an adjunct to levodopa therapy in Parkinson's disease and can be employed to treat or prevent acute dystonic reactions produced by antipsychotic medications. It is generally less effective for bradykinesia.

Administration and dosing: Benztropine can be given orally or by intramuscular or intravenous injection. Dosing is individualized and typically started at a low level with gradual titration under medical supervision. In clinical practice, it may be used for short-term management of symptoms or as a supplementary treatment alongside other antiparkinsonian therapies.

Contraindications and precautions: It should be avoided in individuals with narrow-angle glaucoma, urinary retention, pyloric stenosis or other bowel obstruction, and in those with myasthenia gravis. Use with caution in the elderly due to higher susceptibility to cognitive and delirium-related side effects. Common anticholinergic adverse effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention, tachycardia, and confusion.

See also: benztropine mesylate, Parkinson’s disease, extrapyramidal symptoms. Note: "Benztropin" may be encountered as an alternate spelling, but the standard pharmacologic name is benztropine.