BENZATROPINE

Benzatropine is a drug that belongs to a class of medicines known as centrally-acting anticholinergic agents. This drug has antihistamine activity. It is able to restore balance between the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and dopamine by antagonising the effect of acetylcholine. This further improves the symptoms of early Parkinson’s disease.

Uses

It is used in the treatment of the following:

Extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotic treatment
Parkinson’s disease
Dystonia

Warnings

Benzatropine should not be given to children below 3 years old.

Side Effects

Benzatropine may give rise to side effects such as the following:

Tachycardia
Dry mouth
Constipation
Nausea
Vomiting
Paralytic ileus
Toxic psychosis (including exacerbation of pre-existing psychotic symptoms, disorientation, confusion, memory impairment, visual hallucinations, nervousness, depression, listlessness, finger)
Blurred vision
Dilated pupils
Dysuria
Urinary retention
Allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash)
Fever
Severe anhidrosis which may lead to hyperthermia

Precautions

Precautions

Take extra caution in patients with the following medical conditions:

Tachycardia
Obstructive disease of the GI tract (e.g. pyloric or duodenal obstruction)
Glaucoma
Prostatic hyperplasia
Urinary stricture or retention
During hot weather, especially in those taking atropine-like drugs
Chronic illness
Alcoholics
Brain disease
Tardive dyskinesia
Pregnancy and lactation

Interactions

Benzatropine may interact with the following medicines:

Phenothiazines
Haloperidol
Other drugs with anticholinergic or antidopaminergic activity
TCAs
CNS depressants (e.g. sedatives and hypnotics, anxiolytics)
Ketoconazole
Parasympathomimetics (including both direct cholinergic receptor agonists and cholinesterase inhibitors)
Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors

Overdose & Brands

Symptoms of overdose include the following:

CNS depression preceded or followed by stimulation, nervousness, confusion, listlessness, hallucinations (especially visual)
Muscle weakness
Ataxia
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Mydriasis
Blurred vision
Glaucoma
Palpitations
Nausea
Vomiting
Tachycardia
Finger numbness
Dysuria
Allergic reactions (e.g. skin rash)
Dysphagia
Headache
Constipation
Convulsions
Delirium
Shock
Respiratory arrest
Anhidrosis
Hyperthermia
Coma
Hot, dry or flushed skin
Seek emergency medical help immediately.

Available Brand:

Cogentin