ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses benztropine, a neuropsychotropic drug. It presents the approved indications of the drug for neuropsychological disorders, usual dosage and administration, available dosage forms, storage, and compatibility, and the mechanism of action. Information on relative contraindications, clinically significant drug interactions, adverse drug reactions, and overdosage is also provided. Sold under the trade name Cogentin®, benztropine is prescribed for drug-induced and idiopathic Parkinson’s disease. The injectable formulation of benztropine rarely is used except in cases of acute dystonic reactions or when the benztropine oral tablets are contraindicated (e.g., when patients are agitated or confused or have nausea and vomiting). The mechanism of action may be directly related to its anticholinergic activity. Benztropine blocks cholinergic receptors in the basal ganglia. The adverse drug reactions, such as increased heart rate (tachycardia), are usually dose-related and can be reduced or eliminated by decreasing the dosage of benztropine.
