Benztropine

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[[Image:|220px|Benztropine chemical structure]] Benztropine
3-benzhydryloxy-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane IUPAC name
CAS number 86-13-5	ATC code N04AC01
PubChem 331152	DrugBank APRD00748
Chemical formula	{{{chemical_formula}}}
Molecular weight	307.429 g/mol
Bioavailability
Metabolism
Elimination half-life	3-6 hours
Excretion
Pregnancy category	C
Legal status
Routes of administration	oral, IM, IV

Benztropine (Cogentin®) is an anticholinergic drug principally used for the treatment of:

• Drug-induced parkinsonism, akathisia and acute dystonia;
• Parkinson disease; and
• Idiopathic or secondary dystonia.

Indications

It is used in patients with schizophrenia to reduce the side effects of antipsychotic treatment, such as parkinsonism and akathisia.

Benztropine is also a second-line drug for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It improves tremor but not rigidity or bradykinesia.

Benztropine is also sometimes used for the treatment of dystonia, a rare disorder that causes abnormal muscle contraction, resulting in twisting postures of limbs, trunk, or face.

Side effects

These are principally anticholinergic:

• Dry mouth
• Blurred vision
• Cognitive changes
• Constipation
• Urinary retention
• Tachycardia
• Anorexia
• Psychosis (usually in overdose)

Some studies suggest that use of anticholinergics increases the risk of tardive dyskinesia, a long-term side effect of antipsychotics.[1][2] Other studies have found no association between anticholinergic exposure and risk of developing tardive dyskinesia.[3]

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