Medical Editor: John P. Cunha, DO, FACOEP
What Is Benztropine Mesylate?
Benztropine mesylate is an anti-Parkinson's agent and anticholinergic agent used as an adjunct treatment in the therapy of all forms of Parkinsonism. Benztropine mesylate is also used to help control extrapyramidal disorders, which are side effects that may result from taking anti-psychotic medications. Benztropine mesylate is available in generic form.
What Are Side Effects of Benztropine Mesylate?
Common side effects of benztropine mesylate include:
- rapid heart rate,
- constipation,
- vomiting,
- nausea,
- dry mouth,
- confusion,
- memory problems,
- visual hallucinations,
- nervousness,
- depression,
- numbness in fingers,
- blurred vision,
- dilated pupils,
- problems with urination,
- allergic reaction such as skin rash,
- abdominal cramps,
- constipation,
- tiredness, and
- fever.
Dosage for Benztropine Mesylate
To treat Parkinson's disease, the usual daily dose of benztropine mesylate is 1 to 2 mg, with a range of 0.5 to 6 mg orally or parenterally. In treating extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines), the recommended dosage is 1 to 4 mg once or twice a day orally or parenterally.
What Drugs, Substances, or Supplements Interact with Benztropine Mesylate?
Benztropine mesylate may interact with antipsychotic drugs, or antidepressants. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.
Benztropine Mesylate During Pregnancy or Breastfeeding
Safe use in pregnancy has not been established. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Additional Information
Our benztropine mesylate Side Effects Drug Center provides a comprehensive view of available drug information on the potential side effects when taking this medication.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
QUESTION
Parkinson's disease is only seen in people of advanced age. See AnswerGet emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- dry mouth that causes trouble talking or swallowing;
- little or no urination;
- uncontrolled muscle movements;
- vomiting, severe constipation;
- fast heartbeats;
- muscle weakness;
- blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
- confusion, hallucinations; or
- severe skin rash.
Common side effects may include:
- dry mouth;
- blurred vision;
- constipation; or
- nausea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
SLIDESHOW
Dementia, Alzheimer's Disease, and Aging Brains See SlideshowSIDE EFFECTS
The adverse reactions below, most of which are antichlolinergic in nature, have been reported and within each category are listed in order of decreasing severity.
Cardiovascular
Digestive
Paralytic ileus, constipation, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth.
If dry mouth is so severe that there is difficulty in swallowing or speaking, or loss of appetite and weight, reduce dosage, or discontinue the drug temporarily.
Slight reduction in dosage may control nausea and still give sufficient relief of symptoms. Vomiting may be controlled by temporary discontinuation, followed by resumption at a lower dosage.
Nervous System
Toxic psychosis, including confusion, disorientation, memory impairment, visual hallucinations; exacerbation of pre-existing psychotic symptoms; nervousness; depression; listlessness; numbness of fingers.
Special Senses
Blurred vision, dilated pupils.
Urogenital
Urinary retention, dysuria.
Metabolic/Immune or Skin
Occasionally, an allergic reaction, e.g., skin rash, develops. If this can not be controlled by dosage reduction, the medication should be discontinued.
Other
Heat stroke, hyperthermia, fever.
Read the entire FDA prescribing information for Benztropine Mesylate (Benztropine Mesylate)
© Benztropine Mesylate Patient Information is supplied by Cerner Multum, Inc. and Benztropine Mesylate Consumer information is supplied by First Databank, Inc., used under license and subject to their respective copyrights.
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