BENZTROPINE |
|
BENZTROPINE
BRAND & GENERIC NAMES
Apo-Benztropine
Bensylagentin
PMS-Benztropine
BASIC INFORMATION
Habit forming? No
Prescription needed? Yes
Available as generic? Yes
Drug class: Antidyskinetic,
antiparkinsonism
USES
Treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Treatment of adverse effects of phenothiazines.
DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION
How to take:
Tablets -- Take with food to lessen stomach irritation.
When to take:
At the same times each day.
If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2
hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).
What drug does:
Improves muscle control and reduces stiffness.
Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 2 hours.
Don't take with:
Any other medicines, even over-the-counter drugs such as cough
and cold medicines, nose drops, diet pills, laxatives or
caffeine, without consulting your doctor.
OVERDOSE
SYMPTOMS:
Agitation, dilated pupils, hallucinations, dry mouth, rapid
heartbeat, sleepiness.
WHAT TO DO:
Dial 0 (operator) or 911 (emergency) for an ambulance or
medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
If the child is unconscious and not breathing, give mouth-to-
mouth breathing. If there is no heartbeat, use cardiac massage
and mouth-to-mouth breathing (CPR). Don't try to make the child
vomit. If you can't get help quickly, take the child to nearest
emergency facility.
See EMERGENCY INFORMATION.
POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS
SYMPTOMS WHAT TO DO
Life-threatening:
None expected.
Common:
Blurred vision, Continue. Call doctor
light sensitivity, when convenient.
constipation, nausea,
vomiting.
Difficult or painful Continue. Tell doctor
urination, dry mouth. at next visit.
Infrequent:
None expected.
Rare:
Rash, pain in eyes. Discontinue. Call doctor right
away.
Confusion, dizziness, Continue. Call doctor
sore mouth or tongue, when convenient.
muscle cramps,
numbness or weakness
in hands or feet.
WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if:
You are allergic to any antidyskinetic.
Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have had glaucoma.
If you have had high blood pressure or heart disease.
If you have had impaired liver function.
If you have had prostate trouble.
If you have had myasthenia gravis.
If you have had kidney disease, urination difficulty or ulcers.
Pregnancy:
Studies inconclusive on harm to unborn child. Animal studies
show fetal abnormalities.
Decide with your doctor whether drug benefits justify risk to
unborn child.
Infants & children:
Not recommended for children 3 and younger. Use for older
children only under doctor's supervision.
Prolonged use:
Possible glaucoma.
Skin & sunlight:
No age-related problems expected.
Driving or hazardous activities:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine
affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb
ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you
drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes,
such as antihistamines, tranquilizers, sedatives, pain medicine,
narcotics and mind-altering drugs.
Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require
gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses
of other drugs may also require adjustment.
Others:
Internal eye pressure should be measured regularly.
Avoid becoming overheated.
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS
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|
|
| Amantadine |
Increased amantadine effect. |
| Antidepressants, |
Increased |
| tricyclic (TCA, |
benztropine effect. May |
| see Drugs Glossary) |
cause glaucoma. |
| Antihistamines |
Increased benztropine |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Digoxin |
May increase digoxin effect. |
| Levodopa |
May decrease or increase levodopa |
| |
effect. Improved results in |
| |
treating Parkinson's disease. |
| Meperidine |
Increased benztropine effect. |
| MAO inhibitors |
Increased benztropine |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Narcotics |
Increased benztropine |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
effect. |
| Orphenadrine |
Increased benztropine effect. |
| Phenothiazines |
Behavior changes. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
| Primidone |
Excessive sedation. |
| Procainamide |
Increased procainamide effect. |
| Quinidine |
Increased benztropine effect. |
| Tranquilizers |
Excessive sedation. |
| (see Drugs Glossary) |
POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES
| Marijuana: |
None expected. |
| Tobacco: |
None expected. |
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