Topic summary
Benzatropine
Benzatropine (INN), known as benztropine in the United States and Japan, is a medication used to treat movement disorders like parkinsonism and dystonia, as well as extrapyramidal side effects of antipsychotics, including akathisia. It is not useful for tardive dyskinesia. It is a centrally acting anticholinergic and antihistamine, taken by mouth or by injection into a vein or muscle. Benefits are seen within two hours and last for up to ten hours.
Common side effects include dry mouth, blurry vision, nausea, and constipation. Serious side effect may include urinary retention, hallucinations, hyperthermia, and poor coordination. It is unclear if use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is safe. Benzatropine is an anticholinergic which works by blocking the activity of muscarinic acetylcholine receptors. The drug also has antihistamine and dopamine reuptake inhibitor activity.
Benzatropine was approved for medical use in the United States in 1954. It is available as a generic medication. In 2020, it was the 229th most commonly prescribed medication in the United States, with more than 2million prescriptions. It is sold under the brand name Cogentin among others.