[.
]Action/Kinetics:
Synthetic anticholinergic possessing antihistamine and local anesthetic properties. Onset, PO: 1-2 hr; IM, IV: Within a few minutes. Effects are cumulative; is long-acting (24 hr). Full effects: 2-3 days. Low incidence of side effects.
Uses:
Adjunct in the treatment of parkinsonism (all types). To reduce severity of extrapyramidal effects in phenothiazine or other antipsychotic drug therapy (not effective in tardive dyskinesia).
Contraindications:
Use in children under 3 years of age.
Special Concerns:
Geriatric and emaciated clients cannot tolerate large doses. Certain drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms may not respond to benztropine.
How Supplied:
Injection: 1 mg/mL; Tablet: 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg
Dosage
•Tablets
Parkinsonism.
Adults: 1-2 mg/day (range: 0.5-6 mg/day).
Idiopathic parkinsonism.
Adults, initial: 0.5-1 mg/day, increased gradually to 4-6 mg/day, if necessary.
Postencephalitic parkinsonism.
Adults: 2 mg/day in one or more doses.
Drug-induced extrapyramidal effects.
Adults: 1-4 mg 1-2 times/day.
•IM, IV (Rarely)
Acute dystonic reactions.
Adults, initial: 1-2 mg; then, 1-2 mg PO b.i.d. usually prevents recurrence. Clients can rarely tolerate full dosage.
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