Akitan
Akitan - General Information
A centrally active muscarinic antagonist that has been used in the symptomatic treatment of parkinson disease. Akitan also inhibits the uptake of dopamine.
Pharmacology of Akitan
Akitan is an anticholinergic used in the symptomatic treatment of all etiologic groups of parkinsonism and drug induced extrapyramidal reactions (except tardive dyskinesia). Akitan possesses both anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects, although only the former has been established as therapeutically significant in the management of parkinsonism. Akitan's anticholinergic activity is about equal to that of atropine.
Akitan for patients
Akitan Interactions
Antipsychotic drugs such as phenothiazines or haloperidol; tricyclic antidepressants.
Akitan Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to any component of benztropine mesylate tablets. Because of its atropine-like side effects, this drug is contraindicated in children under three years of age and should be used with caution in older children.
Additional information about Akitan
Akitan Indication: For use as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism and also for use in the control of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs.
Mechanism Of Action: Akitan is a selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It is able to discriminate between the M1 (cortical or neuronal) and the peripheral muscarinic subtypes (cardiac and glandular). Akitan partially blocks cholinergic activity in the CNS, which is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is also thought to increase the availability of dopamine, a brain chemical that is critical in the initiation and smooth control of voluntary muscle movement.
Drug Interactions: Donepezil Possible antagonism of action
Galantamine Possible antagonism of action
Haloperidol The anticholinergic increases the risk of psychosis and tardive dyskinesia
Rivastigmine Possible antagonism of action
Food Interactions: Take with food to reduce irritation.
Avoid alcohol.
Generic Name: Benztropine
Synonyms: Benzatropina [Inn-Spanish]; Benzatropine; Benzatropinum [Inn-Latin]; Benztropine Mesylate; Benztropinum; Tropine Benzohydryl Ether; Benzatropine mesilate
Drug Category: Antiparkinson Agents; Muscarinic Antagonists; Antidyskinetics
Drug Type: Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Benztropine: Akitan; Apo-Benztropine; Cobrentin; Cogentin; Cogentine; Cogentinol; PMS Benztropine;
Absorption: Not Available
Toxicity (Overdose): Signs of overdose include confusion, nervousness, listlessness, hallucinations, dizziness; muscle weakness, ataxia, dry mouth, mydriasis, blurred vision, palpitations, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dysuria, numbness of fingers, headache, delirium, coma, shock, convulsions, respiratory arrest, anhidrosis, hyperthermia, glaucoma, and constipation.
Protein Binding: Not Available
Biotransformation: Not Available
Half Life: Not Available
Dosage Forms of Akitan: Liquid Intravenous
Tablet Oral
Solution Oral
Chemical IUPAC Name: (1R,5R)-3-[di(phenyl)methoxy]-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane
Chemical Formula: C21H25NO
Benztropine on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benztropine
Organisms Affected: Humans and other mammals
