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Apo-Benztropine: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Apo-Benztropine - General Information

A centrally active muscarinic antagonist that has been used in the symptomatic treatment of parkinson disease. Apo-Benztropine also inhibits the uptake of dopamine.

 

Pharmacology of Apo-Benztropine

Apo-Benztropine is an anticholinergic used in the symptomatic treatment of all etiologic groups of parkinsonism and drug induced extrapyramidal reactions (except tardive dyskinesia). Apo-Benztropine possesses both anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects, although only the former has been established as therapeutically significant in the management of parkinsonism. Apo-Benztropine's anticholinergic activity is about equal to that of atropine.

 

Apo-Benztropine for patients

 

Apo-Benztropine Interactions

Antipsychotic drugs such as phenothiazines or haloperidol; tricyclic antidepressants.

 

Apo-Benztropine 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 Apo-Benztropine

Apo-Benztropine 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
Apo-Benztropine 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). Apo-Benztropine 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
Food Interactions
Take with food to reduce irritation.
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;
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.
Dosage Forms of Apo-Benztropine
Liquid Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name
(1R,5R)-3-[di(phenyl)methoxy]-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane
Chemical Formula
C21H25NO
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals