Benztropine Mesylate Uses

Benztropine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, a neurological condition that affects muscle control and balance. This condition is characterized by muscle stiffness, slowed movements, tremors, and balance problems. Parkinson’s disease occurs due to low levels of a naturally occurring chemical in the brain called dopamine. Benztropine is also used to treat tremors and movement problems caused by certain medical conditions and medications.

There may be other uses of benztropine—your doctor or health system pharmacists can give you further drug information.

Benztropine Mesylate Mechanism of Action

Benztropine binds to muscarinic and histamine receptors and blocks a certain natural substance in the body called acetylcholine. This helps decrease muscle stiffness and also helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson’s disease.

Benztropine Mesylate Doses

For treatment of Parkinson’s Disease

The usual dose of benztropine is 1 to 2 mg daily. The maximum dose is 6 mg per day. Doctors usually start with a low dose and increase it gradually by 0.5 mg every 5-6 days. The lowest dose that provides relief from Parkinson’s disease symptoms is used. 

Generally speaking, older patients and those with low body weight cannot tolerate larger doses of benztropine. 

Patients with postencephalitic parkinsonism (symptoms that develop after bacterial or viral encephalitis or brain infection) often need and tolerate larger doses. Treatment may be started with 2 mg daily in 1-2 doses and increased as necessary. Some highly sensitive patients may need a lower starting dose of 0.5 mg.

In patients with idiopathic parkinsonism (where the cause is unknown), treatment is usually started with a single daily dose of benztropine 0.5 mg to 1 mg at bedtime. This dose is adequate for some patients while others need doses of 4 mg to 6 mg per day. 

Most people find that benztropine works best if they take it as a single daily dose at bedtime. However, some people get greater relief of symptoms if they take the medicine in 2-4 divided doses throughout the day. 

For treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal disorders

The usual dose of benztropine is 1 mg to 4 mg taken 1-2 times daily for extrapyramidal disorders caused by antipsychotic therapy (phenothiazines). The dose is individualized according to need. 

Benztropine can also be given by injection for acute dystonic reactions, followed by oral dosing. Some slowly-developing extrapyramidal disorders may not be responsive to benztropine therapy. 

Note: Extrapyramidal symptoms that develop soon after starting certain psychiatric drugs like phenothiazines are usually temporary and can be relieved by taking 1 mg to 2 mg of benztropine 2-3 times a day. Healthcare professionals may try discontinuing benztropine after 1-2 weeks to see if it is still needed.