BENZTROPINE MESYLATE

Benztropine Mesylate, USP is a synthetic compound containing structural features found in atropine and diphenhydramine. It is designated chemically as 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane, 3-(diphenylmethoxy)-, endo , methanesulfonate. Its empirical formula is C 21 H 25 NO•CH 4 O 3 S, and its structural formula is: Benztropine mesylate is a crystalline white powder, very soluble in water, and has a molecular weight of 403.54. Benztropine Mesylate Injection, USP is supplied as a sterile injection for intravenous and intramuscular use. Each milliliter of the injection contains: Benztropine Mesylate, USP ..................................................................... 1 mg Sodium Chloride, USP ............................................................................... 9 mg Water for Injection q.s. ............................................................................ 1 mL Chemical Structure

For use as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism (see DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION ). Useful also in the control of extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia - see PRECAUTIONS ) due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines).

Since there is no significant difference in onset of effect after intravenous or intramuscular injection, usually there is no need to use the intravenous route. The drug is quickly effective after either route, with improvement sometimes noticeable a few minutes after injection. In emergency situations, when the condition of the patient is alarming, 1 to 2 mL of the injection normally will provide quick relief. If the parkinsonian effect begins to return, the dose can be repeated. Because of cumulative action, therapy should be initiated with a low dose which is increased gradually at five or six-day intervals to the smallest amount necessary for optimal relief. Increases should be made in increments of 0.5 mg, to a maximum of 6 mg, or until optimal results are obtained without excessive adverse reactions. Postencephalitic and Idiopathic Parkinsonism The following dosing guidelines were written in reference to both benztropine mesylate tablets and benztropine mesylate injection. Benztropine mesylate tablets should be used when patients are able to take oral medication. The usual daily dose is 1 to 2 mg, with a range of 0.5 to 6 mg parenterally. As with any agent used in parkinsonism, dosage must be individualized according to age and weight, and the type of parkinsonism being treated. Generally, older patients, and thin patients cannot tolerate large doses. Most patients with postencephalitic parkinsonism need fairly large doses and tolerate them well. Patients with a poor mental outlook are usually poor candidates for therapy. In idiopathic parkinsonism, therapy may be initiated with a single daily dose of 0.5 to 1 mg at bedtime. In some patients, this will be adequate; in others 4 to 6 mg a day may be required. In postencephalitic parkinsonism, therapy may be initiated in most patients with 2 mg a day in one or more doses. In highly sensitive patients, therapy may be initiated with 0.5 mg at bedtime, and increased as necessary. Some patients experience greatest relief by taking the entire dose at bedtime; others react more favorably to divided doses, two to four times a day. Frequently, one dose a day is sufficient, and divided doses may be unnecessary or undesirable. The long duration of action of this drug makes it particularly suitable for bedtime medication when its effects may last throughout the night, enabling patients to turn in bed during the night more easily, and to rise in the morning. When benztropine mesylate is started, do not terminate therapy with other antiparkinsonian agents abruptly. If the other agents are to be reduced or discontinued, it must be done gradually. Many patients obtain greatest relief with combination therapy. Benztropine mesylate may be used concomitantly with carbidopa-levodopa, or with levodopa, in which case dosage adjustment may be required in order to maintain optimum response. Drug-Induced Extrapyramidal Disorders In treating extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines), the recommended dosage is 1 to 4 mg once or twice a day parenterally. Dosage must be individualized according to the need of the patient. Some patients require more than recommended; others do not need as much. In acute dystonic reactions, 1 to 2 mL of the injection usually relieves the condition quickly. When extrapyramidal disorders develop soon after initiation of treatment with neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines), they are likely to be transient. One to 2 mg of benztropine mesylate two or three times a day usually provides relief within one or two days. After one or two weeks, the drug should be withdrawn to determine the continued need for it. If such disorders recur, benztropine mesylate can be reinstituted. Certain drug-induced extrapyramidal disorders that develop slowly may not respond to benztropine mesylate. Parenteral drug products should be inspected visually for particulate matter and discoloration prior to administration.

Hypersensitivity to any component of benztropine mesylate. Because of its atropine-like side effects, this drug is contraindicated in pediatric patients under three years of age, and should be used with caution in older pediatric patients.

The adverse reactions below, most of which are anticholinergic in nature, have been reported and within each category are listed in order of decreasing severity. Cardiovascular Tachycardia. Digestive Paralytic ileus, constipation, vomiting, nausea, dry mouth. If dry mouth is so severe that there is difficulty in swallowing or speaking, or loss of appetite and weight, reduce dosage, or discontinue the drug temporarily. Slight reduction in dosage may control nausea and still give sufficient relief of symptoms. Vomiting may be controlled by temporary discontinuation, followed by resumption at a lower dosage. Nervous System Toxic psychosis, including confusion, disorientation, memory impairment, visual hallucinations; exacerbation of pre-existing psychotic symptoms; nervousness; depression; listlessness; numbness of fingers. Special Senses Blurred vision, dilated pupils. Urogenital Urinary retention, dysuria. Metabolic/Immune or Skin Occasionally, an allergic reaction, e.g., skin rash, develops. If this cannot be controlled by dosage reduction, the medication should be discontinued. Other Heat stroke, hyperthermia, fever. To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Hikma Pharmaceuticals USA Inc. at 1-877-845-0689 or the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Antipsychotic drugs such as phenothiazines or haloperidol; tricyclic antidepressants (see WARNINGS ).