- Last edited on June 10, 2020
Benztropine (Cogentin)
Primer
Benztropine, also spelled Benzatropine (Tradename: Cogentin) is an anticholinergic marketed under the trade name Cogentin. It is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, and acute dystonia.
Mechanism
Benztropine is a selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, and a centrally acting anticholinergic. Benztropine reduces the effects of the relative central nervous system cholinergic excess that occurs from dopamine blockade by antipsychotics. It does this by partially blocking cholinergic activity in the basal ganglia and increases the availability of dopamine by blocking its reuptake and storage in central sites. This increases dopaminergic activity and reduces extrapyramindal symptoms such as Parkinsonism and acute dystonia.
Indications
It is used for the treatment of Parkinson's disease, Parkinsonism, and acute dystonia. It is not for the treatment of tardive dyskinesia!