Benztropine injection

What is this medicine?

BENZTROPINE (BENZ troe peen) is for certain movement problems due to Parkinson's disease, certain medicines, or other causes.

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for injection into a muscle or a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this medicine at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give this medicine. Use exactly as directed. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. This medicine is not approved for use in children under 3 years old.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in vision

• confusion

• decreased sweating or heat intolerance

• depression

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• hallucinations

• memory loss

• muscle weakness

• pain or difficulty passing urine

• trouble swallowing

• unusually weak or tired

• vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• anxiety

• constipation

• dry mouth

• nausea

What may interact with this medicine?

• haloperidol

• medicines for movement abnormalities like Parkinson's disease

• phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

• some antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline

• stimulant medicines for attention, weight loss, and to stay awake

• tegaserod

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date on the label.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• glaucoma

• heart disease or a rapid heartbeat

• mental problems

• prostate trouble

• tardive dyskinesia

• an unusual or allergic reaction to benztropine, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may sweat less than usual while you are taking this medicine. As a result your body temperature could rise to a dangerous level. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You could get heat stroke. Avoid taking hot baths and using hot tubs and saunas.