BENZTROPINE MESYLATE - benztropine mesylate tablet 
Goldline Laboratories, Inc.

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BENZTROPINE MESYLATE
TABLETS USP
Rx only

DESCRIPTION

Benztropine mesylate is a synthetic compound containing structural features found in atropine and diphenhydramine.

It is a crystalline white powder, very soluble in water, designated as 3α-(Diphenylmethoxy)-1αH, 5αH-tropane methanesulfonate, with the following structural formula

Image of Structural Formula

C21H25NO•CH4O3S MW 403.55

Each tablet, for oral administration, contains 0.5 mg, 1 mg or 2 mg of benztropine mesylate.

Each tablet contains the following inactive ingredients: colloidal silicon dioxide, dibasic calcium phosphate, lactose monohydrate, microcrystalline cellulose, starch, talc and other ingredients.

CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY

Benztropine mesylate possesses both anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects, although only the former have been established as therapeutically significant in the management of parkinsonism.

In the isolated guinea pig ileum, the anticholinergic activity of this drug is about equal to that of atropine; however, when administered orally to unanesthetized cats, it is only about half as active as atropine.

In laboratory animals, its antihistaminic activity and duration of action approach those of pyrilamine maleate.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

For use as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism.

Useful also in the control of extrapyramidal disorders (except tardive dyskinesia - see PRECAUTIONS) due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines).

CONTRAINDICATIONS

Hypersensitivity to benztropine mesylate tablets.

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.

WARNINGS

Safe use in pregnancy has not been established.

Benztropine mesylate may impair mental and/or physical abilities required for performance of hazardous tasks, such as operating machinery or driving a motor vehicle.

When benztropine mesylate is given concomitantly with phenothiazines, haloperidol, or other drugs with anticholinergic or antidopaminergic activity, patients should be advised to report gastrointestinal complaints, fever or heat intolerance promptly. Paralytic ileus, hyperthermia and heat stroke, all of which have sometimes been fatal, have occurred in patients taking anticholinergic-type antiparkinsonism drugs, including benztropine mesylate, in combination with phenothiazines and/or tricyclic antidepressants.

Since benztropine mesylate contains structural features of atropine, it may produce anhidrosis. For this reason, it should be administered with caution during hot weather, especially when given concomitantly with other atropine-like drugs to the chronically ill, the alcoholic, those who have central nervous system disease, and those who do manual labor in a hot environment. Anhidrosis may occur more readily when some disturbance of sweating already exists. If there is evidence of anhidrosis, the possibility of hyperthermia should be considered. Dosage should be decreased at the discretion of the physician so that the ability to maintain body heat equilibrium by perspiration is not impaired. Severe anhidrosis and fatal hyperthermia have occurred.

PRECAUTIONS

General

Since benztropine mesylate has cumulative action, continued supervision is advisable. Patients with a tendency to tachycardia and patients with prostatic hypertrophy should be observed closely during treatment.

Dysuria may occur, but rarely becomes a problem. Urinary retention has been reported with benztropine mesylate.

The drug may cause complaints of weakness and inability to move particular muscle groups, especially in large doses. For example, if the neck has been rigid and suddenly relaxes, it may feel weak, causing some concern. In this event, dosage adjustment is required.

Mental confusion and excitement may occur with large doses, or in susceptible patients. Visual hallucinations have been reported occasionally. Furthermore, in the treatment of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines), in patients with mental disorders, occasionally there may be intensification of mental symptoms. In such cases, antiparkinsonian drugs can precipitate a toxic psychosis. Patients with mental disorders should be kept under careful observation, especially at the beginning of treatment or if dosage is increased.

Tardive dyskinesia may appear in some patients on long-term therapy with phenothiazines and related agents, or may occur after therapy with these drugs has been discontinued. Antiparkinsonism agents do not alleviate the symptoms of tardive dyskinesia, and in some instances may aggravate them. Benztropine mesylate is not recommended for use in patients with tardive dyskinesia.

The physician should be aware of the possible occurrence of glaucoma. Although the drug does not appear to have any adverse effect on simple glaucoma, it probably should not be used in angle-closure glaucoma.

Drug Interactions

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

Pediatric Use

Because of the atropine-like side effects, benztropine mesylate should be used with caution in pediatric patients over three years of age (see CONTRAINDICATIONS).

ADVERSE REACTIONS

The adverse reactions below, most of which are antichlolinergic 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 preexisting 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 can not be controlled by dosage reduction, the medication should be discontinued.

Other

Heat stroke, hyperthermia, fever.

OVERDOSAGE

Manifestations - May be any of those seen in atropine poisoning or antihistamine overdosage: CNS depression, preceded or followed by stimulation; confusion; nervousness; listlessness; intensification of mental symptoms or toxic psychosis in patients with mental illness being treated with neuroleptic drugs (e.g., phenothiazines); hallucinations (especially visual); dizziness; muscle weakness; ataxia; dry mouth; mydriasis; blurred vision; palpitations; tachycardia; elevated blood pressure; nausea; vomiting; dysuria; numbness of fingers; dysphagia; allergic reactions, e.g., skin rash; headache; hot, dry, flushed skin; delirium; coma; shock; convulsions; respiratory arrest; anhidrosis; hyperthermia; glaucoma; constipation.

Treatment - Physostigmine salicylate, 1 to 2 mg, SC or IV, reportedly will reverse symptoms of anticholinergic intoxication.* A second injection may be given after 2 hours if required. Otherwise treatment is symptomatic and supportive. Induce emesis or perform gastric lavage (contraindicated in precomatose, convulsive, or psychotic states). Maintain respiration. A short-acting barbiturate may be used for CNS excitement, but with caution to avoid subsequent depression; supportive care for depression (avoid convulsant stimulants such as picrotoxin, pentylenetetrazol, or bemegride); artificial respiration for severe respiratory depression; a local miotic for mydriasis and cycloplegia; ice bags or other cold applications and alcohol sponges for hyperpyrexia, a vasopressor and fluids for circulatory collapse. Darken room for photophobia.

DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION

Benztropine mesylate tablets should be used when patients are able to take oral medication.

The injection is especially useful for psychotic patients with acute dystonic reactions or other reactions that make oral medication difficult or impossible. It is recommended also when a more rapid response is desired than can be obtained with tablets.

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 usual daily dose is 1 to 2 mg, with a range of 0.5 to 6 mg orally or 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 periodic 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 orally or parenterally. Dosage must be individualized according to the need of the patient. Some patients require more than recommended; others do not need as much.

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 tablets 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.

HOW SUPPLIED

Benztropine Mesylate Tablets USP are available as follows:

0.5 mg white, round, bisected, compressed tablets, debossed “Par 164”, supplied in Unit Dose boxes of 100 (NDC 0182-1299-89).

1 mg white, pumpkin seed shaped, bisected, compressed tablets, debossed “Par 165”, supplied in Unit Dose boxes of 100 (NDC 0182-1700-89).

2 mg white, round, bisected, compressed tablets, debossed “Par 166”, supplied in Unit Dose boxes of 100 (NDC 0182-1701-89).

Store below 30°C (86°F).

KEEP THIS AND ALL DRUGS OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN.
This unit dose package is not child-resistant. If dispensed for outpatient use, a child-resistant container should be utilized.

___________

*Duvoisin, R.C.; Katz, R.J.; Amer. Med. Ass. 206:1963-1965, Nov. 25, 1968.

Manufactured for:
GOLDLINE LABORATORIES, INC.
a subsidiary of IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
MIAMI, FL 33137-3227
by: Par Pharmaceutical Companies, Inc.
Spring Valley, NY 10977
1008REV
Revised: 07/08

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 0.5 mg Blister

0.5 mg Blister Text

NDC 0182-1299-00

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE TABLET USP

0.5 mg

Mfd. for: GOLDLINE, Miami, FL 33137 0703REV

Lot: Exp.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 0.5 mg Box Label

0.5 mg Box Label Text

NDC 0182-1299-89

BENZTROPINE

MESYLATE

TABLETS USP

0.5 mg

Rx only

For full prescribing information,

see enclosed package insert.

100 COUNT

UNIT DOSE TABLETS

IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 1 mg Blister

1 mg Blister Text

NDC 0182-1700-00

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE TABLET USP

1 mg

Mfd. for: GOLDLINE, Miami, FL 33137 1106REV

Lot: Exp.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 1 mg Box Label

1 mg Box Label Text

NDC 0182-1700-89

BENZTROPINE

MESYLATE

TABLETS USP

1 mg

Rx only

For full prescribing information,

see enclosed package insert.

100 COUNT

UNIT DOSE TABLETS

IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 2 mg Blister

2 mg Blister Text

NDC 0182-1701-00

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE TABLET USP

2 mg

Mfd. for: GOLDLINE, Miami, FL 33137 1106REV

Lot: Exp.

PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANELS

Image of 2 mg Box Label

2 mg Box Label Text

NDC 0182-1701-89

BENZTROPINE

MESYLATE

TABLETS USP

2 mg

Rx only

For full prescribing information,

see enclosed package insert.

100 COUNT

UNIT DOSE TABLETS

IVAX Pharmaceuticals, Inc.


BENZTROPINE MESYLATE 
benztropine mesylate   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)0182-1299
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE (BENZTROPINE) BENZTROPINE MESYLATE0.5 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
COLLOIDAL SILICON DIOXIDE 
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE 
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE 
TALC 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize6mm
FlavorImprint Code Par;164
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
10182-1299-89100 BLISTER PACK In 1 BOXcontains a BLISTER PACK (0182-1299-00)
10182-1299-001 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within the BOX (0182-1299-89)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA08887703/30/201007/01/2011

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE 
benztropine mesylate   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)0182-1700
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE (BENZTROPINE) BENZTROPINE MESYLATE1 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
COLLOIDAL SILICON DIOXIDE 
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE 
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE 
TALC 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScore2 pieces
ShapeOVAL (pumpkin seed shaped) Size10mm
FlavorImprint Code Par;165
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
10182-1700-89100 BLISTER PACK In 1 BOXcontains a BLISTER PACK (0182-1700-00)
10182-1700-001 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within the BOX (0182-1700-89)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA08889403/30/201007/01/2011

BENZTROPINE MESYLATE 
benztropine mesylate   tablet
Product Information
Product TypeHUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUGNDC Product Code (Source)0182-1701
Route of AdministrationORALDEA Schedule    
Active Ingredient/Active Moiety
Ingredient NameBasis of StrengthStrength
BENZTROPINE MESYLATE (BENZTROPINE) BENZTROPINE MESYLATE2 mg
Inactive Ingredients
Ingredient NameStrength
COLLOIDAL SILICON DIOXIDE 
LACTOSE MONOHYDRATE 
CELLULOSE, MICROCRYSTALLINE 
TALC 
Product Characteristics
ColorWHITEScore2 pieces
ShapeROUNDSize7mm
FlavorImprint Code Par;166
Contains    
Packaging
#NDCPackage DescriptionMultilevel Packaging
10182-1701-89100 BLISTER PACK In 1 BOXcontains a BLISTER PACK (0182-1701-00)
10182-1701-001 TABLET In 1 BLISTER PACKThis package is contained within the BOX (0182-1701-89)

Marketing Information
Marketing CategoryApplication Number or Monograph CitationMarketing Start DateMarketing End Date
ANDAANDA08889503/30/201007/01/2011

Labeler - Goldline Laboratories, Inc. (032349292)
Revised: 03/2010Goldline Laboratories, Inc.