Benzatropine Intravenous for Adults

Who can administer

May be administered by registered competent doctor or nurse/midwife

Important information

• Administration by the intramuscular (IM) route is preferred - give IV only if patient unable to receive IM ^{(ref 1)}
• The IM injection is reported to have a similar onset of action as the IV injection ^{(ref 2,3,4)} ,however some sources suggest the IV route may have a quicker onset ^{(ref 5)} 
• Unlicensed preparation
• Also known as benztropine

Available preparations

Benzatropine 2mg per 2ml vial

Reconstitution

Already in solution

Methods of intravenous administration

Slow intravenous injection

• Administer slowly over at least 3 minutes ^{(ref 1)}
• Use undiluted or dilute with Sodium chloride 0.9% to aid slow administration or accurate dose measurement ^{(ref 1)}

Dose in adults

Usual dose

• Give 1 to 2mg ^{(ref 2,3,5,6,7)}
• A second dose may be given if there has been no response after 10 minutes ^{(ref 2,5)}

Monitoring

• Monitor vital signs

Further information

• Used as an alternative to Procyclidine injection which has been discontinued (2026)

Storage

Store below 25⁰C

References

1. Medusa, accessed 26/05/26
2. NHS Specialist pharmacist service 'Benztropine injection for acute dystonic reactions' 20/05/26
3. Martindale, accessed 26/05/26
4. Package insert , revised Oct 2022
5. RCEM learning 'Acute Dystonia' 8/12/23
6. Toxbase, accessed 27/05/26
7. Injectable Drugs Guide, accessed 26/05/26

Therapeutic classification

Antidote