Cogentin

Benztropine Mesylate Drug Information

• Cogentin Overview

  Benztropine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or involuntary movements due to the side effects of certain psychiatric drugs (antipsychotics such as chlorpromazine/haloperidol). Benztropine belongs to a class of medication called anticholinergics that work by blocking a certain natural substance (acetylcholine). This helps decrease muscle stiffness, sweating, and the production of saliva, and helps improve walking ability in people with Parkinson's disease. Anticholinergics can stop severe muscle spasms of the back, neck, and eyes that are sometimes caused by psychiatric drugs. It can also decrease other side effects such as muscle stiffness/rigidity (extrapyramidal signs-EPS). It is not helpful in treating movement problems caused by tardive dyskinesia and may worsen them. Benztropine should not be used by children younger than 3 years.

• How to Use Cogentin

  Take Cogentin by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times a day with meals and at bedtime or as a single dose at bedtime. Your doctor may start you at a low dose and increase your dose slowly to find the best dose for you. The Dosage of Cogentin is based on your medical condition, age, and response to therapy. If you are using the oral solution, measure your dose with a special measuring spoon or device. Do not use a household spoon because it may not provide the correct dose. Take Cogentin regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Take Cogentin at least 1 hour before antacids containing magnesium, aluminum, or calcium. Allow at least 1-2 hours between doses of benztropine and certain drugs for diarrhea (adsorbent antidiarrheals such as kaolin, pectin, attapulgite). Take Cogentin at least 2 hours after ketoconazole. Antacids and some drugs for diarrhea may prevent the full absorption of benztropine, and Cogentin may prevent the complete absorption of ketoconazole when these products are taken together. If you are taking Cogentin for side effects from another medication, your doctor may instruct you to take it on a regular schedule or only as needed. If you are taking Cogentin for Parkinson's disease, your doctor may change the dose of your other medications (such as levodopa). Follow your doctor's instructions closely. When Cogentin is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if Cogentin stops working well. Though it helps many people, Cogentin may sometimes cause addiction. This risk may be higher if you have a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Take Cogentin exactly as prescribed to lower the risk of addiction. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Do not increase your dose, use it more often, or use it for a longer time than prescribed. Properly stop the medication when so directed. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. It may take 2-3 days before the benefit of Cogentin takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

• Cogentin Precautions

  Before taking benztropine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Cogentin may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Cogentin, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), breathing problems (such as asthma, emphysema), diarrhea caused by an infection, heart problems (such as angina, heart attack, heart failure, fast/irregular heartbeat), high/low blood pressure, intestinal problems (such as chronic constipation, ileus, ulcerative colitis, bowel obstruction), blockage of the bladder/esophagus/stomach/intestines, kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood problems (such as anxiety, dementia, psychosis), a certain muscle disease (myasthenia gravis), a certain nerve disease (autonomic neuropathy), seizure, stomach problems (such as acid reflux, hiatal hernia, ulcer), stroke, overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), problems urinating (for example, due to enlarged prostate, neurogenic bladder), personal or family history of a substance use disorder (such as overuse of or addiction to drugs/alcohol). Cogentin may make you dizzy or drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). Cogentin decreases saliva production, an effect that can increase gum and tooth problems (such as cavities, gum disease). Take special care with your dental hygiene (such as brushing, flossing) and have regular dental check-ups. Benztropine may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get heat stroke. Avoid doing things that may cause you to overheat, such as hard work or exercise in hot weather, or using hot tubs. When the weather is hot, drink a lot of fluids and dress lightly. If you overheat, quickly look for a place to cool down and rest. Get medical help right away if you have a fever that does not go away, mental/mood changes, headache, or dizziness. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Cogentin, especially dizziness, drowsiness, heatstroke, memory problems, difficulty urinating, and constipation. Dizziness and drowsiness can increase the risk of falling. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Cogentin, especially effects on heart rate. During pregnancy, Cogentin should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if Cogentin passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Cogentin Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Cogentin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Cogentin Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.potassium tablets/capsules, pramlintide. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness such as opioid pain or cough relievers (such as codeine, hydrocodone), alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, lorazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants (such as carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine), or antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Cogentin may interfere with certain medical/lab tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use Cogentin.

• Cogentin Side Effects

  What are Cogentin side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Cogentin may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Cogentin as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Cogentin

  The side effects of Cogentin may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Cogentin. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Cogentin may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Cogentin, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Cogentin.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Cogentin, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Cogentin and the side effects associated with Cogentin are described in the following:

  Common Cogentin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • blurred vision
  • dry nose
  • xerostomia
  • constipation
  • decreased sweating
  • drowsy
  • dry throat
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • dysuria

  Less Frequent Cogentin Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • paresthesia
  • urinary retention

  Rare or Very Rare Cogentin Side Effects

  Severe

  • acute confusion
  • ocular hypertension
  • skin rash
  • glaucoma
  • paralytic ileus
  • drug-induced psychosis

  Less Severe

  • excitement
  • mydriasis
  • photophobia
  • orthostatic hypotension
  • mouth irritation
  • nervousness
  • cramps
  • memory impairment
  • headache disorder
  • depression
  • tachycardia
  • hallucinations
  • fever
  • muscle weakness

• Cogentin Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Cogentin when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.