Cogentin

Generic name: benztropine (oral/injection)
Drug class: Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents

Medically reviewed by  A Ras MD.

What is Cogentin?

Cogentin is a prescription medicine that is used to treat Parkinson’s disease. It is used to treat side effects caused by some other drugs. Cogentin may be given to you for other reasons.

Description

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

It is designated chemically as 8-azabicyclo[3.2.1] octane, 3-(diphenylmethoxy)-,endo, methanesulfonate. Its empirical formula is C₂₁H₂₅NO•CH₄O₃S, and its structural formula is:

Benztropine mesylate is a crystalline white powder, very soluble in water, and has a molecular weight of 403.54.

COGENTIN (benztropine mesylate) is supplied as a sterile injection for intravenous and intramuscular use.

Each milliliter of the injection contains:

Benztropine mesylate………………..1 mg
Sodium chloride……………………..9 mg
Water for injection q.s……………..1 mL

Before taking Cogentin, tell your doctor:

For all patients taking Cogentin:

• If you are allergic to Cogentin; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have a very bad muscle problem called tardive dyskinesia.
• If you have glaucoma.

Children:

• If your child is younger than 3 years of age. Do not give to a child younger than 3 years of age.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Cogentin with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Cogentin?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Cogentin. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks or actions that call for you to be alert until you see how Cogentin affects you.
• Very bad bowel block (paralytic ileus), fever, and heat stroke have happened when Cogentin was taken along with certain other drugs. Sometimes, these health problems have been deadly. Be sure to check all drugs you are taking with your doctor and pharmacist.
• Be careful in hot weather or while being active. Drink lots of fluids to stop fluid loss.
• Good mouth care, sucking hard, sugar-free candy, or chewing sugar-free gum may help with dry mouth. See a dentist often.
• Use with care in children. Talk with the doctor.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Cogentin while you are pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is Cogentin best taken?

Use Cogentin as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into a muscle or vein.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of Cogentin that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Mental, mood, or behavior changes that are new or worse.
• Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there).
• Feeling confused.
• Very nervous and excitable.
• Change in eyesight, eye pain, or very bad eye irritation.
• Trouble swallowing or speaking.
• Not hungry.
• Weight loss.
• Trouble passing urine.
• Pain when passing urine.
• A fast heartbeat.
• Larger pupils.
• Memory problems or loss.
• Very bad belly pain.
• Very bad constipation.
• Weakness.
• Trouble moving around.
• Sweating less, heat stroke, and deadly high body temperatures have happened with Cogentin. Be careful in hot weather and while being active. Call your doctor right away if you have a fever or you do not sweat during activities or in warm temperatures.

What are some other side effects of Cogentin?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Constipation.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Dry mouth.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out Cogentin?

• If you need to store Cogentin at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

SRC: NLM .