Medications and Drugs

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Brand Names: Cogentin

Generic Name: benztropine (Pronunciation: BENZ troe peen)

• What is benztropine (Cogentin)?
• What are the possible side effects of benztropine (Cogentin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about benztropine (Cogentin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking benztropine (Cogentin)?
• How should I take benztropine (Cogentin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Cogentin)?
• What happens if I overdose (Cogentin)?
• What should I avoid while taking benztropine (Cogentin)?
• What other drugs will affect benztropine (Cogentin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is benztropine (Cogentin)?

Benztropine reduces the effects of certain chemicals in the body that may become unbalanced as a result of disease (such as Parkinson's), drug therapy, or other causes.

Benztropine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as muscle spasms, stiffness, sweating, drooling, and poor muscle control. Benztropine is also used to treat and prevent these symptoms when they are caused by drugs such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), perphenazine (Trilafon), and others.

Benztropine may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Benztropine 0.5 mg-IVA

round, white, imprinted with par 164

Benztropine 0.5 mg-UPS

round, white, imprinted with 832 BM 05

Benztropine 1 mg-IVA

oval, white, imprinted with par 165

Benztropine 1 mg-ROS

elliptical, white, imprinted with 832 BM1

Benztropine 2 mg-PAR

round, white, imprinted with par 166

Benztropine 2 mg-UPS

round, white, imprinted with 832 BM2

What are the possible side effects of benztropine (Cogentin)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using benztropine and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• high fever;
• headache, dizziness, weakness, and hot dry skin with no sweating;
• feeling like you might pass out;
• severe stomach pain;
• chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate;
• painful or difficult swallowing;
• impotence, trouble having an orgasm;
• urination problems;
• changes in your vision; or
• confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior, hallucinations.

Less serious side effects may include:

• drowsiness, feeling nervous;
• nausea, vomiting, constipation;
• dry mouth, nose, or throat, decreased sweating;
• blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light; or
• warmth, redness, or tingly feeling under your skin.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about benztropine (Cogentin)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to benztropine, or if you are also taking a medication called pramlintide (Symlin).

Before you take benztropine, tell if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, a breathing disorder, a nerve or muscle disorder, seizures, urination problems, overactive thyroid, mental illness, or a stomach or intestinal disorder.

Avoid taking a diarrhea medication or antacid within 2 hours before or after you take benztropine. Also avoid taking ketoconazole (Nizoral) within 2 hours after you take benztropine.

Benztropine can cause side effects that may impair your vision, thinking, or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Benztropine can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Do not stop taking this medication without first talking to your doctor. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse. You may need to use less and less before you stop the medication completely.