Uses
What is benztropine used for?
Benztropine is commonly used to manage symptoms caused by Parkinson’s disease, a condition that affects part of your brain that controls your movement. It may also be used to treat involuntary movements that may occur as a side effect of some medicines.
Benztropine may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does benztropine work (mechanism of action)?
Benztropine works by blocking the effects of acetylcholine and histamine, which are chemicals in the brain that control movement.
How is benztropine supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Cogentin
Dosage forms and strengths
- 0.5 mg, 1 mg, 2 mg oral tablets
Benztropine is also available in injectable forms.
How should I store benztropine?
Oral Tablet. Benztropine tablets should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.
Injection Liquid. Benztropine liquid is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store benztropine at home, follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of benztropine?
The most common side effects of benztropine are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fast heartbeat
- Dry mouth
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Confusion or changes in memory
- Nervousness
- Blurred vision or dilated pupils
- Problems peeing
- Feeling unusually weak or tired
- Numbness feeling in fingers
There may be other side effects of benztropine that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of benztropine?
While less common, the most serious side effects of benztropine are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Benztropine may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking benztropine and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Body Temperature Regulation. Benztropine can affect your ability to regulate your body temperature. This could make you become very hot, especially in hot weather or after exercising a lot. You should drink water and avoid overheating and dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you are severely ill and have the following symptoms.
- Excessive or no sweating
- Dry mouth
- Feeling very hot
- Feeling thirsty
- Not able to pee
Hallucinations or Psychotic-like Behaviors. Benztropine may cause hallucinations or psychotic-like behaviors. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms, or if you have been told by others you have these symptoms.
- Hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, or otherwise perceiving things that others do not
- Delusional thoughts, such as false beliefs that you are being controlled
- Disorganized thoughts, such as jumping between topics or having a hard time focusing
- Sudden decline in self-care, such as personal hygiene or academic/work performance
- Aggressive behavior
Slowed Gut Movement. Benztropine can cause the movement of your digestive tract to slow down. It can lead to problems such as paralytic ileus, which is a type of ileus where your intestines are unable to move food through them. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following severe symptoms.
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain or bloating
- Feeling full after eating a small portion of food
- Problems pooping or passing gas
- Poop that is black or looks like tar
- Blood in your stool (poop)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use benztropine?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take benztropine.
- Benztropine
- Cogentin
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific benztropine products they stock.
Children. Benztropine should not be used in any child younger than three years of age. They may not be able to handle the effects of the medicine properly.
What should I know about benztropine before using it?
Do not take benztropine unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share benztropine with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep benztropine out of the reach of children.
Do not stop taking your other medicines for Parkinson’s disease when you start benztropine unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Benztropine is a medicine that is added to your current medicines.
Benztropine can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how benztropine affects you.
People who are 65 or older, 18 or younger, or who have very low body weight can be at greater risk for some side effects from benztropine. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in one of these groups.
Benztropine may be injected into the muscle or a vein. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use benztropine if you are using the medicine at home. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Look at the liquid in the vial or ampule before using. Do not use benztropine if the liquid is cloudy or contains visible particles.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using benztropine?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if benztropine is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Heart problems or fast or abnormal heartbeats
- Prostate problems
- Glaucoma
- Uncontrolled movements called tardive dyskinesia (TD)
- Mental health disorder
- Problems with sweating
Other Medicines and Supplements. Benztropine may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking benztropine, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how benztropine could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if benztropine passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does benztropine interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between benztropine and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect benztropine. The risk of confusion or blurred vision may be increased if you drink alcohol while taking benztropine.
Does benztropine interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking benztropine.
- A phenothiazine, such as prochlorperazine (Compro) or chlorpromazine, which is a medicine that may be used to treat certain mental health conditions or severe nausea and vomiting
- Haloperidol, which is a medicine used for certain mental health conditions
- A tricyclic antidepressant, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline, or protriptyline, even if it is not used for depression
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with benztropine. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much benztropine?
If you or someone else has used too much benztropine, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of benztropine?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Benztropine (Cogentin)?
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