What is Cogentin?

Cogentin reduces the effects of certain chemicals in the body that may be unbalanced as a result of disease (such as Parkinson's), drug therapy, or other causes. Cogentin is used together with other medicines to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (muscle spasms, stiffness, tremors, poor muscle control). Cogentin 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.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Take this medication 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 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 this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
• Take this medication 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 this medication at least 2 hours after ketoconazole. Antacids and some drugs for diarrhea may prevent the full absorption of benztropine, and this product may prevent the complete absorption of ketoconazole when these products are taken together.
• If you are taking this medication 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 this medication for Parkinson's disease, your doctor may change the dose of your other medications (such as levodopa). Follow your doctor's instructions closely.
• When this medication is used for a long time, it may not work as well. Talk with your doctor if this medication stops working well.
• Though it helps many people, this medication 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 this medication 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 this drug takes effect. Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets worse.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of: 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).

Also be aware that:

• This drug 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).
• This medication 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 this drug, 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 this drug, especially effects on heart rate.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, flushing, nausea, nervousness, blurred vision, or dry mouth may occur as your body adjusts to the medication. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
• To relieve dry mouth, suck (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink water, or use a saliva substitute.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• High fever, decreased sexual ability, severe stomach/abdominal pain, difficult/painful swallowing, difficulty urinating, weakness.
• Chest pain, severe dizziness/fainting, fast/irregular/slow heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations, memory problems), eye pain/swelling/redness, vision changes (such as seeing rainbows around lights at night).
• Any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Q: What should I avoid while taking Cogentin?

A: Cogentin may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cogentin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke. If you also take ketoconazole, do not take it within 2 hours before you take Cogentin. Drinking alcohol with Cogentin can cause side effects.