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Medication Information:
Benztropine Mesylate (generic) - Cogentin
(brand)
Manufacturer: Merck & Co., West Point. PA
Classification: Parkinson's disease management;
anticholinegic
Common Usage: Parkinson's disease, treatment of
extrapyrmidal symptoms (EPS) due to neuroleptic use
Common
Major Side Effects: Tachycardia, or fast heartbeat and
digestive problems such as constipation and nausea may occur.
Another common side effect is dry mouth. This drug may also cause
problems with short-term memory, disorientation, nervousness,
depression. dclirium or even psychosis. Other side effects that
have been reported include blurred near vision, dilated pupils and
painful urination. This drug has been associated with decreased
sweating, hyperthermia and heat stroke, so precautions should be
taken during hot weather.
Interactions with, Other Medications: Use this drug with
caution with anticholinergic drugs such as diphenoxylate
hydrochloride (Lomotil), methenamine (Urised)
atropine sulfate, tricyclic antidepressants or low-potency
antipsychotic medications.
Common
Dosages: The usual starting dose for patients is 1 to 2
daily, given two to three times daily, with a range of 0.5 to 6 mg,
either taken orally or by injection. Doses of the drug usually are
divided throughout the day, or it occasionally can be taken as a
single dose at bedtime. Dosage should be individualized according
to patient response. In general, people who are older and thinner
we less tolerant of the drug. After one to two weeks, after the
last antipsychotic dose adjustment, the drug should be tapered and
discontinued to see if there is a continued need for it. Therapy
can be restarted if EPS reocurs. However, some EPS that develop
slowly overtime- particularly akathisia - may not respond well to
this drug.
Identification: This drug is available in 0.5 mg
white, round, scored tablets with "MSD 21" on one side and
"COGENTIN" on the other. The injectable form comes in a dose of 1
mg per milliliter of the drug; it is a clear, colorless solution
contained in glass ampules.
Storage: Store in a light- and moisture-tight vial in a
cool, dry, dark location.
Edited by
Stephen R. Saklad, PharmD
A
SERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.
For more specific information, consult your physician or
pharmacist.
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