What is Cogentin: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Cogentin overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Cogentin, Cogentin

Generic Names:

  • Benztropine Mesylate

Uses:

  • Treats symptoms of Parkinson disease or side effects of other drugs.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antiparkinsonian

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Cogentin used for?

Cogentin comes in the form of an injectable solution and is used together with other medicines to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It works by reducing the effects of certain chemicals in the body that may be unbalanced as a result of the disease. Cogentin should not be used by anyone younger than 3 years old. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, dry mouth and blurred vision.

What form(s) does Cogentin come in

  • Injectable

What are common Cogentin doses?

  • Ampule 2ML of 1MG/ML

Common Cogentin prescriptions

  • Cogentin
    2ml of 1mg/ml ampule

How to take Cogentin

  • Missed dose: Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home caregiver for instructions.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose, and tell you how often it will be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, or into a vein.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine. Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose, and tell you how often it will be given. This medicine is given as a shot into one of your muscles, or into a vein.

  • Missed dose: Call your doctor, pharmacist, or home caregiver for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Cogentin

Cogentin contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to benztropine.

Cogentin warnings

  • Severe dry mouth that causes trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of appetite, or weight loss

  • Unable to sweat, or feeling overheated

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have glaucoma, bowel or stomach problems, an enlarged prostate, heart disease, or heart rhythm problems. Tell your doctor if you have a history of mental problems, or if you have a disease that affects your nervous system. Tell your doctor if you have jerky muscle movements caused by another medicine.

  • This medicine may keep you from sweating enough, which may cause your body to get too hot. Be careful in hot weather, and while you exercise or use a sauna or whirlpool.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy or cause you to have trouble thinking clearly. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell your doctor if your neck muscles become stiff and suddenly weak. Your doctor may need to lower the dose you are taking.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Severe constipation, or pain in your abdomen

Cogentin interactions

  • Tell your doctor if your neck muscles become stiff and suddenly weak. Your doctor may need to lower the dose you are taking.

  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

  • Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you drowsy or cause you to have trouble thinking clearly. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Some foods and medicines may affect how benztropine works. Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following: Haloperidol A phenothiazine medicine, such as prochlorperazine, chlorpromazine, perphenazine, promethazine, thioridazine A tricyclic antidepressant medicine, such as amitriptyline, doxepin, nortriptyline

Cogentin side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Severe dry mouth that causes trouble swallowing or speaking, loss of appetite, or weight loss

  • Jerky muscle movements you cannot control (often in your face, tongue, or jaw)

  • Unable to sweat, or feeling overheated

  • Seeing or hearing things that are not real

  • Confusion or extreme behavior changes

  • Fast or uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Severe constipation, or pain in your abdomen

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Trouble urinating

  • Blurred vision

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