Benztropine: Uses, Side Effects & Warnings

Generic name: benztropine (oral/injection) [ benz-troe-peen ]

Drug class: Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents

Availability: Prescription only

Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data available

Brand names: Cogentin

What is Benztropine?

Benztropine is used with other medicines to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness or tremors.

Benztropine is also used to treat Parkinson-like symptoms caused by using certain medicines.

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

Warnings

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

How should I take Benztropine

Benztropine comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It usually is taken at bedtime. It is usually taken once daily but may be taken up to four times a day depending on your symptoms. Take benztropine at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take benztropine exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Your doctor may start with a small dose and increase it slowly after seeing your response to benztropine. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Do not stop taking benztropine suddenly without talking with your doctor, especially if you are also taking other medications. Sudden stoppage can cause symptoms of Parkinson's disease to return.

Dosing information

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Benztropine oral is taken by mouth.

Benztropine is usually taken at bedtime.

Benztropine injection is given in a muscle or vein if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth while taking benztropine.

Dry mouth may lead to gum disease or cavities. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for routine dental care.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your symptoms may get worse if you stop using benztropine suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping any of your anti-Parkinson medications.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Detailed Benztropine dosage information

Benztropine Dosage information (more detail)

Before Taking

You should not use benztropine if you are allergic to it.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate;

• urination problems;

• glaucoma; or

• muscle problems.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of benztropine.

It is not known if benztropine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause drowsiness, confusion, nervousness, hallucinations, fast heart rate, vomiting, numbness in your fingers, hot or dry skin, or fainting.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

It is important to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children as many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and young children can open them easily. To protect young children from poisoning, always lock safety caps and immediately place the medication in a safe location – one that is up and away and out of their sight and reach. http://www.upandaway.org

Unneeded medications should be disposed of in special ways to ensure that pets, children, and other people cannot consume them. However, you should not flush this medication down the toilet. Instead, the best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program. Talk to your pharmacist or contact your local garbage/recycling department to learn about take-back programs in your community. See the FDA's Safe Disposal of Medicines website (http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p) for more information if you do not have access to a take-back program.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I avoid while using Benztropine?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how benztropine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

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

Benztropine side effects

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

Benztropine may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• dry mouth that causes trouble talking or swallowing;

• little or no urination;

• uncontrolled muscle movements;

• vomiting, severe constipation;

• fast heartbeats;

• muscle weakness;

• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;

• confusion, hallucinations; or

• severe skin rash.

Common side effects of benztropine may include:

• dry mouth;

• blurred vision;

• constipation; or

• nausea.

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.

See more: Benztropine Side Effects

What other drugs will affect Benztropine?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• other medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;

• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;

• cold or allergy medicine (Benadryl and others);

• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;

• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or

• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect benztropine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

What other information should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests to check your response to benztropine.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Source: https://themeditary.com/drug/benztropine-85.html?utm_source=4_blogger_source&utm_medium=4_blogger_medium&utm_campaign=4_blogger_cam

Drug Class: Anticholinergic antiparkinson agents

Post by: TheMediTary.Com