Cogentin

Parkinson Disease

Treatment

0 Active Studies for Cogentin

What is Cogentin

Benzatropine

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Benztropine is a medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. It is made up of two components - a tropane ring similar to cocaine, and a diphenyl ether from dialkylpiperazines. Benztropine was developed by USL Pharma and approved by the FDA in 1996. It works by blocking dopamine receptors in the brain, which helps to reduce the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Cogentin

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Cogentin Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Cogentin

Benzatropine

1959

200

Effectiveness

How Cogentin Affects Patients

Benztropine works by blocking the reuptake of dopamine in the nerve cells. This results in an increased amount of dopamine in the body. The effects of benztropine can be felt after 1-2 hours when taken orally and a few minutes when taken through an injection. The effects can last up to 24 hours. Benztropine also has a sedative effect, as well as antihistamine and anticholinergic properties that are similar to the effects found with pyrilamine and atropine.

How Cogentin works in the body

Benztropine has two main effects on the body. First, it blocks dopamine transporters in the brain, which helps to balance out dopamine levels. It also binds to muscarinic receptors in the striatum, blocking their activity. This reduces the activity of acetylcholine in the body, which is useful for Parkinson's patients.

When to interrupt dosage

The proposed dosage of Cogentin is contingent on the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage relies upon the technique of delivery (e.g. Tablet - Oral or Solution - Oral) documented in the table below.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Parkinson Disease

, 1.0 mg/mL, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 2.0 mg, 2.0 mg/mL

, Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, Injection - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Injection, solution, Injection, solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Parenteral, Injection - Parenteral, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid - Intramuscular; Intravenous, Liquid, Solution - Intramuscular; Intravenous

Warnings

Cogentin Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

Severe Hypersensitivity Reactions

Do Not Combine

Benzatropine may interact with Pulse Frequency

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Cogentin.

Common Cogentin Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Aclidinium

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Benzatropine is combined with Aclidinium.

Amitriptyline

Major

The metabolism of Amitriptyline can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.

Astemizole

Major

The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.

Cimetropium

Major

The risk or severity of adverse effects can be increased when Benzatropine is combined with Cimetropium.

Clomipramine

Major

The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Benzatropine.

Cogentin Toxicity & Overdose Risk

The lowest toxic dose of benztropine in rats is 940mg/kg. Overdosing on benztropine can cause symptoms such as low blood pressure, heart or breathing problems, confusion, shock, loss of coordination, increased body temperature, difficulty swallowing, decreased bowel sounds, and small pupils.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Cogentin Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Cogentin?

Presently, two clinical trials are exploring the potential of Cogentin to mitigate the symptoms of Parkinsonism.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Parkinson Disease

0 Actively Recruiting

Cogentin Reviews: What are patients saying about Cogentin?

5

Patient Review

12/23/2010

Cogentin for Extrapyramidal Reaction

I've had bipolar disorder since I was a kid, and Cogentin has been really effective for me.

5

Patient Review

3/22/2012

Cogentin for Parkinson Symptoms

I've been using Cogentin for about 10 days now, and I'm already feeling a lot better. I'm more confident to take on tasks that I would have avoided before, and my tremor is gradually getting better.

4

Patient Review

9/6/2012

Cogentin for Parkinsonism due to Degenerations in the Brain

I started taking cogentin to help with side effects of my antidepressants, and it really made a difference. I felt more normal and had more energy. Additionally, it helped with some cognitive problems I was experiencing after a brain injury.

4

Patient Review

4/29/2013

Cogentin for Extrapyramidal Reaction

This medicine is great for reducing the rigidity and tremors that come with EPS and Dystonia, two conditions I've dealt with for most of my life. The only downside is that it gives me a really dry mouth shortly after taking it.

3

Patient Review

1/17/2012

Cogentin for Extrapyramidal Reaction

I took cogentin a few years ago to counteract side effects from a neuroleptic (EPS). Soon I was falling asleep all the time while driving, unable to speak in a complete sentence, and apparently raving about nonexistent missiles in Japan. I can't even remember most of what happened during that period of time. When I saw my doctor and couldn't communicate with him at all either by speaking or writing, he had to hospitalize me to get me stabilized and to change my medications.

1.3

Patient Review

7/17/2010

Cogentin for Parkinson Symptoms

My mother started taking this to counter side effects of Abilify. However, she only lasted three days because the medication caused such severe memory loss and dry mouth that it interfered with her quality of life. Not worth it!
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about cogentin

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What symptoms does Cogentin treat?

"Cogentin is a medication that has been approved by the FDA to treat all forms of parkinsonism. This medication is used to help treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease, as well as the extrapyramidal involuntary muscle movements that can be caused by certain psychiatric drugs, such as antipsychotics."

Answered by AI

What is the drug Cogentin used for?

"Benztropine is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, or involuntary movements that are caused by the side effects of psychiatric drugs such as chlorpromazine or haloperidol."

Answered by AI

Why is Cogentin given with antipsychotics?

"The combination of these two medicines may be prescribed in order to prevent or treat side effects that are caused by antipsychotic or phenothiazine medicine. However, in some situations, the combination of these medicines may actually increase the likelihood of experiencing medicine side effects."

Answered by AI

Is Cogentin used for anxiety?

"No, benztropine will not help with anxiety. Benztropine can cause mind-altering effects in rare cases, such as mental confusion, excitement, or hallucinations. It works similarly to atropine, which is also known to have these effects."

Answered by AI