Classes
DEA Class; Rx
Common Brand Names; Cogentin
- Antiparkinson Agents, Anticholinergics
Description
Synthetic muscarinic-receptor antagonist; structurally similar to atropine and diphenhydramine; has a longer duration of action and may require less frequent dosing than diphenhydramine; produces less CNS stimulation than does trihexyphenidyl and, thus, may be useful in geriatric patients.
Indications
For the treatment of parkinsonism or Parkinson’s disease, including tremor due to the disease.
For the treatment of drug-induced extrapyramidal symptoms.
For the treatment of chronic sialorrhea† (chronic drooling) in developmentally-disabled patients.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity
Age <3 years
Adverse Effects
- Blurred vision
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Disorientation
- Dry mouth or throat
- Hyperthermia
- Mydriasis
- Nausea
- Paralytic ileus
- Psychosis
- Tachycardia
- Urinary retention
- Visual hallucinations
- Vomiting
Warnings
May cause anhidrosis/hyperthermia, which may become severe; use with catuion in hot weather and during exercise; risk is increased in hot environment; consider lowering the dose to prevent impairing heat equilibrium by perspiration
May cause anticholinergic effects (constipation, xerostomia, blurred vision, urinary retention)
At higher doses, may be associated with confusion, visual hallucinations or excitement; intensification of symptoms or toxic psychosis may occur in patients with mental disorders
May cause CNS depression, which may impair ability to operate heavy machinery and tasks that require mental alertness
In susceptible patients, large doses may cause weakness and inability to move perticular muscles
Use caution in patients with GI obstruction, tachycardia, prostatic hyperplasia/urinary stricture, and glaucoma
Pregnancy and Lactation
Pregnancy
Use in pregnancy not established; paralytic ileus reported in newborns exposed to a combination of benztropine and chlorpromazine during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy
Lactation
Excretion in milk unknown; use with caution
Maximum Dosage
8 mg/day PO, IM, or IV.
8 mg/day PO, IM, or IV.
Weight-based doses up to 0.05 mg/kg/dose PO, IM or IV, not to exceed adult maximum of 8 mg/day PO, IM or IV, have been reported.
3 years and older: Weight-based doses up to 0.05 mg/kg/dose PO, IM or IV, generally not to exceed 1 mg/dose, have been reported.
Less than 3 years: Contraindicated.
Contraindicated.
