$Unique_ID{BRK01847}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{BENZTROPINE}
$Subject{benztropine (various manufacturers)
Cogentin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


BENZTROPINE
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     benztropine (various manufacturers)
     Cogentin (Merck Sharp & Dohme)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Anticholinergic and antiparkinsonism agent
INGREDIENT:
     benztropine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Tablets (0.5 mg, 1 mg, and 2 mg)
STORAGE:
     Benztropine tablets should be stored at room temperature in a tightly
       closed container.

USES

     Benztropine is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or to
control the side effects of phenothiazine tranquilizers.  It is not clearly
understood how this medication works, but it is thought to act by balancing
certain chemicals in the brain.

TREATMENT

     In order to reduce stomach irritation, you can take benztropine tablets
with food or just after a meal.
     Antacids and antidiarrheal medicines prevent the absorption of this
medication, so at least one hour should separate doses of benztropine and one
of these medicines.
     If you miss a dose of this medication, take the missed dose as soon as
possible, unless it is within two hours of your next dose.  In that case,
don't take the missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing
schedule.  Do not double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Bloating; blurred vision; constipation; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth,
throat, and nose; false sense of well-being; headache; increased sensitivity
of the eyes to light; muscle cramps; nausea; nervousness; reduced sweating; or
weakness.  These side effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the
medication.
     If you are constipated, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     Chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a piece of hard candy to
reduce mouth dryness.
     Wear sunglasses if your eyes become sensitive to light.
     To avoid dizziness and light-headedness when you stand, contract and
relax the muscles of your legs for a few moments before rising.  Do this by
pushing one foot against the floor while raising the other foot slightly,
alternating feet so that you are "pumping" your legs in a pedaling motion.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
depression, difficulty sleeping, difficulty in urinating, hallucinations,
involuntary muscle movements, loss of balance, memory loss, mood changes,
numbness of the fingers, palpitations, or unusual excitement.
     Some side effects may occur for a short time after discontinuing this
drug.  Consult your doctor if they become bothersome.

INTERACTIONS

     Benztropine interacts with several other types of drugs:
     1. It can cause extreme drowsiness when combined with alcohol or other
central nervous system depressants (such as antihistamines, barbiturates,
benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, and pain
medications) or with tricyclic antidepressants.
     2. Amantadine, antihistamines, haloperidol, monoamine oxidase (MAO)
inhibitors, phenothiazine tranquilizers, procainamide, quinidine, and
tricyclic antidepressants can increase the side effects of benztropine.  At
least 14 days should separate the use of this drug and the use of an MAO
inhibitor.
     Before starting to take this medication, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR
DOCTOR about any medications you are currently taking, especially
any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to benztropine.
     * Tell your doctor if you now have or if you have ever had achalasia,
glaucoma, heart disease, high blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease,
myasthenia gravis, blockage of the intestinal tract or urinary tract, enlarged
prostate gland, stomach ulcers, or thyroid disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, avoid any activity that
requires alertness, such as driving or operating potentially dangerous
equipment.  Be careful on stairs, and avoid getting up suddenly from a lying
or sitting position.
     * This medication can decrease sweating and heat release from the body.
You should, therefore, avoid getting overheated by strenuous exercise in hot
weather and should avoid taking hot baths, showers, and saunas.
     * Elderly patients are more sensitive to the effects of benztropine.
Contact your doctor if confusion, disorientation, agitation, or hallucinations
occur.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Extensive studies of
the use of benztropine during pregnancy have not been conducted.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Small amounts of this
medication may pass into breast milk.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
