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Cogentin: Full Drug Profile

Medically reviewed by Min Clinic Staff | Updated: January 2026

Cogentin - General Information

A centrally active muscarinic antagonist that has been used in the symptomatic treatment of parkinson disease. Cogentin also inhibits the uptake of dopamine.

 

Pharmacology of Cogentin

Cogentin is an anticholinergic used in the symptomatic treatment of all etiologic groups of parkinsonism and drug induced extrapyramidal reactions (except tardive dyskinesia). Cogentin possesses both anticholinergic and antihistaminic effects, although only the former has been established as therapeutically significant in the management of parkinsonism. Cogentin's anticholinergic activity is about equal to that of atropine.

 

Cogentin for patients

 

Cogentin Interactions

Antipsychotic drugs such as phenothiazines or haloperidol; tricyclic antidepressants.

 

Cogentin Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to any component of benztropine mesylate tablets. Because of its atropine-like side effects, this drug is contraindicated in children under three years of age and should be used with caution in older children.

 

Additional information about Cogentin

Cogentin Indication

For use as an adjunct in the therapy of all forms of parkinsonism and also for use in the control of extrapyramidal disorders due to neuroleptic drugs.

Mechanism Of Action
Cogentin is a selective M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist. It is able to discriminate between the M1 (cortical or neuronal) and the peripheral muscarinic subtypes (cardiac and glandular). Cogentin partially blocks cholinergic activity in the CNS, which is responsible for the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It is also thought to increase the availability of dopamine, a brain chemical that is critical in the initiation and smooth control of voluntary muscle movement.
Drug Interactions
Donepezil Possible antagonism of action
Food Interactions
Take with food to reduce irritation.
Generic Name
Benztropine
Synonyms
Benzatropina [Inn-Spanish]; Benzatropine; Benzatropinum [Inn-Latin]; Benztropine Mesylate; Benztropinum; Tropine Benzohydryl Ether; Benzatropine mesilate
Drug Category
Antiparkinson Agents; Muscarinic Antagonists; Antidyskinetics
Drug Type
Small Molecule; Approved
Other Brand Names containing Benztropine
Akitan; Apo-Benztropine; Cobrentin; Cogentin; Cogentine; Cogentinol; PMS Benztropine;
Toxicity (Overdose)
Signs of overdose include confusion, nervousness, listlessness, hallucinations, dizziness; muscle weakness, ataxia, dry mouth, mydriasis, blurred vision, palpitations, tachycardia, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, dysuria, numbness of fingers, headache, delirium, coma, shock, convulsions, respiratory arrest, anhidrosis, hyperthermia, glaucoma, and constipation.
Dosage Forms of Cogentin
Liquid Intravenous
Chemical IUPAC Name
(1R,5R)-3-[di(phenyl)methoxy]-8-methyl-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane
Chemical Formula
C21H25NO
Organisms Affected
Humans and other mammals