Benztropine tablets

What is this medication?

BENZTROPINE (BENZ troe peen) is for certain movement problems due to Parkinson's disease, certain medicines, or other causes.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cogentin

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

•glaucoma

•heart disease or a rapid heartbeat

•mental problems

•prostate trouble

•tardive dyskinesia

•an unusual or allergic reaction to benztropine, other medicines, lactose, foods, dyes, or preservatives

•pregnant or trying to get pregnant

•breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medicine by mouth with a full glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 3 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

•haloperidol

•medicines for movement abnormalities like Parkinson's disease

•phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, mesoridazine, prochlorperazine, thioridazine

•some antidepressants like amitriptyline, desipramine, doxepin, nortriptyline

•stimulant medicines for attention, weight loss, and to stay awake

•tegaserod

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.

Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

This medicine may cause dry eyes and blurred vision. If you wear contact lenses you may feel some discomfort. Lubricating drops may help. See your eye doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.

You may sweat less than usual while you are taking this medicine. As a result your body temperature could rise to a dangerous level. Be careful not to get overheated during exercise or in hot weather. You could get heat stroke. Avoid taking hot baths and using hot tubs and saunas.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

•allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

•changes in vision

•confusion

•decreased sweating or heat intolerance

•depression

•fast, irregular heartbeat

•hallucinations

•memory loss

•muscle weakness

•pain or difficulty passing urine

•vomiting

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

•constipation

•dry mouth

•nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store below 30 degrees C (86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.