Cogentin

Cogentin is used along with other medicines to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness or tremors.

Cogentin is also used to treat symptoms similar to Parkinson's disease that are caused by certain medicines.

Cogentin may also be used for reasons not mentioned in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Cogentin oral is taken by mouth.

Cogentin is usually taken at bedtime.

Cogentin injection is given in a muscle or vein if you are unable to take the medicine by mouth.

Drink plenty of water to prevent dry mouth while taking Cogentin.

Dry mouth may lead to gum disease or cavities. Brush and floss your teeth regularly and visit your dentist for routine dental care.

Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.

Your symptoms may get worse if you stop using Cogentin suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping any of your anti-Parkinson medications.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Use only as directed. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medicines, have other medical conditions, or have any allergies.

You should not use Cogentin if you are allergic to it.

Not approved for use by anyone younger than 3 years old.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an enlarged prostate;
• urination problems;
• glaucoma; or
• muscle problems.

Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of Cogentin.

It is not known if Cogentin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Get emergency medical help if you notice signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Cogentin may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor immediately if you experience:

• dry mouth that makes it hard to talk or swallow;
• little or no urination;
• uncontrolled muscle movements;
• vomiting, severe constipation;
• fast heartbeats;
• muscle weakness;
• blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain, or seeing halos around lights;
• confusion, hallucinations; or
• severe skin rash.

Common side effects of Cogentin may include:

• dry mouth;
• blurred vision;
• constipation; or
• nausea.

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may happen. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Take the medicine as soon as you remember, but skip the missed dose if it is nearly time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at once.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose may cause drowsiness, confusion, nervousness, hallucinations, fast heart rate, vomiting, numbness in your fingers, hot or dry skin, or fainting.

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Cogentin will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cogentin can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Tell your doctor about all the other medicines you are taking, especially:

• other medicine to treat Parkinson's disease;
• medicine to treat depression, anxiety, mood disorders, or mental illness;
• cold or allergy medicine (like Benadryl and others);
• medicine to treat stomach problems, motion sickness, or irritable bowel syndrome;
• medicine to treat overactive bladder; or
• bronchodilator asthma medication.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect Cogentin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.