Benztropine (Cogentin) Nursing Considerations

Hey guys, let’s talk about benztropine, also known as Cogentin. This is an oral or injectable medication. As you can see here, this is packaging for the intravenous or intramuscular injection. 

So remember that the therapeutic class is what the drug does in the body while the pharmacologic class is the actual chemical effect in the body. So the therapeutic class of benztropine is an anti-Parkinson agent with a Pharmacologic class being an anticholinergic. So how does this medication work? So it works by exhibiting anticholinergic properties in the central nervous system. It blocks acetylcholine and reduces rigidity and tremors, which is why it is indicated for Parkinson’s disease. So because of benztropine’s anticholinergic effects, it can cause dry mouth and constipation. Palpitations and arrhythmias are additional side effects of this medication. So let’s take a look at a few nursing considerations, for benztropine. Assess for extrapyramidal symptoms like rigidity, slow movements, and motor restlessness. Monitor your patient for hypotension, palpitations, and tachycardia. There have been some reported cases of severe vomiting from withdrawal from benztropine, so keep that in mind. And finally, you’re going to want to teach your patient to take as directed and maintain good oral hygiene while on this medication. So, guys, some patients take benztropine at bedtime because it has a long duration of action making it easier for them to turn in bed and also to get up in the morning. 

Okay. That is it for benztropine or Cogentin. Now go out and be your best self today and as always happy nursing.