Cogentin and Pregnancy

Cogentin During Pregnancy: An Overview

Cogentin^® (benztropine mesylate) is a prescription medication approved to treat Parkinson's disease and certain side effects of antipsychotic medications. Very little information is available about the safety of using Cogentin during pregnancy.

 

Cogentin and Pregnancy Category C

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) uses a category system to classify the possible risks to a fetus when a specific medicine is taken during pregnancy. Pregnancy Category C is given to medicines that have not been studied in pregnant humans, but do appear to cause harm to the fetus in animal studies. Also, medicines that have not been adequately studied in any pregnant women or animals are automatically given a "default" pregnancy Category C rating.

 

Cogentin is usually considered a Category C medication, as it has not been adequately studied in any pregnant women or animals. There have been a few reports of problems (such as minor birth defects or intestinal blockages) in infants born to mothers who took Cogentin, but these reports do not provide enough information to know if Cogentin actually causes such problems.

 

Cogentin and Pregnancy: Final Thoughts

If you are pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant, let your healthcare provider know. He or she will consider the benefits and risks of taking Cogentin during pregnancy before making a recommendation in your particular situation.