Cogentin Dosage

The recommended Cogentin dosage will vary based on several factors, such as the medical condition being treated, how you respond to Cogentin, other medical conditions you have, and other medications you are taking. Cogentin comes in tablet form and is typically taken one to four times daily. An injectable form of Cogentin is also available for certain situations. If necessary, your healthcare provider can slowly increase your Cogentin dose up to a maximum of 6 mg total per day.

 

Cogentin Dosage: An Introduction

The dose of Cogentin® (benztropine mesylate) that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • The medical condition being treated
  • How you respond to Cogentin (especially if you develop side effects)
  • Other medications you are taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 

Cogentin Dosing for Extrapyramidal Symptoms

For treating extrapyramidal symptoms (EPS) due to antipsychotic medications, the recommended Cogentin dosage is 1 mg to 4 mg once or twice a day. If EPS develops soon after an antipsychotic medication is started, sometimes using Cogentin 1 mg or 2 mg, two or three times daily, for one or two weeks may be sufficient (as EPS symptoms are sometimes temporary). Your healthcare provider will help you find a Cogentin dose that is right for you -- one that is effective without causing problematic side effects.
 
Because the effects (including both the beneficial effects and the side effects) of Cogentin can take a few days to appear, it is recommended to start Cogentin at a low dose and slowly increase it (by increments of 0.5 mg every five or six days). The maximum dose of Cogentin is 6 mg total per day.
 
Although most people take Cogentin tablets, an injectable form is also available for use in certain situations.
 
(Cogentin Dosage Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;