What it means
A drug that blocks acetylcholine in the brain, restoring balance with dopamine. It treats acute dystonia (sudden muscle spasms) and parkinsonism caused by antipsychotics, and tremor and stiffness in Parkinson diseasePAR-kin-sun dih-ZEEZA slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.Full entry . It does not help tardive dyskinesia. It causes dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention and, in older adults, confusion.
For the nurse
Given IM or IV, it relieves acute dystonia within minutes. Teach the client to avoid overheating (it lowers sweating), and to report trouble passing urine. The Beers Criteria advise avoiding it in older adults.
At a glance
| Drug class | anticholinergic (antiparkinson agent) |
|---|---|
| Brand names | Cogentin |
| Also written | Cogentin |
Related terms
Parkinson disease
A slowly worsening brain disease in which the nerve cells that help control movement die off.
urinary retention
Being unable to empty the bladder completely, or at all.
prochlorperazine
A phenothiazine drug used mainly to treat severe nausea and vomiting.