CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM AGENTS

aGENTS FOR GOUT | ALLOPURINOL | | | | | | | | Agents for Migraine | | | | | | | | migraine combinations | | | | | | | | Cannabinoids | | | | | | | | dopaminergics | | | | | | | | Entacapone | | | | | | | | Levetiracetam | | | | | | | | phenothiazines | | | | | | | | Primidone | | | | | | | | Ropinirole | | | | | | | | Sedatives | | | | | | | | barbiturates | | | | | | | | Selegiline | | | | | | | | Topiramat | | | | | | | | |

Search



Entacapone Drug Information

Type of Drug

Antiparkinson agent; catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor.

How the Entacapone Product Works

Entacapone interferes with one of the enzymes (COMT) in the body responsible for eliminating levodopa. It is used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa (eg, Sinemet) to prolong the beneficial effects of levodopa in treating symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Entacapone has no anti parkinsonian effects of its own and must always be administered in combination with levodopa/carbidopa.

Uses of The Entacapone

Entacapone is used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa to treat patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who experience the signs and symptoms of end-of-dose "wearing-off" (worsening of Parkinson's symptoms between doses of levodopa/carbidopa). The effectiveness of entacapone has not been evaluated in patients with idiopathic Parkin­son's disease who do not experience end-of-dose "wearing-off."

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking or planning to take any over­the-counter or prescription medications or dietary supplements while taking entacapone. Doses of one or both drugs may need to be modified or a different drug may need to be prescribed. The following drugs and drug classes interact with entacapone:

  • Ampicillin (eg, Omnipen)

  • Apomorphine bitolterol (tornalate)

  • Chloramphenicol (eg, chloromycetin)

  • Cholestyramine (eg, questran)

Side Effects

Every drug is capable of producing side effects. Many entacapone users experience no, or minor side effects. The frequency and severity of side effects depend on many factors including dose, duration of therapy, and individual susceptibility. Possible side effects include:

Digestive Tract: Nausea; diarrhea; stomach pain; constipation; vomiting; dry mouth; indigestion; gas; gastritis.

Nervous System: Difficulty moving; abnormal movements; muscular hyperactivity; muscle pain; slow mobility; dizziness; hallucinations; anxiety; agitation; drowsiness.

Guidelines for Use

  • Dosage is individualized. Use exactly as prescribed.

  • Do not change the dose or stop taking this medicine unless advised to do so by your doctor.

  • May be taken without regard to meals or snacks.

  • Your doctor may reduce your levodopa/carbidopa dose while taking this medicine.

  • Each dose is taken at the same time as a dose of levodopalcarbidopa.

  • If you experience hallucinations, severe or persistent nausea, or difficult or abnormal movement, contact your doctor immediately.

  • May cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting when rising or standing, particularly during initial use. Get up slowly and avoid sudden changes in posture.

  • Do not drive a car or operate complex machinery until the effects of entacapone on your mental or motor performance can be gauged.

  • Urine color may change to a brownish-orange discoloration. This is normal and of no concern.

  • Inform your doctor if you are pregnant, become pregnant, are planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

  • This medicine should not be stopped suddenly. If a decision is mad to discontinue this medicine, the dose should be reduced slowly if possible.

  • Store at controlled room temperature (59° to 86°F).