Uses of Entacapone

Entacapone is used to treat Parkinson’s disease in combination with Levodopa/Carbidopa.

Therapeutic Category

Entacapone: COMT inhibitors   

How Entacapone works

Entacapone is a reversible, specific and peripherally acting COMT inhibitor administered with Levodopa preparations. It aids Levodopa in relieving the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and has no effect on the disease unless taken with Levodopa. Entacapone decreases the metabolic loss of Levodopa by inhibiting the COMT enzyme. This leads to a higher levodopa availability to the brain. Thus, relieving the symptoms of the disease.

Common side effects of Entacapone

• Dyskinesias (uncontrollable movements with difficulty in performing voluntary movements)
• Feeling sick (nausea, vomiting)
• Diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and dry mouth
• Harmless reddish-brown discoloration of urine.
• Worsening of symptoms, prolonged muscle cramps (dystonia)
• Dizziness, tiredness, increased sweating, falling
• Hallucinations (seeing/hearing/feeling/smelling things that are not there)
• Sleeplessness, vivid dreams, and confusion
• Heart or artery disease (Ex. chest pain, angina)

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor:

• In case of accidental overdosage or ingestion

Health Tips for Entacapone

• Take entacapone at regular intervals, usually with each levodopa/carbidopa dose. Do not skip doses or take extra doses unless advised by your healthcare provider
• Drinking alcohol while taking Entacapone can increase the risk of adverse effects
• Drink plenty of water while taking Entacapone to help reduce the risk of side effects
• Attend regular health checkups while taking this medicine
• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements and herbal products you are taking, as Entacapone can interact with certain drugs
• Entacapone is not recommended for use in pregnant or breastfeeding women