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What is Entacapone
EntacaponeThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryEntacapone is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is a type of nitrocatechol that works by blocking the action of an enzyme called catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT). When taken with levodopa and another drug called carbidopa, it helps to increase and maintain the levels of levodopa in the body.
Comtanis the brand name
Entacapone Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Comtan
Entacapone
1999
81
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Entacapone, commonly known as Comtan, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses which include Parkinson's Disease (PD) and Wearing Off Effect .Parkinson's Disease (PD)
Used to treat Parkinson's Disease (PD) in combination with Carbidopa
Wearing Off Effect
Used to treat Wearing Off Effect in combination with Carbidopa
Parkinson's Disease
Used to treat Parkinson's Disease (PD) in combination with Carbidopa
Effectiveness
How Entacapone Affects PatientsEntacapone is a drug used to treat Parkinson's disease that is similar to another drug called tolcapone, but does not have the same risk of causing liver damage. Entacapone blocks an enzyme (COMT) that is found in many organs in the body and helps to break down certain substances, like dopamine and levodopa. By blocking this enzyme, entacapone helps to increase the levels of levodopa in the body for longer, which reduces Parkinson's symptoms.
How Entacapone works in the bodyEntacapone works by blocking an enzyme that breaks down levodopa, a medication used to treat Parkinson's. When entacapone is taken with levodopa and an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, it boosts the effectiveness of the levodopa. This helps to more consistently reduce the symptoms of Parkinson's.
When to interrupt dosage
The measure of Entacapone is founded on the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage is contingent upon the method of administration featured in the table below.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Wearing Off Effect
200.0 mg,
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Parkinson's Disease
200.0 mg,
Oral, , Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral
Warnings
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Entacapone.Common Entacapone Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Amoxapine
Major
The metabolism of Amoxapine can be decreased when combined with Entacapone.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Entacapone.
Azelastine
Major
Entacapone may increase the central nervous system depressant (CNS depressant) activities of Azelastine.
Clomipramine
Major
The metabolism of Clomipramine can be decreased when combined with Entacapone.
Dacomitinib
Major
The metabolism of Dacomitinib can be decreased when combined with Entacapone.
Entacapone Toxicity & Overdose RiskSide effects of this drug may include lightheadedness when standing, severe muscle breakdown, abnormal movements, hallucinations, difficulty moving, dizziness, tiredness, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and nausea.
Entacapone Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Entacapone?
45 active studies are currently underway to explore the potential of Entacapone for alleviating the Wearing Off Effect.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Parkinson's Disease
39 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 1, Phase 4, Phase 2, Phase 3, Early Phase 1
Wearing Off Effect
0 Actively Recruiting
Entacapone Reviews: What are patients saying about Entacapone?
5Patient Review
2/26/2016 This treatment helped to alleviate the cramping and pain I was experiencing between doses of my medication.
4Patient Review
11/21/2010 This has helped to extend the amount of time that my husband can go without his medication, but he is now experiencing some extreme side effects like insomnia and hyperactivity.
3.7Patient Review
12/2/2010 This medication has some pretty unpleasant side effects, but it does seem to help with my motor skills. I've only taken it a few times, and I've already experienced muscle cramping, mood swings, and blurred vision.
3.7Patient Review
3/18/20092.7Patient Review
5/22/2013 I'm not thrilled with how much this drug costs my Medicare Advantage company every month. It's outrageous that it's so expensive, especially since it's made in Finland.
Patient Q&A Section about entacapone
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What class of drug is entacapone?
"This medication, when used in conjunction with other medications such as levodopa/carbidopa, is effective in treating Parkinson's disease. Entacapone works by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase, or COMT."
Answered by AI
What is the purpose of entacapone?
"Entacapone is a drug used to treat the "wearing off" effect in patients with [Parkinson's disease](https://www.withpower.com/clinical-trials/parkinson's-disease). Parkinson's disease is a disorder of the central nervous system."
Answered by AI
What is the mechanism of action of entacapone?
"Entacapone is believed to work by inhibiting COMT and changing the way levodopa is absorbed in the bloodstream."
Answered by AI
Is levodopa same as entacapone?
"This medicine contains entacapone, which helps levodopa last longer by blocking the COMT enzyme. COMT breaks down levodopa before it reaches the brain, but entacapone inhibits this action, allowing more levodopa to be available to the brain."
Answered by AI