ENTACAPONE - ORAL

ENTACAPONE - ORAL

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (en-TACK-up-own)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Comtan

GENERIC NAME(S): entacapone

Uses

USES: This medication is used with other medications (levodopa/carbidopa) to treat Parkinson's disease. Entacapone belongs to a class of drugs known as COMT inhibitors. Many people taking levodopa for Parkinson's have problems with the effects of the levodopa wearing off between scheduled doses, causing symptoms to return or worsen. Entacapone blocks a certain natural substance (COMT enzyme) that breaks down the levodopa in the body. This effect allows the levodopa to last longer in the system so that it doesn't wear off before the next dose.


How to use ENTACAPONE - ORAL

HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food, usually with each prescribed dose of levodopa/carbidopa (up to 8 times daily) or as directed by your doctor. Dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Do not suddenly stop taking this medication unless instructed to do so by your doctor. Doing so may cause your Parkinson's symptoms to become much worse. Tell your doctor if your condition persists or worsens (such as your Parkinson's symptoms are not controlled).

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, unwanted/uncontrolled movements, increased sweating, drowsiness, tiredness, dry mouth, gas, and abdominal pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing may also occur, especially during the first few weeks of treatment. To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication may develop serious side effects, but with frequent visits to your doctor, this risk can be minimized. Some people taking entacapone have fallen asleep suddenly during their usual daily activities (such as talking on the phone, driving). In some cases, sleep occurred without any feelings of drowsiness beforehand. This sleep effect may occur anytime during treatment with entacapone even if you have used this medication for a long time. If you experience increased sleepiness or fall asleep during the day, do not drive or take part in other possibly dangerous activities until you have discussed this effect with your doctor. Your risk of this sleep effect is increased by using alcohol or other medications that can make you drowsy. See also Precautions section. Your urine may turn brownish-orange. This effect is harmless. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as confusion, hallucinations), unusual strong urges (such as increased gambling, increased sexual urges), fever, muscle stiffness, persistent diarrhea, easy bleeding/bruising, sore/painful muscles, muscle weakness, trouble breathing, pain with breathing. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking entacapone, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: alcoholism, liver problems, low blood pressure, mental/mood disorders (such as depression, schizophrenia), sleep disorders. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. See also Side Effects section. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness and confusion. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some of the products that may interact with this drug include: certain MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, tranylcypromine). Other MAO inhibitors (safinamide, selegiline, rasagiline) may be used cautiously with close monitoring by your doctor. If you are taking rasagiline or selegiline for Parkinson's disease, ask your doctor if you should continue taking it. Entacapone can slow down the removal of other drugs from your body, thereby affecting how they work. These affected drugs include apomorphine, dobutamine, and methyldopa. This is not a complete list. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana, antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and narcotic pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include severe drowsiness, coma, confusion, agitation.

Images

ENTACAPONE 200 MG TABLET

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light brownish-orange
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Y 16
ENTACAPONE 200 MG TABLET

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light brownish-orange
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Y 16
ENTACAPONE 200 MG TABLET

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W 781
ENTACAPONE 200 MG TABLET

color
light brownish-orange
shape
oblong
imprint
Y 16

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Faq for ENTACAPONE - ORAL

- Entacapone is used in combination with other medications to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It helps to improve muscle control and reduce stiffness and tremors.

- Entacapone belongs to a class of medications called COMT inhibitors. It works by increasing the levels of a certain chemical called dopamine in the brain, which is responsible for controlling movement and coordination.

- The common side effects of Entacapone may include diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain, headache, dizziness, and trouble sleeping. These side effects are usually temporary and go away on their own.

- Entacapone is usually taken three times a day, with each dose spaced evenly throughout the day. It is important to follow the dosage instructions provided by your doctor. Take it with or without food, but try to be consistent with your meals as it can affect the absorption of the medication.

- Entacapone is not intended to be used alone. It is usually taken in combination with levodopa/carbidopa, which are other medications used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. These medications work together to provide more effective symptom relief.

- Yes, Entacapone can interact with other medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and certain antibiotics. It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid any potential interactions.

- Entacapone may start working within a few days to weeks. However, it may take several weeks before you notice the full benefits. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed and not to stop abruptly unless instructed by your doctor.

- Before starting Entacapone, inform your doctor about any allergies, medical conditions, or medications you are taking. It may interact with certain liver medications or liver disease. It is also important to notify your doctor if you experience any unusual symptoms or worsening of symptoms while taking Entacapone.

- Entacapone is not recommended during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. It is also not known if Entacapone passes into breast milk, so it is advisable to consult with your doctor before taking it while breastfeeding.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.