Entacapone

Entacapone is an additional drug to relieve Parkinson's symptoms. This drug will usually be used with other Parkinson's drugs, such as levodopa or carbidopa. 

When a person has Parkinson's disease, the level of dopamine in the brain is quite low. This condition causes the appearance of symptoms, such as tremors, impaired movement, coordination, and walking, or muscle stiffness.

Entacapone will work by inhibiting the work of the catechol O-methyltransferase enzyme . This enzyme prevents levodopa from being broken down into dopamine in the brain. That way, the level of levodopa will last longer in the brain and the symptoms will not worsen.

Entacapone trademarks: Comtan, Stalevo

What is Entacapone

Warnings Before Consuming Entacapone

Entacapone can only be consumed based on a doctor's prescription. Some things to consider before consuming entacapone are:

• Do not take Entacapone if you are allergic to this medicine. Tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Tell your doctor if you suffer from alcohol addiction or are suffering from liver disease, hypotension , sleep disorders, or mental disorders, such as depression or schizophrenia .
• Tell your doctor if you have ever had phaechromocytoma, rhabdomyolysis , or neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Avoid doing activities that require alertness during treatment with entacapone, because this drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements, or herbal products.
• Immediately see a doctor if you experience a drug allergic reaction , serious side effects, or overdose after consuming entacapone.

Dosage and Administration of Entacapone

As an addition in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, the dose of entacapone is 200 mg along with the dose of levodopa or carbidopa. The maximum dose is 2,000 mg per day. Dose adjustment will be adjusted to the condition and dose of levodopa or carbidopa .

How to Consume Entacapone Correctly

Follow the doctor 's advice and read the information on the medicine packaging label before consuming entacapone. Do not change the dose and stop the treatment without the doctor's permission because it can cause the symptoms of Parkinson's disease to worsen.

Entacapone can be taken with or without food. In order to reduce side effects in the form of nausea, you can consume entacapone with food. During treatment with entacapone, patients are advised to drink plenty of water.

It is recommended to consume entacapone regularly at the same time every day for maximum treatment effect. If you forget to take this medicine, take it immediately if the break with the next consumption schedule is not too close. If it's close, ignore it and don't double the dose.

Sometimes, the consumption of entacapone can cause dizziness due to decreased blood pressure. Avoid standing for too long and make sure to stand up slowly if you consume entacapone while sitting.

Store entacapone tablets in a closed container in a cool room. Protect this medicine from direct sunlight and keep out of the reach of children.

Interactions of Entacapone with Other Drugs

Some drug interactions that can occur if entacapone is used with other drugs are as follows:

• Increase the risk of fatal side effects if used with MAOI drugs , such as phenelzine or isocarboxazid
• Increases the effect of entacapone if used with dopamine agonist drugs, such as bromocriptine
• Increases the sedative effect if used with central nervous system depressants or sedatives

Side Effects and Dangers of Entacapone

Some side effects that may appear after using entacapone are:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Drowsy
• Fatigue
• Turn
• Dry mouth
• Bloated stomach
• Diarrhea
• Stomachache

Check with your doctor if the side effects above do not subside or actually get worse. Go to the doctor immediately if the following serious drug allergic reactions or side effects appear:

• Delirium, hallucinations , or depression
• Fall asleep suddenly not at night
• Uncontrolled and unconscious facial muscle movements, including eye twitching , chewing movements, or moving the tongue, without realizing it
• Urine changes color to brown or orange yellow
• Difficulty breathing or pain when breathing
• High fever with muscle stiffness
• Diarrhea that does not subside
• Easy to bruise
• Shortness of breath