Entacom Tablet (Entacapone) – Treatment for Parkinson’s Disease

Entacom Tablet is a COMT inhibitor medication used to treat wearing-off symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, typically prescribed alongside carbidopa/levodopa therapy. It effectively manages tremors, stiffness, and muscle control issues by prolonging levodopa’s therapeutic effects. The tablet can be taken with or without food, though consistent daily timing is recommended. Patients should be aware that it may cause harmless urine discoloration and requires periodic skin examinations due to potential melanoma risk. Never discontinue suddenly without medical guidance as it may worsen Parkinsonian symptoms.

Uses of Entacom Tablet:

• Management of wearing-off phenomena in Parkinson’s disease
• Adjunct therapy with carbidopa/levodopa treatment

Benefits of Entacom Tablet:

• Extends effectiveness of levodopa therapy
• Reduces “off” periods in Parkinson’s patients
• Improves motor control and coordination
• Decreases tremors and muscle stiffness
• Enhances overall mobility and quality of life

Side Effects of Entacom Tablet:

Most side effects are mild and temporary:

• Nausea/Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Constipation
• Insomnia/Nightmares
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Impaired coordination
• Harmless urine discoloration

How to Use Entacom Tablet?

• Take exactly as prescribed with levodopa doses
• Swallow whole with water – do not chew or crush
• Maintain consistent dosing schedule
• May be taken with or without food
• Stay hydrated if experiencing diarrhea
• Never stop abruptly without medical advice

How Entacom Tablet Works?

It contains entacapone, a selective COMT inhibitor that prevents levodopa breakdown outside the brain. By inhibiting the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme, it extends levodopa’s duration of action, maintaining more stable dopamine levels in the brain and reducing Parkinson’s symptoms.

Safety Advice:

• Alcohol: Avoid – increases drowsiness risk
• Pregnancy: Consult doctor – potential fetal risk
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended – may pass to infant
• Driving: Use caution – may cause dizziness/sleepiness
• Kidney Disease: Probably safe – limited adjustments needed
• Liver Disease: Unsafe – contraindicated in hepatic impairment

What If You Miss a Dose?

Skip the missed dose if close to next scheduled time. Never take double doses. Maintain regular dosing schedule with levodopa.

Important Drug Interactions:

It may interact with:

• Apomorphine (may increase blood levels)
• Dobutamine/Dopamine (may affect heart rhythm)
• Adrenaline (may cause cardiac disturbances)

Always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.

FAQs:

Q1. Can it be crushed or split?

No – always swallow whole with water at the same time as levodopa doses.

Q2. Why does Entacom change urine color?

Harmless brownish-orange discoloration is common and temporary – no treatment needed.

Q3. Does Entacom cause sleepiness?

Yes, may cause daytime drowsiness or sudden sleep attacks. Avoid driving if affected.

Q4. What are impulse control disorders with Entacom?

May include gambling urges, excessive spending/eating, or hypersexuality. Report these immediately.

Q5. What if I take too much Entacom?

Overdose may cause confusion, extreme sleepiness, or skin reactions. Seek emergency care.

Q6. Does Entacom cross the blood-brain barrier?

No – it works peripherally to prolong levodopa effects without entering the brain.

Q7. Does Entacom affect fertility?

No evidence of fertility effects, but contraindicated in pregnancy/lactation.