Entacapone

What is Entacapone?

When combined with carbidopa as well as levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, and Sinemet), the entacapone drug increases the levels of levodopa within the body.Entacapone is a combination drug that works with carbidopa as well as levodopa in order to treat the "wearing-off" symptoms of Parkinson's disease, including stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and weak muscle control.Entacapone can also be used to treat conditions that are not mentioned in this guide.

Side effects of Entacapone

See a doctor immediately. If you are experiencing symptoms that indicate an allergic reaction, like hives, trouble breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,Entacapone could cause severe adverse effects. Contact your physician immediately if you experience:

• Agitation or confusion, strange thoughts or behaviors;
• Hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that isn't present);
• Very rigid (rigid) muscles extremely stiff (rigid) muscles, extremely stiff (rigid) muscles, temperature, sweating, rapid or irregular heartbeats, shaking, or feeling as if you're going to faint;
• Chronic or persistent chronic or persistent diarrhea;
• Muscles that are restless in your tongue, eyes, or jaw (or the escalating symptoms of parkinson symptoms) or
• Unanswered, unidentified muscle discomfort or tenderness. You may also experience weakness, especially if you suffer from unusual tiredness, fever, or dark urine.

It could be that your urine has a hue that is brown, red, orange, or black in appearance. It isn't a dangerous result unless you suffer from muscle pain or unusual weakness.

Common negative side effects of entacapone can include:

• Dizziness, drowsiness;
• Nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
• Diarrhea;
• Dry mouth
• Uncontrolled muscle movements

This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other side effects could be present. Consult your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You can report symptoms to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Cautions

Follow the directions on the medicine label and on the label of your package. Inform your health care providers about your medical ailments and allergies, as well as any medications you take.

Prior to using this drug

Entacapone is not a good choice when you have an allergy to it.

To ensure that entacapone is safe for you, ask your physician if you suffer from:

• Lower blood pressure;
  the liver condition
• An underlying psychosis or mental illness. Psychosis.

You might experience more sexual urges, unusual cravings towards gambling, or any other intense desires while taking Entacapone. Consult your physician in the event of this.People suffering from Parkinson's disease could have a higher chance of developing skin cancer (melanoma). Consult your doctor regarding this risk and the warning signs to watch out for on your skin. It is possible that you will need regular skin examinations.It is unclear if this medicine could affect a newborn baby. Consult your physician if you are expecting or planning to be pregnant.It isn't known if entacapone is absorbed into breast milk or if it can harm the nursing infant. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding a child.

How do I take Entacapone?

Follow the instructions on the prescription label. Your doctor might alter your dosage to ensure you are getting the best outcomes. Don't take this medication in smaller or larger doses or for longer periods than the recommended time.Entacapone is best taken with levodopa, carbidopa, and carbidopa. It is not enough to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.Entacapone may be consumed either with or without food. Combining the medicine with food can help avoid nausea, which is a typical adverse side effect of Entacapone.Drink plenty of fluids when you take Entacapone.Entacapone can cause you to sleep when you are doing normal activities like talking, working, eating, or driving. It's possible that you fall asleep quickly, even after being active. Consult your physician if you have any issues with your morning insomnia or sleepiness.Consult your doctor if you have persistent diarrhea or vomiting or if you're sweating more than normal. It is easy to dehydrate during the course of this medication, and this can result in extremely low blood pressure or a significant electrolyte imbalance.It is not recommended to stop taking entacapone in a sudden manner. Follow the instructions of your physician about increasing your dosage.Keep it at room temperature, far from heat and moisture.

Info on dosage

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

200 mg orally taken concurrently with every dose of levodopa-carbidopa to a maximum of eight times per day.
Maximum dose: 1600 mg per day.
Comments:
At the time of initiation, a large majority of patients needed levodopa dose reductions or a prolongation of the time interval between their levodopa doses, especially those taking doses of 800 mg or more, as well as patients with a history of severe or moderate dyskinesia.
Utilization: as an addition to levodopa-carbidopa for treating end-of-dose "wearing off" in patients with Parkinson's disease.

What happens if I miss the dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon as you can remember. Do not take any missed doses if you are nearing the time for the next dose. Do not take extra medication to make up for the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.Overdose symptoms can include aggression and agitation, or extreme drowsiness, confusion, and loss of consciousness.

Avoid this

The medicine may affect your reactions or thinking. Be cautious if you drive or engage in any activity that requires that you be aware. Entacapone can cause you to sleep quickly, even if you're alert.Do not get up too quickly from a lying or sitting posture, as you might get dizzy. Start slowly and steady yourself to avoid falling.Beware of drinking alcohol. It can cause an increase in the adverse effects of entacapone.

Interaction with other drug

If you are taking entacapone along with other medicines that cause sleepiness, it could make you more sleepy. Talk to your doctor prior to using entacapone in conjunction with a sleep medication, painkiller, or narcotic medication such as muscle relaxers or medication to treat anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Inform your doctor of the medicines you take and the ones you begin or stop taking in your treatment with Entacapone, including:

• Isocarboxazid;
• Linezolid;
• Methylene blue injection;
• Phenelzine;

This list isn't exhaustive. Other medications may be incompatible with entacapone, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The interactions of all potential drugs are mentioned in this medication guide.