Comtan (Entacapone)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
Comtan is indicated for the adjunctive treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is used along with levodopa/carbidopa to improve the plasma levels (and presumably the brain levels) of levodopa. This leads to a more sustained effect of levodopa and a greater effect on the signs and symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Side Effects
Among the more common side effects are: Postural hypotension (5%) which manifests in dizziness upon standing, diarrhea (5-10%), and hallucinations (4%). In some cases the existing dyskinesias may be made worse by or drugs which omtan
Drug Interactions
This drug should not be used with the class of antidepressants called MAO inhibitors. Another drug class which should be used with caution are sympathomimetic amines (epinephrine, ephedrine, pseudoephedrine) and methyldopa.
Cautions and Contraindications
None reported
Usual Dose
The usual dose is one (200 mg) tablet administered along with each levodopa/carbidopa dose to a maximum of 8 times daily.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company.