Comtan

Generic name: Entacapone
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Usage of Comtan

When used with carbidopa and levodopa (Atamet, Parcopa, Sinemet), Comtan increases levels of levodopa in the body.

Comtan is used together with carbidopa and levodopa to treat "wearing-off" symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.

Comtan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Comtan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Comtan may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

agitation, confusion, unusual thoughts or behavior;

hallucinations (hearing or seeing something that is not there);

very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out;

severe or ongoing diarrhea;

restless muscle movements in your eyes, tongue, jaw, or neck (or worsening of Parkinson symptoms); or

unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness especially if you also have fever, unusual tiredness, and dark colored urine.

You may notice that your urine appears orange, red, brown, or black in color. This is not a harmful side effect unless you also have muscle pain and unusual weakness.

Common side effects of Comtan may include:

dizziness, drowsiness;

nausea, vomiting, stomach pain;

diarrhea;

dry mouth; or

uncontrolled muscle movements.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Comtan

You should not use Comtan if you are allergic to it.

To make sure Comtan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

low blood pressure;

liver disease; or

a history of mental illness or psychosis.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking Comtan. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for. You may need to have regular skin exams.

It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It is not known whether entacapone passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

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How to use Comtan

Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results. Do not take this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Comtan must be taken together with carbidopa and levodopa. This medicine used alone will not treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Comtan can be taken with or without food. Taking the medicine with food may help prevent nausea, which is a common side effect of entacapone.

Drink plenty of liquids while you are taking Comtan.

Comtan may cause you to fall asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. You may fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance.

You should not stop using Comtan suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Comtan

Taking Comtan with other drugs that make you sleepy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before taking Comtan with a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Comtan, especially:

isocarboxazid;

linezolid;

methylene blue injection;

phenelzine; or

tranylcypromine.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with entacapone, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Popular FAQ

Ongentys is better than Comtan according to the results of clinical trials. Ongentys is better at preventing early-morning off symptoms. Patients treated with Ongentys also take less time than those treated with Comtan to achieve on-status following their first dose of levodopa in the morning. In addition, Ongentys is better across a range of measures in people with Parkinson’s disease who have recently started experiencing fluctuating motor symptoms. Ongentys also only needs to be taken once daily, while Comtan needs to be taken up to eight times a day. Continue reading

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