Comtan (Entacapone)
Medication information written by Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Updated - February 2, 2021
Comtan (Entacapone) Medication Information
Uses
Comtan is used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease to treat end-of-dose “wearing-off”.
Dosage
The oral tablets are available in 200 mg strength.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Comtan include:
- Dyskinesia
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Somnolence
- Agitation
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
To receive a full list of side effects that apply to you, speak to your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Dopaminergic therapy has been associated with orthostatic hypotension. Entacapone increases levodopa bioavailability and might be expected to increase the occurrence of orthostatic hypotension.
Severe side effects, such as worsening behavioral and mental status changes, including psychotic-like behavior, may be experienced by patients after starting the treatment with Comtan or after increasing the dose.
Abnormal thinking and behavior can cause paranoia, delusions, hallucinations, confusion, disorientation, aggressive behavior, agitation, and delirium.
If prolonged diarrhea is related to Comtan, the drug should be stopped and appropriate medication considered. If the cause of diarrhea remains unclear or continues after stopping entacapone, then further diagnostic investigations should be considered.
Preexisting dyskinesia can be exacerbated by the combination therapy of Comtan and levodopa, as Comtan can increase the dopaminergic side effects of levodopa.
Although decreasing the dose of levodopa may alleviate this side effect, some can continue to experience frequent dyskinesia.
Interactions
Common medications that interact with Comtan are listed:
- Alcohol
- Bromopride
- Buprenorphine
- Hydroxyzine
- Metoclopramide
- MAOIs
- Pramipexole
- Ropinirole
- Warfarin
For more information, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (77ºF).
Pharmacist Tips
- Comtan should be given the same time as levodopa and carbidopa.
- As patients may respond to the Comtan therapy differently, daily doses of levodopa can be reduced, or the interval between doses can be extended to optimize the therapy based on individual needs if necessary.
- Both the immediate and sustained-release formulations of carbidopa and levodopa can be used in combination with Comtan.
Entacapone FAQs
Should this be given with food?
Can be taken with or without food.
Can children take this?
Safety and effectiveness in children has not been established.
What is the recommended dose?
The recommended dose of Comtan is one 200 mg administered at the same times as levodopa and carbidopa
Will I need to adjust my other medications?
Some patients required a decrease in daily levodopa dose.
What is the drug Comtan used for?
Comtan is used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa to treat Parkinson’s Disease.
What are the side effects of entacapone?
The most common side effects seen with Comtan are dyskinesia, nausea, urine discoloration, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
Does entacapone cause dyskinesia?
Comtan may increase the dopaminergic side effects of levodopa and can cause or exacerbate pre-existing dyskinesia.
Can Comtan be cut in half?
Do not cut or crush the tablet.
Related Drugs
Reference:
Comtan {package insert}. East Hanover, NJ: Orion Pharma; 2014.
https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2014/020796s016lbl.pdf
Author: Dr. Larisa Roybal, PharmD
Dr. Roybal is a board-certified pharmacotherapy specialist who has practiced in both ambulatory and acute care settings. Her pharmacy interests include oncology and general inpatient pharmacy.
The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.