Comtan - Indications, Administration, Pharmacology

Comtan (entacapone) Tablets

Mfg: Novartis / Orion Corporation

Indication(s): Used in conjuction with carbidopa/levodopa in the treatment of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease experiencing the signs of end-of-dose "wearing-off".

Administration: Initial dosing starts at 200mg orally four times daily (in combination with carbidopa/levodopa) in patients 18 years or older. Dosing may be increased to up to 8 times daily.

Pharmacology: Catechol O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor resulting in selective inhibition of levodopa metabolism.

WebRx Editorial Notes: Should not be used with nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors. Should not be used with selegiline (Deprenyl) at doses higher than 10mg per day. Use with caution when hepatic (liver) impairment is present. Hallucinations can occur with this medication. May cause postural hypotension, dizziness, or drowsiness. May cause a change in the color of the urine. Patients taking this medication should be under close supervision by their physician.