Comtan Information:

Parkinson's medication Comtan (Entacapone) is used to help in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Comtan (Entacapone) is a member of a class of medications called catechol O-methyltransferase inhibitors. More simply, these medications are called COMT inhibitors. When taken properly, Comtan (Entacapone) works to make the benefits of Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) therapy last longer. Adding Comtan (Entacapone) could help Sinemet (carbidopa/levodopa) work better than levodopa/carbidopa alone and can mean a greater improvement in the control of PD symptoms.

Comtan Side Effects:

Most commonly reported Comtan side effects were unwanted or uncontrolled movements, nausea, urine discoloration, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. In response to some of these Comtan side effects, your doctor may advise you to reduce your dosage of levodopa. If you take nonselective MOA inhibitors (eg, phenelzine, tranylcypromine) you should not take COMTAN otherwise they may result in Comtan side effects. COMTAN should not be taken with selegiline at doses higher than 10mg/day otherwise they may result in Comtan side effects. If you taking any drugs that are broken down by COMT, (eg, isoproterenol, epinephrine) your doctor will want to use COMATN with caution. Some of the more serious Comtan side effects that have been reported with COMTAN include low blood pressure, diarrhea, hallucinations, and unwanted or uncontrollable movements. If you have any Comtan side effects like liver problems your doctor will want to use COMTAN with caution, as your condition can affect the way your body breaks down COMTAN.

The COMT enzyme is a substance in the body that breaks down levodopa before it can get to the brain. By blocking the COMT enzyme, COMTAN helps more levodopa become available to the brain. When levodopa reaches the brain, it is converted into dopamine (DOPE-a-meen). Dopamine is the chemical that helps the brain control activities, such as walking, talking, and moving. People who have Parkinson's disease (PD) don't produce enough dopamine. In addition, the cells in the brain that make dopamine aren't working properly. That's why you are taking carbidopa/levodopa medicine. Once levodopa reaches the brain, it is converted into dopamine. Supplementing dopamine in the brain by taking levodopa can help control PD symptoms-enabling people to pursue daily tasks, such as dressing, walking, and handling utensils.