Comtan®

Entacapone is the active ingredient in Comtan®. This is a medication taken only in combination with levodopa. It helps treat symptoms of end of dose "wearing-off" that some people experience when taking carbidopa/levodopa

Comtan works by inhibiting the effect of an enzyme that breaks down the levodopa in Sinemet®, thus extending the effect of each dose of Sinemet. It has no effect on Parkinson's disease symptoms when taken by itself.

Comtan is available in 200 mg tablets.

Things to know

1. Comtan should be taken at the same time as each dose of Sinemet.
2. Let your doctor and pharmacist know of any other medications you may take: in particular antidepressant drugs classified as MAO inhibitors, certain antibiotics " including ampicillin and erythromycin, Questran®, Aldomet® and Benemid®.
3. The most common side effects you may experience include: constipation, diarrhea, discoloration of urine, abdominal pain, dizziness, nausea, vomiting and the onset of dyskinesias (involuntary movements).
4. If you have severe diarrhea when taking this medication, let your doctor know. You may need the Comtan discontinued.
5. Comtan should be used cautiously if patients have pre-existing liver disease. Let your physician know if you have a history of cirrhosis or other liver disease.