Comtan (Entacapone)

Do’s

• Take Comtan exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider, with or without food.
• Take it at the same time each day for the best results.
• Be consistent with your dosage - don't skip or stop taking it abruptly.
• Inform your healthcare provider if your Parkinson's symptoms worsen or don't improve.

Don'ts

• Don't take more Comtan than prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Don't suddenly stop taking Comtan without consulting your healthcare provider.
• There's no mention of taking Comtan with alcohol or certain foods, but discuss any potential interactions with your healthcare provider.

Common side effects:

• Urine discoloration

Serious side effects:

• Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Dehydration, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance
• Mental/mood changes, such as confusion or hallucinations
• Unusual strong urges, such as increased gambling or increased sexual urges
• Fever
• Muscle stiffness
• Easy bleeding/bruising
• Sore/painful muscles
• Muscle weakness
• Trouble breathing or pain with breathing
• Allergic reaction (rash, itching/swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing)
• Serious muscle damage (muscle aches, soreness, cramping, dark-colored urine, weakness)
• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (very high fevers, irregular pulse, muscle rigidity)

This is not an exhaustive list, and other side effects may occur. If you experience any unusual or severe side effects while taking Comtan,  contact your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have any allergies to entacapone or any other ingredients in the medication.

Inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing conditions, especially alcoholism, liver problems, low blood pressure, mental health issues (depression, schizophrenia), or sleep disorders.

Entacapone may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or activities requiring alertness until you're confident it won't affect you. Limit alcohol and discuss marijuana use with your healthcare provider, as they can worsen these effects.

Before any surgery, inform your healthcare provider about all medications you take, including Entacapone.

Older adults may experience increased side effects, particularly drowsiness and confusion.

Entacapone should only be used during pregnancy if clearly necessary. Discuss the risks and benefits with your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider before breastfeeding as it's unknown if Entacapone passes into breast milk.