Comtan (Entacapone)

What is Comtan?

The active ingredient as well as the generic name of the Comtan is entacapone. It is a selective and reverse inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase or COMT.

What is Comtan used for?

Comtan is used for treating the Parkinson’s disease along with levodopa/carbidopa therapy. It is prescribed when the levodopa/carbidopa combination drug, known as Sinemet, starts to evade too soon.

How does Comtan work?

Comtan works by extending the effects of each dose of Sinemet, thereby relieving the patients suffering from the Parkinson’s disease for a longer period of time. It restricts the effects of enzyme that disintegrates the levadopa in Sinemet and increases its level in brain.

How to use Comtan

Comtan is taken along with every dose of Sinemet, for up to eight times a day.

The medicine is taken with or without food. It is advisable not to take more or less of the doses of Comtan, if you come across some side effects or witness delay in the improvements. Taking the medicine for longer period or in larger amounts than recommended can cause health problems.

Wait till the course of the drug is over as per the recommendations of your physician, who knows everything about your medical conditions and history.

Comtan warnings and precautions

Do not consume alcohol, if you are on this medicine, as it may make you feel dizzy and or you can even faint. Avoid driving and doing some heavy work including operating machinery and heavy exercise, after taking your Comtan dose. 

Also, the patients should get their skin examination done from time to time, as Parkinson disease also increases the risk of developing skin cancer. If you are undergoing through some surgical procedures, seek expert advice first.

Pregnant and lactating females need to know all the possible benefits and side effects of Comtan. It is therefore recommended that doctor should be consulted in such a case. Also, if you plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor in advance about the use of this medicine.

What do I do if I have missed a Comtan dose?

If you have missed your Comtan dose, you should take it right away, but in case it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not take two doses at a time for covering up the dose you forgot to take.

What do I do if I have taken a Comtan overdose?

If you have taken a Comtan overdose, you should contact you doctor rather than trying anything on your own.

Comtan interactions

The drug interactions can vary according to your earlier medical conditions and other drugs that you use along with Comtan. If you are allergic to some food or drug, do not start taking the medicine without letting your doctor know about it. Do not use the drug, if you are especially allergic to any of the ingredients used in Comtan.

It is advisable not to take Comtan if you have taken certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) including phenelzine, tranylcypromine, in the past 2 weeks.

Comtan side effects

The possible side effects of Comtan that may occur in some cases, if not taken in compliance with the physicians’ advice are back pain, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, movement disorders, tired feeling and vomiting.

However, these symptoms are temporary and are experienced when the body starts adjusting itself to the drug, but in case they stay for long or become bothersome, immediately talk to your doctor.