Entacom Tablet (10 Tab)

ENTACOM TABLET (10 TAB) by INTAS PHARMACEUTICALS LTD.

Name

• Brand Name: Entacom Tablet
• Common Name: Entacapone

Composition

Entacom Tablet contains Entacapone 200 mg as its active ingredient.

Uses

Entacom Tablet is primarily used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa therapy to treat "wearing-off" symptoms in patients with Parkinson's disease. It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, poor muscle control, and muscle spasms by inhibiting the breakdown of levodopa, thereby increasing and maintaining dopamine levels in the brain.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken orally, as prescribed by your doctor, usually with each dose of levodopa/carbidopa. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it. It can be taken with or without food, but it is advisable to take it at a consistent time each day. Do not discontinue the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may worsen your condition.

Side Effects

• Common Side Effects: Nausea, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, insomnia, increased sweating, and brownish-orange urine discoloration.
• Serious Side Effects (less common): Low blood pressure, severe allergic reactions, hallucinations, psychotic episodes, compulsive behaviors, and sudden onset of sleep.

Precautions

• Avoid alcohol consumption as it may increase drowsiness and dizziness.
• Entacom Tablet may cause drowsiness and dizziness; refrain from driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you.
• Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease.
• Not recommended for use in children under 18 years of age.
• Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Inform your doctor if you experience changes in mood, unusual behavior, or an abnormally high sex drive.
• Periodic skin examinations may be advised by your doctor due to a potential risk of melanoma.
• Contraindicated in patients with known allergy to entacapone, heart disease, heart attack, or narrow-angle glaucoma.

Storage

Store Entacom Tablet in a closed container at room temperature, ideally between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), but acceptable between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) for short periods. Keep it away from excessive heat, moisture, and direct light, and out of the reach of children.

What is Entacom Tablet used for?

Entacom Tablet is primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps manage "wearing-off" symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, poor muscle control, and muscle spasms, and is typically taken in combination with levodopa and carbidopa.

How does Entacom Tablet work?

Entacom Tablet contains Entacapone, which is a selective and reversible inhibitor of Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). COMT is an enzyme that breaks down levodopa in the body. By inhibiting COMT, Entacapone helps to increase and sustain the levels of levodopa, which is then converted into dopamine in the brain. This increased and more stable supply of dopamine helps to improve body movements and reduce Parkinson's symptoms.

What is the usual dosage for Entacom Tablet?

Entacom Tablet is typically prescribed as 200 mg to be taken with each dose of levodopa and carbidopa, up to 8 times a day. It can be taken with or without food. It's important to swallow the tablet whole and not to chew, crush, or break it.

What are the possible side effects of Entacom Tablet?

Common side effects may include nausea, fatigue, vomiting, confusion, constipation, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), increased sweating, dry mouth, impaired muscle coordination, and dyskinesia (uncontrolled or involuntary muscle movements). Urine discoloration to a brownish-orange color is also common and generally not harmful. More serious side effects can include hallucinations, sudden sleep attacks, low blood pressure (leading to dizziness or fainting), increased sexual urges or other strong urges, and unexplained muscle pain or weakness (which could indicate rhabdomyolysis).

Is Entacom Tablet safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: Entacom Tablet is generally not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may be unsafe. It is crucial to consult your doctor to weigh the potential benefits against the risks before taking this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding: Entacom Tablet is probably unsafe and not recommended during breastfeeding. It may cause serious side effects in infants, and its effect on the infant is not well-known. Your doctor may suggest a safer alternative.

Can Entacom Tablet be taken with other medications?

Entacom Tablet is designed to be used as an adjunct to levodopa and carbidopa therapy. However, it should not be taken with nonselective Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs) like phenelzine, tranylcypromine, or isocarboxazid. Caution is advised when taken with alcohol, as it can increase drowsiness and dizziness. Interactions may also occur with certain catecholamine medicines (e.g., adrenaline, dopamine, epinephrine, methyldopa), iron supplements, some medications for sleep or anxiety, narcotic pain medicines, muscle relaxants, and warfarin. Always inform your doctor about all prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are currently taking.

What precautions should be taken while taking Entacom Tablet?

Do not stop taking Entacom Tablet suddenly, as this can worsen your Parkinson's symptoms. Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery because this medicine can cause dizziness, drowsiness, or even sudden sleep onset, and may affect your balance and movements. Exercise caution if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, or a history of heart attack. Report any unusual mood changes, compulsive behaviors (such as gambling or increased sex drive), hallucinations, severe or persistent diarrhea, or unexplained muscle pain to your doctor immediately. Regular blood pressure monitoring is recommended, especially for individuals with low blood pressure or those taking antihypertensive medications. This medicine is not recommended for children under 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose of Entacom Tablet is missed?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should Entacom Tablet be stored?

Entacom Tablet should be stored in a closed container at room temperature, ideally between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C), away from heat, moisture, and direct light. It should also be kept out of the reach of children and not frozen.