Entacom Plus 100mg Tab

ENTACOM PLUS 100MG Tablet

Name: Entacom Plus 100 Tablet. It is manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.

Composition: Each Entacom Plus 100 Tablet contains a combination of three active ingredients: Levodopa (100mg), Carbidopa (25mg), and Entacapone (200mg).

Uses: Entacom Plus 100 Tablet is a prescription medication primarily used to treat Parkinson's disease. It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, slowness of movement, and poor muscle control, by increasing dopamine levels in the brain. This medication can also be used to replace therapy with other carbidopa and levodopa combinations if patients experience "wearing-off" symptoms.

Dosage and Administration: Take Entacom Plus 100 Tablet as advised by your doctor, with or without food. However, it is advisable to avoid high-protein meals and dairy products as they can impair the absorption of levodopa. It is recommended to take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent levels in the body. Do not skip doses or stop taking the medication suddenly without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to harmful effects or worsening of the condition. The dosage frequency can be as prescribed, sometimes 3 hourly, as directed by the doctor.

Side Effects: Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, urine discoloration (reddish-brown), dry mouth, dizziness, headache, and sleepiness or drowsiness. More serious side effects can include uncontrolled movements (dyskinesia), confusion, hallucinations, severe muscle pain, suicidal thoughts, and a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing. If side effects persist or worsen, consult your doctor.

Precautions:

• Avoid consuming alcohol with Entacom Plus 100 Tablet.
• Inform your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, stomach ulcers, or mental health conditions.
• This medicine may cause dizziness or sleepiness, so avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how it affects you.
• Entacom Plus 100 Tablet is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking, including supplements and herbal products, to avoid potential interactions.
• Patients taking nonselective MAO inhibitors or those with severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, or adrenal gland tumors should not take this medicine.

Storage: Store Entacom Plus 100 Tablet in a cool and dry place, away from sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. It should be stored at temperatures between 10ºC to 25ºC or below 30ºC.

Here are some frequently asked questions about ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB:

What is ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB used for?

ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB is a prescription medication primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps manage symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, and poor muscle control, thereby improving movement and overall mobility.

How does ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB work?

ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB contains a combination of three active ingredients: Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, helping to replenish the depleted dopamine levels common in Parkinson's disease, which controls movement. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of Levodopa in the bloodstream, ensuring more of it reaches the brain. Entacapone inhibits an enzyme called COMT, which prolongs the action of Levodopa, leading to higher and more sustained dopamine levels and greater relief from symptoms.

What is the usual dosage for ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB?

The dosage and frequency of ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB are determined by your doctor based on your individual condition and response to treatment. It is typically taken orally, and consistency is important, with some sources suggesting a frequency of 3-hourly. It can be taken with or without food, but high-protein meals and dairy products should be avoided as they can interfere with Levodopa absorption.

What are the possible side effects of ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB?

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, light-headedness, lowered blood pressure, confusion, dyskinesia (uncontrolled muscle movements), dizziness, diarrhea, urine discoloration (reddish-brown), headache, dry mouth, and difficulty sleeping. More serious side effects can include severe muscle pain, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, and a severe reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS). If any side effects persist, worsen, or are severe, it is important to consult your doctor immediately.

Is ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB is generally not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary, as animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby, and limited human studies suggest potential risks. For breastfeeding women, it is also generally not recommended, as the medicine may pass into breast milk, and its effect on an infant is unknown. Always consult your doctor to discuss the benefits and risks if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding.

Can ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB be taken with other medications?

It is crucial to inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to avoid potential drug interactions. ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) or certain antidepressant drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine, as this can lead to a high blood pressure crisis. It may also interact with other drugs such as chlorpromazine, reserpine, methyldopa, procarbazine, haloperidol, and medicines used for respiratory or heart conditions.

What precautions should be taken while using ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB?

Avoid consuming alcohol with this medicine, as it can increase side effects like drowsiness and dizziness. Do not stop taking ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms or a worsening of Parkinson's symptoms, potentially resulting in neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Use with caution if you have a history of liver or kidney diseases, narrow-angle glaucoma, irregular heartbeat, gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcers, or mental illness. This medicine can cause drowsiness or sudden sleep attacks, so avoid driving or operating machinery until you know how it affects you. Also, avoid high-protein meals, as they can reduce the absorption of the medication.

What happens if a dose of ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB, 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 double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

How should ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB be stored?

ENTACOM PLUS 100MG TAB should be stored in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep it out of sight and reach of children. It is generally recommended to store it below 25°C or 30°C.