Entacom Plus 150mg Tab

ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TABLET

Entacom Plus 150 mg Tablet is a combination medication used in the management of Parkinson's disease. Manufactured by Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd., this medicine helps to alleviate symptoms such as tremors, muscle stiffness, spasms, and difficulties with movement by optimizing dopamine levels in the brain.

Composition

Each tablet contains:

• Levodopa: 150 mg
• Carbidopa: 37.5 mg
• Entacapone: 200 mg

Uses

Entacom Plus 150 mg Tablet is primarily prescribed for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It helps reduce symptoms like muscle stiffness, shaking, and poor muscle control. The medication works by increasing the amount of dopamine, a chemical messenger vital for coordinating body movements, in the brain. It can also be used for patients experiencing "wearing-off" symptoms from other carbidopa and levodopa therapies.

Dosage and Administration

This medicine should be taken as advised by a doctor. It can be taken with or without food, but high-protein meals and dairy products should be avoided as they can reduce the absorption of the medication. It is advisable to take the tablet at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels. Swallow the tablet whole; do not chew, crush, or break it. Do not stop the medication suddenly without consulting your doctor.

Side Effects

Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, headache, dry mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, and discoloration of urine (reddish-brown). Other common effects may include light-headedness, lowered blood pressure, involuntary muscle movements (dyskinesia), anxiety, abnormal dreams, and muscle pain.

Serious side effects, though less common, can include severe muscle pain, confusion, high fever, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe diarrhea, signs of muscle breakdown (dark urine), and neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Seek immediate medical attention if these occur.

Precautions

• Alcohol: Consumption of alcohol is unsafe and should be avoided as it can increase the risk of severe adverse effects.
• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding; consult your doctor.
• Driving & Operating Machinery: Avoid driving or operating heavy machinery if you experience dizziness or drowsiness.
• Medical Conditions: Use with caution in patients with liver or kidney disease, asthma, heart conditions, or a history of stomach ulcers. It is contraindicated in severe liver disease, narrow-angle glaucoma, severe mental illness, or a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
• Interactions: Inform your doctor about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Entacom Plus.
• High-Protein Diet: Avoid high-protein diets as they can impair levodopa absorption.
• Children: Not recommended for use in patients under 18 years of age.

Storage

Store below 25°C or 30°C in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep out of the reach and sight of children and pets.

What is ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB used for?

ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB is primarily used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. These symptoms can include tremors, muscle stiffness, poor muscle control, difficulty moving, and slowness of movement. It may also be used when patients on other carbidopa/levodopa therapies experience "wearing-off" symptoms.

How does ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB work?

ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB is a combination medication containing three active ingredients: Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone.

• Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain. Dopamine is a chemical messenger crucial for controlling movement.
• Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of Levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, allowing more Levodopa to enter the brain where it is needed.
• Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor. It helps to maintain higher and more sustained levels of Levodopa in the blood by preventing its premature breakdown. This prolongs the effect of Levodopa and provides more consistent symptom relief for Parkinson's disease.

What is the usual dosage for ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB?

The dosage of ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB is determined by your doctor based on your specific condition and response to treatment. It is typically taken as a whole tablet with water and should not be chewed or crushed. It can be taken with or without food, but high-protein meals should be avoided as they may impair the absorption of Levodopa. It is generally advised to take the medication at the same time each day to maintain consistent medicine levels in the body.

What are the possible side effects of ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB?

Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, dryness in the mouth, dizziness, drowsiness, uncontrolled muscle movements (dyskinesia), constipation, loss of appetite, and a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing (orthostatic hypotension). Your urine, saliva, or sweat may also turn reddish-brown or black, which is generally harmless. More serious, but less common, side effects can include severe muscle pain, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts, severe diarrhea, signs of muscle breakdown (e.g., dark urine), or compulsive behaviors like increased gambling or sexual urges.

Is ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

Pregnancy: ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB may be unsafe during pregnancy. Limited human data and animal studies have shown potential harmful effects on the developing baby. It is generally not recommended for pregnant women unless the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks, and use should be discussed thoroughly with a doctor. Breastfeeding: It is probably unsafe and not advised to use ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB while breastfeeding, as Levodopa can pass into breast milk and may harm the baby. Always consult your doctor for advice if you are breastfeeding.

Can ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB be taken with other medications?

ENTESOM PLUS 150MG TAB can interact with other medications. It should not be taken with non-selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) within 14 days, as this can lead to severe interactions. Caution is advised when taken with blood pressure medications due to the risk of very low blood pressure. Iron supplements may decrease its effectiveness. Medicines for mental illness might worsen side effects. Always inform your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and herbal products you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions. Alcohol consumption is not recommended while taking this medicine.

What precautions should be taken while using ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB?

Do not stop taking ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this can worsen your condition or lead to withdrawal symptoms. Due to potential dizziness, drowsiness, or sudden sleepiness, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you know how the medicine affects you. Use with caution if you have liver or kidney disease, as dose adjustments may be necessary. Your doctor should monitor you for any changes in mood, behavior, or the development of compulsive urges. It is not recommended for individuals under 18 years of age.

What happens if a dose of ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB is missed?

If you miss a dose of ENTACOM PLUS 150MG 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 take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

How should ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB be stored?

Store ENTACOM PLUS 150MG TAB in a cool, dry place, ideally below 25°C or 30°C, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep it out of reach of children and pets. Do not use the medicine past its expiry date.