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Entacapone
1Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston 29425, USA. chongbs@musc.edu
The Annals of Pharmacotherapy
|September 12, 2000
Summary
Entacapone, a new catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, effectively manages Parkinson's disease by extending levodopa's motor response. This drug is recommended as an add-on therapy for patients experiencing end-of-dose wearing-off effects.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
- Levodopa/carbidopa therapy is a cornerstone treatment for PD, but efficacy can wane over time, leading to end-of-dose wearing-off phenomena.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the pharmacology, pharmacodynamics, pharmacokinetics, clinical efficacy, and safety of entacapone.
- To discuss the role of entacapone as an adjunct therapy in Parkinson's disease management.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search of MEDLINE (1966-December 1999) was conducted.
- English-language articles, including recent studies, abstracts, and reviews, were identified using keywords such as entacapone, OR-611, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, and Parkinson's disease.
- Human clinical trials were reviewed to summarize key findings.
Main Results:
- Entacapone is a novel catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor used adjunctively with levodopa/carbidopa in Parkinson's disease.
- Entacapone increases levodopa bioavailability, prolongs motor response duration, and reduces motor fluctuations.
- The recommended dosage is 200 mg orally with each levodopa/carbidopa dose, up to eight times daily. Common side effects include dyskinesia and gastrointestinal issues.
Conclusions:
- Entacapone is a valuable therapeutic option for Parkinson's disease patients experiencing end-of-dose wearing-off.
- Consideration of entacapone as add-on therapy can improve motor symptom control in PD management.