Adcapone Tablet
Adcapone Tablet is usually used in combination with carbidopa/levodopa. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at bedtime. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
Adcapone Tablet
Basic Information
Important information about this medicine
About This Medicine
General information about this product
Adcapone Tablet is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It helps to treat wearing-off symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control.
Adcapone Tablet is usually used in combination with carbidopa/levodopa. It may be taken with or without food, preferably at bedtime. However, take it at the same time each day as this helps to maintain a consistent level of medicine in the body. Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor.
If you have missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. This medication mustn’t be stopped suddenly without talking to the doctor as it may worsen your condition. Your doctor may advise for periodic skin examination as it can cause melanoma.
Some common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, fatigue, confusion, constipation, insomnia(difficulty sleeping), nightmares, and increased sweating. It may also cause dizziness and sleepiness, so do not drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how this medicine affects you. It is common to have diarrhea with this medicine, so drink plenty of fluids and watch for weight loss. Inform your doctor if you develop any unusual changes in mood, an abnormally high sex drive, and hallucinations. It may cause your urine to change in a brownish-orange color but it is not harmful and usually resolves once treatment is completed. Please consult your doctor if these side effects worry you or do not go away.
03Uses
Parkinson’s disease
04How To Use
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Adcapone Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
05How It Works
Adcapone Tablet is a selective reversible inhibitor that is given in combination with levodopa. It works by inhibiting a chemical messenger [catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT)] which in turn helps in increasing the amount of dopamine (chemical messenger) in the brain. Thus, an adequate amount of dopamine in the brain helps to coordinate body movements.
06What If You Miss A Dose?
If you miss a dose of Adcapone Tablet, skip it and continue with your normal schedule. Do not double the dose.
07Benefits
In Parkinson’s disease
Adcapone Tablet is one of the most effective medications to relieve symptoms of Parkinson’s disease such as tremors, muscle stiffness and difficulty moving. It increases the amount of a chemical called dopamine in the brain which helps in the coordination of body movements. This medicine can therefore enhance the quality of life by improving the ability to carry out daily functions in a better manner.
08Side Effects
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Dryness in mouth
Abdominal pain
Heart attack
Ischemic heart disease
Muscle coordination impaired
Diarrhea
Dizziness
Urine discoloration
Fall
Increased sweating
Hallucination
Nightmare
Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
Constipation
Confusion
Fatigue
Vomiting
Nausea
09Safety Information
Alcohol:UNSAFE
Adcapone Tablet may cause excessive drowsiness with alcohol.
Pregnancy:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Adcapone Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding:CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Adcapone Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving:CAUTION
Adcapone Tablet may cause dizziness or weakness due to low blood pressure. Do not drive if these symptoms occur.
Kidney:SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Adcapone Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Adcapone Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver:UNSAFE
Adcapone Tablet is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.
10Drug Tips
You have been prescribed Adcapone Tablet to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
It can make you very sleepy. Don’t drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how it affects you.
To lower the chance of feeling dizzy or passing out, rise slowly if you have been sitting or lying down.
Inform your doctor if you develop impulsive, unusual behavior and/or an abnormally high sex drive.
Talk to your doctor in case you develop hallucinations or other changes in your behavior.
It is common to have diarrhea with this drug. Therefore, drink plenty of fluids and watch for weight loss.
Do not get worried if you notice a reddish-brown discoloration in your urine as it is harmless in nature.
Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without talking to your doctor.
References
Sources and references
Briggs GG, Freeman RK, editors. A Reference Guide to Fetal and Neonatal Risk: Drugs in Pregnancy and Lactation. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health; 2015. pp. 473-74.
Entacapone. Espoo, Finland: Orion Corporation; 2000 . view
Entacapone. Newbury, Berkshire: Orion PharmaLimited; 1998 . view
Merello M, Lees AJ, Webster R, et al. Effect of entacapone, a peripherally acting catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor, on the motor response to acute treatment with levodopa in patients with Parkinson’s disease. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 1994;57:186-89. view
Entacapone. North Ryde, New South Wales: Novartis Pharmaceuticals
Australia Pty Limited; 2013. view
MedlinePlus. Entacapone. view
