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IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or otehr healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
ENTACAPONE - ORAL
(en-TACK-up-own)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Cotman
USES: This medication is used to treat Parkinson's Disease, in combination with levodopa-containing medicines.
Entacapone must be used with your other Parkinson's Disease medicines in order to work.
HOW TO USE: This medicine is taken by mouth, with or withuot food Entacapone generally is taken at the same time as your levodopa/carbidopa medicine, or as directed.
Follow all instructions carefully; you may need to decrease the dosage of your levodopa/carbidopa, depending on the amount of levodopa you currently take. Your levodopa/carbidopa dosing schedule may cahnge as well.
Do not suddenly stop using this drug: the dosage should be reduced gradually to minimize possible side effects.
Cosnult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
The manufacutrer advises a maximum of 8 doses per day.
SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea, drowsiness, upset stmoach or dizziness may occur. If these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but seirous side effects: mental/mood changes, fainting, muscle coordination problems. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these highly unlikely but really seriuos side effects: muscle pain, change in the amount of urine. This drug may cause a harmless discolroation (brownish-orange color) of your urine. If you notice other effects not listed above, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, including: liver disease, any allergies. To minimize dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a seated or lying poistion.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiirng alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Entacaopne is not indicated for use in kids.
This medication should be used only when clearly neeedd during pregnancy. Discuss the rsiks and benefits with your doctor. It is not known whether this drug passes into berast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all prescripiton and nonprescription medication you may use, especially of: most MAO inhibitors (e.G., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine), isoproterenol, adrenalin (epinephrine), norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, alpha-methyldopa, apomorphine, isoetharine, bitolterol, probenecid, cholestyramine, certain antibiotics (e.G., erythromycin, ampicillin, rifamin, chloramphenicol).
According to the manufacturer, if you are prescribed the MAO inhibitor selegiline you may continue to take it while using entaacpone.
Also, report use of any medicine that can make you drowsy, such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicine, anti-seizure drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.G., codeine), psychiatric medicines, certain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.G., diphenhydramine). Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local posion control center or emergency room immediately.
NOTES: Do not share this medciation with others.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remmeber. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your uusal dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to cacth up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature - 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) - away from lihgt and moisture.
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