Entacapone is a selective reversible catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitor for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is a member of the class of nitrocatechols.
- Mechanism
- Curator reviewed
The mechanism of action of entacapone is believed to be through its ability to inhibit COMT in peripheral tissues, altering the plasma pharmacokinetics of levodopa. When entacapone is given in conjunction with levodopa and an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor, such as carbidopa, plasma levels of levodopa are greater and more sustained than after administration of levodopa and an aromatic amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor alone. It is believed that at a given frequency of levodopa administration, these more sustained plasma levels of levodopa result in more constant dopaminergic stimulation in the brain, leading to a greater reduction in the manifestations of parkinsonian syndrome.
- Primary indication
- Used as an adjunct to levodopa / carbidopa in the symptomatic treatment of patients with idiopathic Parkinson's Disease who experience the signs and symptoms of end-of-dose "wearing-off".Curator reviewed · 2 structured indications
- Formula / weight
- C14H15N3O5 · 305.286 g/mol (avg)
- First approval
- Canada, 2012 · United States, 1999 · European Union, 2016
- Code names
- OR-611
- Brand names
Resolves to
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Which drugs share a target with Entacapone, and which of those have an active Phase 3 trial?
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