Entacapone
Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor used as an adjunct therapy in Parkinson's disease to improve motor function. It works by blocking the catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme, which breaks down levodopa, thereby extending and enhancing levodopa's therapeutic effect. This medication is typically prescribed alongside levodopa/carbidopa when standard therapy is insufficient.
Entacapone is a Parkinson's disease adjunct therapy that extends levodopa's effects by inhibiting the COMT enzyme.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N04BX02
- RxNorm
- 60307
- Generic
- Entacapone
- Class
- atc-n04
- Brands
- Stalevo, Comtan
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- tablet
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Entacapone is indicated as an adjunct to standard levodopa/carbidopa therapy for patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease who experience end-of-dose motor fluctuations ('wearing-off' phenomenon). It helps manage motor symptoms when levodopa alone provides inadequate symptom control.
Entacapone selectively and reversibly inhibits catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that metabolizes levodopa in the peripheral tissues. By preventing this breakdown, it increases the bioavailability of levodopa reaching the brain, where it is converted to dopamine, thereby prolonging and stabilizing dopaminergic stimulation.
Entacapone may cause dyskinesia, diarrhea, urine discoloration (brown-orange), and should be used with caution in patients with hepatic impairment. It must always be used with levodopa/carbidopa and is available as single-agent tablets or in combination products. Patients should inform their doctor of any history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or rhabdomyolysis when starting therapy.
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy