Adcapone
Adcapone Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Mechanism of Action, How Long Does it Take to Work? Adcapone is a brand name. Its generic name is Entacapone.
Adcapone Introduction
Adcapone (trade name: Comtan) is an orally administered catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor. It is used primarily in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD) when certain levodopa-based treatments do not provide suffiecient relief from PD symptoms. It is currently the only available medication of its kind.
Uses for
Adcapone is used in combination with levodopa-based regimens for the treatment of end-of-dose ("wearing-off") motor fluctuations in patients with Parkinson’s disease. It helps to improve motor control and reduce dyskinesia, which is an involuntary, irregular movement.
Mechanism of Action
Adcapone works by inhibiting the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferse (COMT). This enzyme normally degrades dopamine, a neurotransmitter, in the brain. By blocking COMT, Adcapone increases extracellular dopamine levels and thus improves motor control and reduces dyskinesia.
How Long Does It Take to Work
It typically takes about one to two weeks for Adcapone to begin to work. After this period of time, patients may start to notice improvements in their symptoms, such as a decrease in dyskinesia and improved mobility.
Absorption
Adcapone is rapidly absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract, with peak levels occurring within 15-30 minutes after oral administration. It is then widely distributed throughout the body.
Route of Elimination
Adcapone is excreted in the urine, primarily as inactive metabolites. Less than 1% of the administered dose is excreted as unchanged Adcapone.
Dosage
The recommended dose of Adcapone is 200 mg (one tablet) up to four times a day, with each dose taken at the beginning of each levodopa-containing dose. The tablets should be taken after meals with water, and should not be crushed or chewed. Depending on individual patient response, the dose can be increased up to a total daily dose of 800 mg.
Administration
Adcapone should be taken orally, with each tablet taken at the beginning of each levodopa dose. It should not be crushed or chewed. It should be taken after meals with water. The tablets can be taken with or without food.
Side Effects
Common side effects of Adcapone include dyskinesia, nausea, insomnia, constipation, and anorexia. Less common side effects include fatigue, weight gain, agitation, confusion, sedation, and blurred vision.
Toxicity
Overdose symptoms of Adcapone can include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. In the case of an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Precaution
Before taking Adcapone, patients should tell their healthcare provider about all of their medical conditions, including any allergies, any medications they are taking, if they have a history of liver or kidney disease, and if they are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Patients should also avoid drinking alcohol while taking Adcapone, as it can increase the risk of side effects.
Interactions
Adcapone may interact with certain drugs, supplements, or other substances. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before taking Adcapone with any other medication or supplement.
Disease Interactions
Patients with liver or kidney disease should use Adcapone with caution. Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant should not take Adcapone.
Drug Interactions
Adcapone may interact with other medications, herbal supplements, and/or vitamins, including but not limited to MAO inhibitors, SSRI's, antidepressants, lithium, and antipsychotics. Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking Adcapone with any other medications.
Food Interactions
Adcapone may interact with certain foods. Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist before taking Adcapone with any other foods.
Pregnancy Use
Adcapone should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefit outweighs the potential risk. Talk with your healthcare provider about taking Adcapone if you become pregnant, are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant.
Lactation Use
It is not known whether Adcapone is passed through breast milk. Therefore, women who are breastfeeding should talk with their healthcare provider before taking Adcapone.
Acute Overdose
Signs of an overdose of Adcapone include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, and confusion. Seek medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
Contraindication
Adcapone should not be used in patients with allergies to Adcapone or any of its components. It should also not be used in patients who have severe kidney or liver impairment.
Use Directions
Adcapone is usually taken by mouth with or without food. The tablets should not be crushed or chewed and should be taken with a glass of water. It should be taken at the beginning of each levodopa dose. The recommended dose is 200 mg (one tablet) up to four times a day, with each dose taken at the beginning of each levodopa-containing dose. The dose can be increased up to a total daily dose of 800 mg. Your healthcare provider will tell you how much Adcapone to take.
Storage Condition
Adcapone should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture, light, and heat. It should also be kept away from children and pets.
Volume of Distribution
The volume of distribution (Vd) of Adcapone is 7.8 to 24 L/kg. This indicates that Adcapone is widely distributed throughout the body.
Half Life
The half-life of Adcapone is 4 to 4.5 hours. This indicates that Adcapone is rapidly cleared from the body.
Clearance
The clearance of Adcapone is 6.4 to 7.9 L/h/kg. This indicates that Adcapone is rapidly cleared from the body.
Here you find in details version of Adcapone