a patient taking entacapone (comtan) for the first time calls the clinic to report

What happens when a patient takes entacapone for the first time?

A patient taking entacapone (Comtan) for the first time calls the clinic to report a dark discoloration of his urine. After listening to the patient, the nurse realizes that what is happening in this situation?

Should a patient with Parkinson's disease take entacapone with Sinemet?

A patient with Parkinson's disease will start taking entacapone (Comtan) along with the carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) he has been taking for a few years. The nurse recognizes that the advantage of taking entacapone is that

Can entacapone be taken along with carbidopa-levodopa?

A patient with Parkinson's disease will start taking entacapone (Comtan) along with the carbidopa-levodopa (Sinemet) he has been taking for a few years. The nurse recognizes that the advantage of taking entacapone is that A. the entacapone can reduce the on-off effects

Which condition is a contraindication for the patient who will take tolcapone (Tasmar)?

The nurse is assessing the medication history of a patient with a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Which condition is a contraindication for the patient, who will be taking tolcapone (Tasmar)? Liver failure The nurse is assessing a patient who has begun therapy with amantadine (Symmetrel) for Parkinson's disease.

What are the side effects of entacapone?

Entacapone may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:dizziness.diarrhea.upset stomach.movements you cannot control.stomach pain.drowsiness.

What should I monitor when taking levodopa?

Frequent monitoring of BUN, creatinine levels, and hepatic function is necessary for individuals taking levodopa. Good hepatic function is crucial in patients taking levodopa because it is where the drug is decarboxylated. Also, it is essential to test for intraocular pressure in patients with glaucoma.

Does entacapone affect blood pressure?

Entacapone (Comtan) can raise your risk of low blood pressure, and it can cause a drop in blood pressure when you stand from a sitting or lying down position. This can lead to fainting. To lower your risk of falling, get up slowly when you stand from a sitting or lying down position.

Can entacapone cause low blood pressure?

You can easily become dehydrated while taking this medicine, which can lead to severely low blood pressure or a serious electrolyte imbalance. You should not stop using entacapone suddenly.

What are signs and symptoms of levodopa toxicity?

Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, irregular heartbeat, mental/mood changes (such as agitation). Do not share this medication with others.

What are the side effects of levodopa?

Levodopa and carbidopa may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:dizziness.loss of appetite.diarrhea.dry mouth.mouth and throat pain.constipation.change in sense of taste.forgetfulness or confusion.More items...•

What is the drug Comtan used for?

Entacapone is used together with carbidopa and levodopa to treat "wearing-off" symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness, tremors, muscle spasms, and poor muscle control. Entacapone may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What is the mechanism of action of entacapone?

The mechanism of action of entacapone is believed to be through its ability to inhibit COMT and alter the plasma pharmacokinetics of levodopa.

Can entacapone cause hallucinations?

Precautions. Entacapone can potentiate the side effects of levodopa, including dyskinesia, lightheadedness, confusion, and hallucinations. Although not dangerous, patients will often be concerned if they are unaware that entacapone may turn the urine a dark orange or yellow color.

When is the best time to take entacapone?

You can take entacapone either before or after meals. When you first start taking entacapone, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of your other medicines. This is to help reduce any side-effects caused by these tablets increasing the effectiveness of your usual dose of levodopa.

Why does entacapone cause diarrhea?

In the regulation of intestinal water-electrolyte metabolism, the Cl- channel plays an important role. Water also spreads to the enteric cavity due to the osmotic gradient of Cl-, causing secretory diarrhea[29,30]. This may be one of the mechanisms by which entacapone induces diarrhea in PD patients.

How often should you take entacapone?

How to use EntacaponeTake this medication by mouth with or without food, usually with each prescribed dose of levodopa/carbidopa (up to 8 times daily) or as directed by your doctor.Dosage is based on your medical condition, liver function, and response to therapy.More items...

How long has a patient been taking selegiline?

A patient has been taking selegiline (Eldepryl), 20 mg/day for 1 month. Today, during his office visit, he tells the nurse that he forgot and had a beer with dinner last evening, and "felt awful." What did the patient most likely experience?

What are the side effects of carbidopa?

Common adverse reactions associated with carbidopa-levodopa include palpitations, hypotension, urinary retention, dyskinesia, and depression. The other effects may occur with other antiparkinson drugs. The nurse is assessing the medication history of a patient with a new diagnosis of Parkinson's disease. Which condition is a contraindication ...

Does COMT inhibitor prolong levodopa?

COMT inhibitors are associated with fewer wearing-off effects and have prolonged therapeutic benefits. They have a quicker onset, and they prolong the duration of action of levodopa. A patient taking entacapone (Comtan) for the first time calls the clinic to report a dark discoloration of his urine.

Is tolcapone contraindicated for liver disease?

Tolcapone is contraindicated in patients who have shown a hypersensitivity reaction to it , and it should be used with caution in patients with pre-existing liver disease. The other conditions listed are not contraindications. The nurse is developing a care plan for a patient who is taking an anticholinergic drug.

Can anticholinergics cause diarrhea?

Patients receiving anticholinergic drugs are at risk for urinary retention and constipation, not diarrhea. The other nursing diagnoses are not applicable to anticholinergic drugs. A patient has a new order for a catechol ortho-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor as part of treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Does carbidopa inhibit levodopa?

When given in combination with levodopa, carbidopa inhibits the breakdown of levodopa in the periphery and thus allows smaller doses of levodopa to be used. Lesser amounts of levodopa result in fewer unwanted adverse effects. Levodopa, not carbidopa, is the biologic precursor of dopamine and can penetrate into the CNS.