Entacapone is used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa to treat end-of-dose "wearing off" effect in patients with Parkinson's disease, sometimes called shaking palsy.

Entacapone is a selective reversible inhibitor which is given in combination with levodopa. It works by inhibiting a chemical messenger [catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT)] which in turn helps in increasing the amount of dopamine (chemical messenger) in the body.

Thus, an adequate amount of dopamine controls the brains to coordinate body movements. This is how it works to manage Parkinson's disease.

Major & minor side effects for Entacapone

Constipation

Cough or hoarseness

Fever or chills

Lower back or side pain

Difficult or painful urination

Confusion

Shortness of breath

Unusual tiredness or weakness

Dizziness

Nausea

Dry mouth

This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding women unless necessary.

Patients with Parkinson's disease are usually advised not to drive or operate machinery. 

This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from CNS (central nervous system) disorders due to an increased risk of severe side effects such as hallucinations, psychotic episodes, confusion, etc.

This medicine is not recommended for use in patients less than 18 years of age since the safety and efficacy of use are not clinically established.

This medicine should be used with caution in patients suffering from liver diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.

This medicine should be used with extreme caution in patients suffering from hypotension (low blood pressure) or patients receiving antihypertensive medications (high blood pressure medicines) due to the increased risk of a very low blood pressure.