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Compare Entacapone vs. Requip

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Entacapone (Comtan) and ropinirole (Requip) are both used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have different uses. Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor that helps carbidopa/levodopa work better by blocking a protein that breaks down levodopa before it reaches the brain. You need to take it with each dose of carbidopa/levodopa. Ropinirole, on the other hand, is a dopamine agonist that mimics dopamine in the brain and can be used alone. It also treats restless legs syndrome (RLS). Entacapone is taken multiple times a day with carbidopa/levodopa, while ropinirole can be taken three times a day or once daily if using the extended-release form. Both medications can cause sleepiness and dizziness, but ropinirole can also cause compulsive behaviors and hallucinations. Entacapone is available in both brand-name and generic forms, while ropinirole is only available as a generic.

  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Ropinirole
  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Ropinirole

  • Summary of Entacapone vs. Requip

    Summary for COMT inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Entacapone (Comtan) is used for Parkinson's disease (PD) and helps relieve symptoms like shakiness and slowed movement. It's used along with the combination medication carbidopa/levodopa. Entacapone (Comtan) is a good option for people whose levodopa wears off before their next dose ("wearing-off" periods). But, this medication has to be taken every time you take carbidopa/levodopa for it to work properly. Some side effects include involuntary movements (dyskinesia) and nausea. Entacapone (Comtan) is available as a brand-name and generic medication.

    Summary for Dopamine agonist
    Prescription only

    Ropinirole is a dopamine agonist that's used to treat Parkinson's disease (PD) and restless legs syndrome (RLS) in adults. For Parkinson's disease, the immediate-release tablets are taken by mouth three times per day, and the extended-release tablets are taken once per day. Ropinirole side effects include nausea, sleepiness, and dizziness.

  • Indications of Entacapone vs. Requip

    Indications for
    •Relief of "wearing-off" symptoms in people with Parkinson's disease who are taking carbidopa/levodopa medications (e.g., Sinemet, Rytary)
    Indications for
    •Parkinson's disease (PD)
    •Moderate-to-severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) - immediate-release tablets only

  • Pros and Cons of Entacapone vs. Requip

    Pros and Const for COMT inhibitor
    Pros
    •Helps carbidopa/levodopa relieve your PD symptoms better
    •Can be useful for people with advanced PD or people who experience "wearing-off" periods with their carbidopa/levodopa
    •Can take with or without food
    Cons
    •Must take with every dose of carbidopa/levodopa to see an effect on PD symptoms; it has no effect when it's taken alone
    •Can cause involuntary movements or other movement problems
    •Can cause nausea, especially when you first start taking the medication
    Pros and Const for Dopamine agonist
    Pros
    •Works well to control movement problems
    •Can take with or without food
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only available as a tablet that's swallowed whole
    •Can have a lot of side effects, like impulsive behavior and hallucinations (seeing things that aren't real)
    •Can't suddenly stop taking ropinirole because of risk of withdrawal symptoms

  • Common Side Effects of Entacapone vs. Requip

    Common Side Effects for
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, 25%)
    •Nausea (14%)
    •Muscle spasms (hyperkinesia, 10%)
    •Changes in the color of your urine (10%)
    •Diarrhea (10%)
    •Slowed muscle movements (hypokinesia, 9%)
    •Stomach pain (8%)
    •Dizziness (8%)
    Common Side Effects for

    Parkinson's disease:

    •Nausea (60%)
    •Dizziness (40%)
    •Sleepiness (40%)
    •Weakness (16%)
    •Feeling faint (12%)
    •Vomiting (12%)
    •Viral infection (11%)
    •Indigestion (10%)

    Restless legs syndrome:

    •Nausea (40%)
    •Sleepiness (12%)
    •Vomiting (11%)
    •Dizziness (11%)

  • Warnings of Entacapone vs. Requip

    Common Side Effects for
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep while doing daily activities
    •Low blood pressure and fainting
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Diarrhea and inflamed colon (colitis)
    •Muscle damage (rhabdomyolysis)
    •High fevers and confusion
    •Interactions with other medications
    Common Side Effects for
    •Extreme sleepiness
    •Changes in blood pressure and higher risk of falls
    •Intense urges
    •Hallucinations and behavior changes
    •Difficulty controlling body movements
    •Worsening symptoms of RLS (immediate-release tablets only)

  • Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Requip

    Learn more about Entacapone
    Learn more about Ropinirole

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