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Compare Entacapone vs. Rytary

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

Key takeaways

Entacapone (Comtan) and Rytary (carbidopa/levodopa) are both used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), but they work differently and have distinct uses. Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor that must be taken with carbidopa/levodopa to help levodopa stay in your body longer, enhancing its effectiveness. It is available in both brand-name and generic forms. On the other hand, Rytary is a combination of carbidopa and levodopa in an extended-release capsule, taken three times a day to directly replace dopamine in your brain. Rytary is not available in a generic version, which can make it more expensive. While both medications can cause side effects like nausea and involuntary movements, Rytary can also cause unusual dreams and headache. Additionally, Rytary can be taken with or without food, but high-fat meals should be avoided, whereas entacapone can be taken with or without food without such restrictions.

  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)
  • Entacapone (Comtan)
    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa)

  • Summary of Entacapone vs. Rytary

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Prescription only

    Rytary (carbidopa / levodopa) is a combination medication that's used to treat adults with symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), such as stiff muscles and slowed movement. It contains carbidopa (a decarboxylase inhibitor) and levodopa (a dopamine replacement) in an extended-release capsule. The typical dosage is one capsule by mouth three times a day. Common side effects include nausea, headache, and dizziness. This medication doesn't currently have a generic version, but you can get it under the brand name Rytary.

  • Indications of Entacapone vs. Rytary

    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)
    •Parkinsonism (conditions that cause people to have symptoms of PD, including tremors, slowness, and stiffness)

  • Pros and Cons of Entacapone vs. Rytary

    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 Dopa decarboxylase inhibitor / Dopamine replacement
    Pros
    •Can provide more "on" time and less "off" time than immediate-release Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) in people with advanced PD
    •Available in 4 different strengths
    •Can open capsule and sprinkle contents onto applesauce if you have trouble swallowing pills whole
    Cons
    •Usually need to take multiple times per day
    •Can make you very sleepy and cause you to fall asleep suddenly
    •Interacts with certain monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and iron

  • Common Side Effects of Entacapone vs. Rytary

    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
    •Nausea (up to 20%)
    •Dizziness (up to 19%)
    •Headache (up to 17%)
    •Trouble sleeping (up to 9%)
    •Dry mouth (up to 7%)
    •Unusual dreams (up to 6%)
    •Constipation (up to 6%)
    •Involuntary movements (dyskinesia, up to 5%)
    •Anxiety (up to 5%)
    •Vomiting (up to 5%)
    •Drop in blood pressure when standing from a sitting or lying down position (up to 5%)

  • Warnings of Entacapone vs. Rytary

    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
    •Sleepiness or falling asleep during activities
    •High fevers and confusion with treatment changes
    •Heart problems
    •Hallucinations and changes in behavior and thoughts
    •Difficulty controlling impulsive behavior
    •Stomach bleeding in people who've had a stomach ulcer
    •Rise in eye pressure in people with glaucoma

  • Prices with our coupons for Entacapone vs. Rytary

    Learn more about Entacapone
    Learn more about Rytary

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