Compare carbidopa / levodopa vs. entacapone

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

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Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)

Prescription only

Comtan (entacapone)

Prescription only
Treats Parkinson's disease.

Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is the first choice treatment for Parkinson's disease.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Comtan (entacapone) enhances the effect of carbidopa/levodopa. It's usually added on when carbidopa/levodopa starts to lose its effect on Parkinson's disease.

Upsides
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is widely available as a regular pill, a quick dissolving pill or a liquid taken through a feeding tube.
  • Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) is available in generic.
  • Allows you to get more out of carbidopa/levodopa, especially in later stages of Parkinson's disease.
  • Comtan (entacapone) is available in a single pill combination with carbidopa/levodopa.
Downsides
  • Can make you very sleepy.
  • Can stain your saliva, sweat and urine a dark color.
  • Will lose its effect over time as your disease progresses.
  • May need to be taken several times during day to control symptoms of Parkinson's disease
  • May cause unusual cravings in some people.
  • Must be taken with other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Can make you lightheaded especially if you suddenly stand up from sitting or lying down.
  • Can make you very sleepy
  • May require frequent adjustments before finding the dose that works best for you
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Dissolving tablet
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$216.89
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Lowest price
$2756.75
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Side effects
The Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
21possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    25%
  • Nausea
    14%
  • Muscle spasm
    10%
  • Changes in urine color
    10%
  • Diarrhea
    10%
  • Muscle rigidity
    9%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Constipation
    6%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Purple spots on the skin
    3%
  • Increased sweating
    2%
  • Back pain
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • High fever and confusion
    • Stopping Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa) suddenly
  • Changes in behavior
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Changes in blood pressure and falls
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Falling asleep during the day
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's
  • Changes in behavior
  • Low blood pressure and fainting
    • Low blood pressure
    • Taking medicines for high blood pressure
  • Lack of impulse control
    • Taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease
  • Diarrhea
  • Difficulty controlling movements
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Sinemet (carbidopa / levodopa)
Learn more about Comtan (entacapone)