Compare carbidopa / levodopa vs. entacapone
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
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
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Dissolving tablet
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$119.55
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$773.44
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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 movements25%
- Nausea14%
- Muscle spasm10%
- Changes in urine color10%
- Diarrhea10%
- Muscle rigidity9%
- Dizziness8%
- Abdominal pain8%
- Fatigue6%
- Constipation6%
- Vomiting4%
- Dry mouth3%
- Shortness of breath3%
- Purple spots on the skin3%
- Increased sweating2%
- Back pain2%
- Anxiety2%
- Sleepiness2%
- Indigestion2%
- Flatulence2%
- Weakness2%
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
- 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