Potential Hazard Risk Assessment of Entacapone/Codan

Entacapone, as a drug commonly used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD), is usually used in combination with levodopa or carbidopa to improve its efficacy. Its main mechanism of action is to prolong the effects of levodopa by inhibiting dopamine-metabolizing enzymes. However, despite its significant therapeutic effect, there are still potential risks that need to be fully evaluated.

First, the most common side effects of entacapone are gastrointestinal problems, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, etc. Although these symptoms are usually mild, for some patients, they may affect their quality of life, especially with long-term use. It is worth noting that entacapone may also cause drug-induced diarrhea, which in severe cases may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance and requires close monitoring.

In addition, entacapone may also cause abnormal liver function. Some patients may experience elevated liver enzymes during use. Although these symptoms are mostly temporary, patients with a history of liver disease should be used with caution. Doctors usually recommend regular monitoring of liver function to avoid possible liver damage.

More serious side effects include psychiatric symptoms related to the dopamine system, such as hallucinations, agitation, and mood swings. These symptoms are common in people with Parkinson's disease, and the use of entacapone may exacerbate these problems, especially in older patients. Therefore, when using entacapone, doctors will pay special attention to the patient's mental health status and adjust the drug dosage if necessary.

Additionally, long-term use of entacapone may increase cardiovascular risk, particularly in patients with existing cardiovascular disease. Studies have shown that entacapone may cause problems such as irregular heartbeats. Although this is rare, it still requires special attention.

Reference materials:https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17763/entacapone-oral/details