What color does urine turn when taking Entacapone?

Entacapone is a COMT inhibitor that is primarily used in the management of Parkinson's disease, particularly in conjunction with levodopa therapy to prolong the effect of levodopa. One notable side effect of entacapone is that it can cause urine to change color, specifically turning it a brownish orange.

This color change is attributed to the altered metabolism and excretion of catecholamines and their metabolites, which are impacted by the drug’s action on the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme. When entacapone inhibits the metabolism of levodopa, it leads to an accumulation of certain metabolites that can impart a darker color to the urine.

Recognizing this side effect is important for both patients and healthcare providers, as it helps in differentiating between harmless side effects and those that may indicate a more serious condition. Understanding the pharmacological impact of entacapone on urine color is therefore crucial in managing patient expectations and monitoring.