Opicapone

Details:

Opicapone is a medication primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, specifically as an adjunct to other Parkinson's disease treatments. It is a COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) inhibitor. Here’s how it works and its main application:

Mechanism of Action:

Opicapone works by inhibiting the COMT enzyme, which is responsible for breaking down dopamine. By blocking this enzyme, opicapone helps increase the levels of dopamine available in the brain, which is particularly important for patients with Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is associated with a deficiency of dopamine in certain areas of the brain, leading to symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and bradykinesia (slowness of movement).

Clinical Application:

1. Parkinson's Disease:

   • Opicapone is used in combination with levodopa/carbidopa to help improve the management of Parkinson's disease. Specifically, it is used in patients who experience "off" periods, where the effects of levodopa wear off, and the symptoms of Parkinson's disease return before the next dose.
   • It is a once-daily medication, which makes it convenient compared to other COMT inhibitors like entacapone, which require multiple doses per day.

2. Improvement of Motor Symptoms:

   • By extending the effect of levodopa, opicapone helps to improve motor function and reduce "off" periods, where the patient may experience worsening symptoms.

Side Effects:

Common side effects can include:

• Dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
• Insomnia
• Urinary tract infections
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)

It is typically prescribed when other treatments are not fully effective in managing Parkinson's symptoms.