Which information does the nurse provide to a patient taking entacapone? Constipation is a common adverse effect with entacapone and should be treated with an over-the- counter stool softener. Many patients experience hyperactivity, which will decrease over time. Some patients may experience unusually high blood pressure, requiring alteration of their medication if taking antihypertensives. Entacapone may change the color of urine to brownish orange.

Entacapone is a medication used primarily for managing Parkinson's disease symptoms, working as a COMT inhibitor to enhance the effects of levodopa. It's crucial for patients to know that this medication can cause their urine to turn a brownish-orange hue, which is harmless but often surprising! It's like nature’s neon sign that the medicine is at work, so no need to fret if you see a change in color. Additionally, while constipation is indeed a common side effect, it's essential to keep the digestive system happy. A fiber-rich diet combined with hydration often does the trick, but over-the-counter stool softeners can be a helpful backup. Regular communication with healthcare providers about these side effects helps ensure a smoother treatment journey!