Opicapone
Brand: Ongentys (global)
Neurological
COMT inhibitor (peripheral, long-acting)
Pharmacokinetics
| Half-life | 1.5 hours |
| Tmax | 2 h |
| Bioavailability | 20 % (approx) |
| Protein Binding | 99 % |
| Volume of Distribution | 0.9 L/kg (approx) |
| Clearance Route | hepatic |
| Active Metabolites | no |
| Notes | Rapid absorption; peak at 1–2 h; highly protein bound (>99%); acts peripherally; metabolized by sulfation and glucuronidation; minimal hepatic risk compared to tolcapone. |
⚠️ Safety & Warnings
Severity: Moderate
Adverse Effects:
Dyskinesia, constipation, hypotension, insomnia, elevated LFTs (rare)
Contraindications:
Pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma, history of NMS, concurrent MAO-A inhibitors
Precautions:
Monitor BP and dyskinesia when added to levodopa; caution in moderate hepatic impairment; discontinue gradually