Peripherally acting inhibitor of catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT), an enzyme involved in the metabolism of catecholamine neurotransmitters and related drugs. Prepn (stereochemistry unspecified): R. J. B"ackstr"om et al., DE 3740383; eidem, US 5446194 (1988, 1995 both to Orion). Prepn of (E)-isomer: A. K. Pippuri et al., EP 426468; eidem, US 5135950 (1991, 1992 both to Orion). Pharmacology: E. Nissinen et al., Arch. Pharmacol. 346, 262 (1992). LC determn in plasma and urine: M. Karlsson, T. Wikberg, J. Pharm. Biomed. Anal. 10, 593 (1992). Identification of metabolites: T. Wikberg et al., Eur. J. Drug Metab. Pharmacokinet. 18, 359 (1993). Clinical pharmacokinetics: T. Ker"anen et al., Eur. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 46, 151 (1994). Clinical effect on levodopa bioavailability in Parkinson's disease: H. M. Routtinen, U. K. Rinne, J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry 60, 36 (1996).
Antiparkinsonian.
Antiparkinsonian; COMT Inhibitor