What is Levodopa?
Levodopa (L-Dopa) is the most effective and widely used drug in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is an inhibitor of L-amino acid decarboxylase, the plasma enzyme that metabolizes levodopa peripherally is commonly combined with levodopa.
The combination medication is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and its symptoms such as shakiness, stiffness and difficulty moving. Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by a lack of a naturally occurring substance in the brain (dopamine). In the brain, levodopa converts to dopamine, which aids in movement control. Carbidopa prevents levodopa breakdown in the bloodstream, allowing more levodopa to enter the brain. Carbidopa can also help to reduce some of the side effects of levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting.
How to use carbidopa-levodopa oral
Take this medication orally, with or without food, 3 to 4 times per day, as directed by your doctor.
This medication may help to reduce nausea if taken with food. Unless otherwise directed by your doctor, it is best to avoid high-protein diet during treatment (it reduces the amount of levodopa your body absorbs). Separate your dose of this medication from iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) by as many hours as possible. Iron can reduce the amount of this medication that the body absorbs.
The dosage is measured by your medical condition as well as your response to treatment. To decrease the possibility of side effects, your doctor might advise you to begin this medication at a very low dose and gradually increase it. Pay close attention to your doctor's instructions. This is available in many kinds of strengths, with varying amounts of carbidopa and levodopa in each tablet. In addition to this combination, your doctor may prescribe carbidopa alone.
Some patients may experience symptoms worsening before the next dose is due. If you experience any of the side effects, contact your doctor to discuss possible dose adjustments that may help to mitigate the effect.
Do not discontinue this medicine without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may get worse if this drug is abruptly reduced or stopped.
Levodopa Side Effects
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Mouth and throat pain
- Constipation
- Change in sense of taste
- Confusion
- Nervousness
- Nightmares
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Headache
- Increased sweating
- Chest pain
- Depression
- Hallucinating
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Hives
- Weakness
- Numbness
- Red blood in stools
- Fever
Precautions
Inform your doctor if you are allergic to carbidopa and levodopa, or if you have any other kind of allergies. This product might have inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history, especially if you have: liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcer, mental/mood disorders, blood disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders.
This medication may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. Do not do driving, operate heavy machinery, or do anything else that requires alertness until you are sure you can do it safely.
Inform your doctor or dentist about all of the products you use before having surgery.
This medication should be used only when it is necessarily needed during pregnancy and when prescribed by your doctor.
Levodopa enters breast milk in trace amounts and may affect the amount of milk produced. It is unknown whether carbidopa enters breast milk.
Interactions
- Antipsychotic drugs (such as chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and thioridazine), as well as certain drugs used to treat high blood pressure, may interact with this medication.
- Using MAO inhibitors in conjunction with this medication may result in a serious drug interaction. Most MAO inhibitors should also be avoided for two weeks before starting this medication. Certain MAO inhibitors may be used with caution under the supervision of your doctor. Consult your doctor.
- This medication may cause false test results in certain laboratory tests (including urine catecholamine/glucose/ketone tests).
Overdose
If someone has taken an overdose of this medicine and has serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, seek medical advice immediately. Never take more doses than what is prescribed to you by your doctor.
Missed Dose
It is necessary to take each dose of this medication on time. If you forget a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible to arrange for a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose.
Storage
The medicine must not come in contact with heat, air, light and may damage your medicines. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and far away from children’s reach.
Levodopa vs Carbidopa
Levodopa |
Carbidopa |
|---|---|
| This belongs to a class of drugs known as central nervous system agents. | Carbidopa is from a class of drugs known as decarboxylase inhibitors. |
| This is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease symptoms (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). | Carbidopa is a medication used to treat Parkinson's disease that inhibits the peripheral metabolism of levodopa. |
| It works in the brain by being converted to dopamine. | It prevents the breakdown of levodopa before reaching the brain. |
