What is Levodopa? Uses, effects, side effects & warnings

What is Levodopa?

When you take levodopa and another medication called carbidopa, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease can come back.Inhaling levodopa is not a substitute for any medication you take every day to treat Parkinson's.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for levodopa.

Side effects of Levodopa

If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.If you experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing after using levodopa, stop using the inhalation.Contact your physician immediately, or visit an urgent care facility.

Levodopa inhalation may cause serious side effects. If you experience:

If you feel extreme sleepiness or if you fall asleep suddenly, even after feeling alert,
Nausea and sweating.
Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movement or blinking);
Hallucinations, confusion, and paranoia (seeing or listening to things that are not true)
Unusual thoughts or behaviours
Sleeping problems or an increase in dreams
Aggression;
Intense sexual or gambling urges.

Some people who use this medication have fallen asleep while doing normal activities during the day, such as driving, working, eating, or talking. This side effect can occur up to a year after starting treatment with levodopa. If you experience daytime sleepiness, tell your doctor.

Some of the common side effects that may occur from levodopa use include:

Cough;
Sore or stuffy throat symptoms of a cold include sneezing and a stuffy nose.
Nausea;
Dark-coloured urine, saliva, or sweat.

There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report adverse effects, you can contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

You should read the entire label and package instructions before taking your medicine. Inform your healthcare provider about your medical conditions, allergies, and medicines.

Before you take this drug

If you've used an MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days, dangerous drug interactions may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and selegiline.

Inform your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms:

Asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), or any other breathing disorder.
Glaucoma;
Involuntary muscular movements
Sleep disorder causing daytime sleepiness
When standing up from a seated or lying position, you may experience nausea, dizziness, or fainting.
Mental illness or psychosis
A strong urge to do something (such as binge eating, excessive gambling or money spending)

Levodopa is known to cause harm to unborn babies. Tell your doctor immediately if you plan to get pregnant.Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication. You should consult your doctor if you are concerned about any risks.

How to take Levodopa?

Read all instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all directions. Follow the directions on the label.Only those who take carbidopa or levodopa can use the inhalation of levodopa. You should not change the dosage of your Parkinson's medication or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.Use levodopa when you experience an "off-episode" (when Parkinson's symptoms begin to return) for the best results. Use levodopa only 5 times a day.Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication. If you don't understand the instructions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.The powder (Inbrija) comes in blister packs with capsules and a special inhaler. Each time you use this medicine, you will need to load two capsules into the inhaler. The capsule will be pierced by pushing the device handle onto the mouthpiece.Never swallow a capsule of levodopa. This capsule is only for use with the Inbrija device.It can interfere with certain medical tests. Inform any doctor that you use levodopa.If you suddenly stop using levodopa after long-term use, you may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. You should ask your doctor about how to stop taking this medication safely.Store away from moisture or heat at room temperature. Store each capsule in its blister pack until the time comes to load your inhaler. Do not store capsules in the device.When your capsules are empty, throw away the device. Use the inhaler that comes with every new prescription.

Details on dosage

Adult dosage for Parkinson's disease:

As needed, 84 mg of oral inhalation can be taken as soon as the OFF period returns. You may take this dose up to five times per day.
Maximum dose per OFF period: 84 mg
Maximum daily dose: 420 mg
Comments:
When symptoms of an OFF period start to return, it is important to seek treatment.
This drug is only effective when combined with levodopa or carbidopa.
The capsules are only to be used in conjunction with the Inbrija (R) inhaler. They should not be swallowed in their entirety, as this will prevent the desired effect.
Use: To treat intermittent OFF episodes among patients with Parkinson's treated with levodopa or carbidopa.

What happens if I miss the dose?

Levodopa is inhaled only when necessary, so you might not have a schedule. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip any missed dose. Never take two doses in one go.

What happens if I overdose?

For poison assistance, call 1-800-222-1222 or get immediate medical help.Overdose symptoms include muscle weakness or pain, dark urine, no or little urination, or a fast heartbeat, as well as muscle pain.

What should be avoided?

Levodopa can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving and other hazardous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Dizziness and drowsiness may cause accidents or serious injuries.

Interaction with other drug

Ask your doctor before using an opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for a data-type="auto" href="https://www.drugs.com/cg/anxiety.html">anxiety/a> or a data-type="auto" href="https://www.drugs.com/condition/seizures.html". Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, medicine for anxiety, or seizures, consult your doctor.

You should tell your doctor about any medications you take, such as: