What is Carbidopa and levodopa?
The combination medicine of carbohydrate and levodopa is used to treat symptoms such as stiffness and tremors associated with Parkinson’s disease.
Levodopa or carbidopa can also be used to treat Parkinson's symptoms that are caused by manganese poisoning, carbon monoxide intoxication, or manganese. This medication guide does not list all possible uses of levodopa or carbidopa.
Side effects of Carbidopa and levodopa
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives or facial/throat/face swelling - seek medical attention immediately!
Carbidopa or levodopa can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip smacking and frowning; tongue movements, blinking, or eye movements);
- Tremors that are worsening (uncontrolled shaking)
- Severe or persistent nausea or diarrhea.
- Confusion, hallucinations, or unusual changes in mood and behavior
- Depression, or thoughts of suicide;
- Severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid muscles), high temperature, and sweating. Confusion, rapid, or uneven heartbeats
Carbidopa or levodopa can cause people to fall asleep while doing normal activities during the day, such as driving, working, talking, or eating. Inform your doctor of any daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.
While taking levodopa or carbidopa, you may experience increased sexual urges. You might also feel a strong urge to gamble. If this happens, talk to your doctor.
Your urine, saliva, or sweat may appear dark, like red, brown, or black. It is not harmful, but your clothing or bedsheets may be stained.
Side effects of levodopa or carbidopa include:
- The jerky or twisting of muscle movements
- Headache, dizziness;
- Low blood pressure (feeling a little light-headed);
- Sleep problems, strange dreams;
- Dry Mouth
- Muscle contractions
- Nausea, vomiting, and constipation.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them is required.
Similar/related drugs
Ropinirole, pramipexole, benztropine, carbidopa/levodopa , Sinemet, Exelon, and Gocovri
Warnings
Use this medication only if you are not taking any MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid or linezolid.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to levodopa or carbidopa, you should avoid using them.
- Narrow-angle glaucoma.
You should not take this medication within 14 days if you have taken an MAO inhibitor medication. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and tranylcypromine.
Inform your physician of any of the following issues:
- Heart disease or high blood tension.
- Liver or kidney disease
- An endocrine (hormonal) disorder;
- Asthma, chronic obstructive lung disease (COPD), or any other breathing disorder.
- A stomach or intestinal ulcer
- Open-angle glaucoma
- Depression, mental illness, or psychosis.
The disintegrating tablets may contain phenylalanine. Inform your doctor if phenylketonuria is present.
A higher risk may exist for people with Parkinson's. Speak to your doctor to learn more about the risk of skin cancer and how to recognise it. Notify your doctor immediately if you become pregnant or nursing.
How to take Carbidopa and levodopa?
You must wait at least 12 hours after you stop taking levodopa before taking levodopa or carbidopa. Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow the directions. Sometimes, your doctor will change the dose. You must take the medication exactly as prescribed.
Take this medication regularly, with or without eating. Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule. Sometimes the tablet is broken in half for the correct dosage. Never chew or crush a tablet. Take the tablet and place it in your mouth. Do not chew.
Your symptoms may not improve for several weeks. Tell your doctor if you do not see improvement in your symptoms. Inform your doctor if you notice that the effects of this medication wear off rapidly between doses. You may need to undergo frequent medical tests if you take this medication for a long time.
This medication can alter the results of some medical tests. Tell your doctor that you use carbidopa or levodopa. You may experience unpleasant withdrawal symptoms if you suddenly stop taking carbidopa or levodopa. Your doctor can tell you how to stop taking this medication safely. Store away from moisture, heat, and light at room temperature.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are almost due for your next dose, skip the missed one. Never take two doses of the same medicine at once. Refill your prescription before you run out.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Do not drive or engage in hazardous activities until you have a better understanding of how levodopa or carbidopa affect you. You may have impaired reactions. You may feel dizzy if you get up quickly from a seated or lying position. Avoid iron supplements and a high-protein diet. This can make it more difficult for your body's digestion and absorption of levodopa and carbidopa. Speak to your doctor or dietitian for advice on what foods you should eat and avoid.
Interaction with other drug
Carbidopa or levodopa may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
