What is Levodopa inhalation?
When you take levodopa and another medication called carbidopa, the symptoms that return (off episodes) can be treated with inhaling levodopa.Inhaling levodopa is not a substitute for any medication you may take every day to treat Parkinson's.This medication guide does not list all possible uses for levodopa.
Side effects of Levodop inhalation
Seek immediate medical care if you have difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.If you experience chest tightness or difficulty breathing, stop using levodopa. Call your doctor immediately.
Levodopa inhalation may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- If you feel extreme sleepiness or if you fall asleep quickly (even though you are alert),
- Sweating and nausea are all symptoms of lightheadedness (like passing out).
- Uncontrolled facial movements (such as lip-smacking, frowning, and tongue movement)
- Hallucination, confusion, or paranoia (when you see or hear things that aren't real)
- Unusual thoughts or behaviours
- Sleeping problems or an increase in dreams
- Aggression;
- Increased sexual urges or unusual gambling urges.
When using the medicine, some people have been unable to function during their normal daily activities, such as driving, working, speaking, eating, or talking. The side effects 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 throat, stuffy nose
- Nausea;
- Dark-coloured urine, saliva, or sweat.
There may be other side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report any side effects.
Warnings
You should read the entire label and package instructions before taking your medicine. Inform your doctors about your allergies and medical conditions. Tell them what medications you use.
Before you take this drug
If you've used a MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days, a dangerous interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors are isocarboxazid (linezolid), methylene blue injection, phenelzine, and selegiline.
If you've ever:
- Asthma or chronic obstructive lung disease (CPD) are breathing disorders.
- Glaucoma;
- Involuntary muscular movements
- Sleep disorder causing sleepiness throughout the day
- When standing up from a seated or lying-down position, you may experience nausea or fainting.
- Mental illness, or psychosis
- A strong urge to do something (like gambling or overspending money).
Levodopa is a drug that can be inhaled by pregnant women. Inform your doctor of any pregnancy or plans to get pregnant.Breastfeeding may be unsafe while taking this medication. You should consult your physician about the risks.
How to take levodopa inhalation?
Read all the instructions or guides that come with your medication and follow all the directions. Follow the directions on your prescription label.Only those who take carbidopa or levodopa can use the inhaler. 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 pharmacist or doctor.The powder (Inbrija) comes in blister packs with capsules and a special device for inhalation. Each time you take the medication, load two capsules into the device (one by one). The capsule will be pierced by pushing the handle onto the mouthpiece.Never swallow an inhalation capsule. This capsule is only for the Inbrija device.It can interfere with certain tests. Inform any doctors who treat you that you use levodopa.If you suddenly stop taking levodopa after a long period of regular use, it is possible that withdrawal symptoms may occur (such as confusion, nausea, muscle rigidity, and changes in heartbeat or breathing). You should ask your doctor about how you can safely discontinue this medication.Keep away from heat and moisture. Store each capsule inside the blister until you are ready to use the device. Never store capsules on the device.When your capsules are empty, throw away the inhaler device. Use the device provided with every new prescription.
Details on dosage
Adult dosage for Parkinson's disease:
As needed, 84mg via oral inhalation when the off-period starts returning; doses up to five times per day are allowed.
Maximum dose per OFF period: 84 mg
Maximum daily dose: 420 mg
Comments:
When symptoms from an OFF period start to return, it is important that you seek treatment.
This drug is only effective when combined with levodopa or carbidopa.
The capsules are only to be used in conjunction with Inbrija (R) inhalers. They should never be swallowed in their entirety, as this will prevent the desired effect.
Use: To treat intermittent OFF episodes among patients 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 to take your next dose, skip any missed doses. 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.The symptoms of an overdose may include muscle aches, weakness, fevers, dark urine, no or little urination, or fast heartbeats.
What should be avoided?
Levodopa can cause you to feel dizzy or drowsy. Avoid dangerous activities until you are sure how they will affect you. Drowsiness or dizziness can lead to 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>. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, or medicines for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.
Tell your doctor about all medications that you take, including:
- Isoniazid;
- Metoclopramide;
- Risperidone, or any other antipsychotic medications;
- Iron medication such as iron fumarate or ferrous glucose.
- A mineral or multivitamin that contains iron.
- Other medicines for treating parkinson's disease
The list below is not exhaustive. Levodopa can be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all of the possible interactions with other drugs.
