Levodopa
Description
Levodopa is used in combination with carbidopa to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's-like symptoms which are associated with some other diseases. These may include shakiness, stiffness, and slowness of movement. These symptoms are usually caused by a lack of dopamine, a natural substance present in the brain.
QUICK LINKS:
Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Levodopa
- Twitching
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
- Fainting
- Headache
- Confusion
- Trouble concentrating
- Lack of hunger
- Feeling sad or empty
- Nervousness
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal and stomach pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Depression
- Nausea and Vomiting
Uses of Levodopa
What is it prescribed for?
- Parkinson's disease
Read More
Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for this medicine to show its effect is about 15 minutes.
- Duration of effectThe time until which this medicine remains active in the body is 5 to 24 hours.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol during treatment with this medicine may increase the risk of severe side effects. These side effects may include confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fainting. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol while taking this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit forming tendency has been reported.
- Usage in pregnancy?This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
- Usage while breast-feeding?This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Allergy
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to levodopa or carbidopa.
Narrow angle glaucoma
Levodopa and carbidopa are not recommended for use in patients with a known history of narrow-angle glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients who are taking nonselective monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken these medicines in the past 14 days due to the increased risk of severe drug-drug interactions. It is advised that patients should inform the doctor about all their current medicines including herbs and supplements before beginning therapy with this medicine.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant women unless absolutely necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
Breast-feeding
This medicine is not recommended for use in breastfeeding women unless necessary. Discuss all the risks and benefits with your doctor before taking this medicine.
General warnings
Hallucinations
Levodopa should be used with caution due to an increased risk of severe side effects such as hallucinations, psychotic episodes, and confusion. The risk is especially higher in the elderly patients. Close monitoring of patients for any changes in mood and behavior is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery while taking this medicine.
Compulsive Behaviors
This medicine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of impulsive or compulsive behaviors. These may include an intense urge to gamble, binge eat, or spend money. Close monitoring of patients for any change in behavior and mood is recommended during treatment with this medicine. Any unusual symptoms should be reported to the doctor on priority. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Falling asleep during daily activities
Levodopa should be used with caution due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, fainting, and drowsiness. This may cause you to fall asleep during your day-to-day activities. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery while taking this medicine.
Missed Dose
If a dose of Levodopa is missed, take the dose as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose. Do not double the dose to make up for the missed one.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical treatment or contact the doctor in case of an overdose.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol during treatment with this medicine may increase the risk of severe side effects. These side effects may include confusion, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, weakness, and fainting. It is advised that you do not perform any activities that require high mental alertness like driving a vehicle or operating machinery if you consume alcohol while taking this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Nitrofurantoin
Amiodarone
Captopril
Alprazolam
Atorvastatin
Furosemide
Disease interactions
Hypotension
Levodopa may increase the risk of orthostatic hypotension. This risk is especially higher in patients receiving high blood pressure medicines and elderly patients. Close monitoring of blood pressure may be necessary for such patients based on the clinical condition. Patients are advised to get up slowly from a sitting or a lying position to avoid fainting and falling. Report any unusual symptoms to the doctor immediately. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition.
Psychosis
Levodopa is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of psychotic disorders due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of patients for any changes in behavior or mood may be necessary based on the clinical condition. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be required in some cases.
Glaucoma
This medicine is not recommended for use in patients with a known history of narrow-angle glaucoma due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Cardiovascular disease
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of cardiovascular diseases due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Close monitoring of heart function is recommended for such patients. Appropriate dose adjustments or replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Depression
This medicine should be used with caution in patients with a known history of depression due to the increased risk of worsening of the patient's condition. Patients should be monitored closely for any changes in behavior and mood. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be necessary based on the clinical condition of the patient.
Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
Levodopa is not recommended for use in patients with a history of Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome due to the increased risk of severe side effects. These side effects may include altered mental status, hyperthermia, and irregular pulse or blood pressure. Close monitoring of patients for any unusual symptoms is necessary. Replacement with a suitable alternative may be done based on the clinical condition.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Take Levodopa exactly as instructed by the doctor. Do not take larger amounts than prescribed. Seek emergency medical treatment in case of any severe side effects. Ensure that the course of treatment is completed. Do not stop the use of this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Levodopa gets converted into dopamine in the brain and relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Dopaminergic Antiparkinsonism agents
Schedule
Schedule H
[Internet]. 2017 [cited 8 August 2017]. Available from:
DailyMed - CARBIDOPA AND LEVODOPA - carbidopa and levodopa tablet, extended release [Internet]. Dailymed.nlm.nih.gov. 2017 [cited 8 August 2017]. Available from:
Levodopa and Carbidopa: MedlinePlus Drug Information [Internet]. Medlineplus.gov. 2017 [cited 8 August 2017]. Available from:
Prescribing medicines in pregnancy database [Internet]. Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). 2017 [cited 8 August 2017]. Available from:
Levodopa - DrugBank [Internet]. Drugbank.ca. 2017 [cited 12 August 2017]. Available from:
Information on this page was last updated on 15 Aug 2017
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.