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Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone

Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone

What is Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone used for?

This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Carbidopa and entacapone prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

CHEMICAL NAME

Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone (KAR-bi-DOE-pa/LEE-vo-DOE-pa/en-TAK-a-pone)

DRUG TYPE

Parkinsons Disease

Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone Prices

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Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone Frequently Asked Questions

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Take only one tablet for each dose. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so may cause you to get the wrong dose and may also cause staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva. See also Side Effects section.

Taking this medication with food may help to decrease nausea. It is best to avoid a high-protein diet (it decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Also avoid taking this medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal since this can slow down the time it begins to work by about 2 hours.

Separate your dose of this medication by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of this medication absorbed by the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" (worsening of symptoms) before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect might also occur, in which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your doctor for possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this medication is suddenly stopped. Also, if you suddenly stop using this medication, you may have withdrawal symptoms (such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, muscle stiffness). To help prevent withdrawal, your doctor may lower your dose slowly. Withdrawal is more likely if you have used this medication for a long time or in high doses. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if you have withdrawal.

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Carbidopa-Levodopa-Entacapone Dosage and Form Information

Supplied As
Strength
Tablet
31.25-125
12.5-50 Mg
25-100-200
18.75-75Mg
37.5-150Mg
50-200-200