GENERIC NAME: CARBIDOPA WITH LEVODOPA DISINTEGRATING TABLET - ORAL (car-beh-DOE-puh/lee-voh-DOE-puh)
BRAND NAME(S): Parcopa
Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbidopa has no effect when given alone.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. Just before taking a dose, gently remove the tablet from the bottle with dry hands. Immediately place the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve quickly and can be swallowed with your saliva. No water is needed to take this medication. You may take this drug with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Consult your doctor for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. If you switch from other products that also contain levodopa to this drug, you must stop using those products for at least 12 hours before starting this medication. This should lessen side effects such as uncontrolled movements or eye twitching that may occur during this switch.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, or trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking this medication: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mental/mood changes. May cause darkening of the urine or sweat. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- Parkinson's Disease - Learn about Parkinson's Disease - symptoms, causes and treatment for this neurological brain disorder that affects the central nervous system on MedicineNet.com
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