Carbidopa and Levodopa

Dosing: Geriatric

Refer to adult dosing.

Dosing: Adjustment for Toxicity

Intestinal suspension (Duopa):

Dyskinesias or levodopa-related adverse reactions within 1 hour of morning dose on preceding day: Decrease morning levodopa dose by 20 mg.

Dyskinesias or adverse reactions lasting ≥1 hour on the preceding day: Decrease continuous levodopa dose by 6 mg per hour.

Dyskinesias or adverse reactions lasting for 2 or more periods of ≥1 hour on the preceding day: Decrease continuous levodopa dose by 12 mg per hour.

Reconstitution

Intestinal suspension (Duopa): Fully thaw in refrigerator prior to use. To ensure controlled thawing, take the cartons containing the seven individual cassettes out of the transport box and separate the cartons from each other. Assign a 12-week, use-by date based on the time the cartons are put into the refrigerator to thaw (may take up to 96 hours to thaw). Once thawed, the individual cartons may be packed in a closer configuration within the refrigerator. Remove one cassette from refrigerator 20 minutes prior to administration (failure to use at room temperature may result in inaccurate dosage).

Extemporaneously Prepared

An oral suspension containing carbidopa 1.25 mg and levodopa 5 mg per mL may be made with tablets. Crush ten tablets each containing carbidopa 25 mg and levodopa 100 mg and reduce to a fine powder. Add small portions of a 1:1 mixture of Ora-Sweet® and Ora-Plus® and mix to a uniform paste; mix while adding the vehicle in equal proportions to almost 200 mL; transfer to a calibrated bottle, rinse mortar with vehicle, and add sufficient quantity of vehicle to make 200 mL. Label "shake well" and "refrigerate". Stable 42 days under refrigeration. Also stable 28 days at room temperature.

Administration

Intestinal suspension (Duopa): Remove one cassette from refrigerator 20 minutes prior to use (failure to use at room temperature may result in inaccurate dosage). Administer as a 16-hour infusion through either a nasojejunal tube (temporary administration) or through a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy (PEG-J) tube (long-term administration) connected to the CADD-Legacy 1400 pump. At the end of administration, disconnect the tube from the pump at the end of the infusion and flush with room-temperature drinking water with a syringe. Following discontinuation of the daily infusion, patients should administer their routine night-time dosage of oral immediate-release carbidopa/levodopa.

Intestinal gel (Duodopa [Canadian product]): Gel is administered directly to the jejunum via a portable infusion pump (CADD-legacy Duodopa pump). Administer through a temporary nasojejunal tube for a short-term test period to evaluate patient response and for dose optimization. Long-term administration requires placement of PEG-J tube for intestinal infusion. Continuous maintenance dose is infused throughout the day for up to 16 hours; if necessary, may administer at night (eg, nocturnal akinesia). Disconnect PEG-J tube from infusion pump at end of infusion and flush with room temperature water to prevent occlusion of tubing. Following discontinuation of the daily infusion, patients should administer their routine night-time dosage of oral levodopa/carbidopa.

Oral:

Extended-release capsule: Administer with or without food; a high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay the absorption of levodopa by ~2 hours. Swallow capsules whole; do not chew, divide, or crush capsules. Patients who have difficulty swallowing intact capsules may open the capsule, sprinkle entire contents on a small amount of applesauce (1 to 2 tablespoons) and consume immediately (do not store for future use).

Oral tablet formulations: Space doses evenly over the waking hours. Administer with meals to decrease GI upset. Controlled release product should not be chewed or crushed. Orally disintegrating tablets do not require water; the tablet should disintegrate on the tongue's surface before swallowing.

Bariatric surgery: Capsule and tablet, extended release: Some institutions may have specific protocols that conflict with these recommendations; refer to institutional protocols as appropriate. Do not cut, crush, or chew. Switch to immediate-release formulation (tablet or orally disintegrating tablet) or capsule may be opened and contents sprinkled onto soft food of choice. Patient should be instructed to swallow the mixture without biting down or chewing.

Dietary Considerations

Avoid high protein diets (>2 g/kg) which may decrease the efficacy of levodopa via competition with amino acids in crossing the blood-brain barrier. Some products may contain phenylalanine.

Storage

Oral formulations: Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F). Protect from light and moisture.

Intestinal suspension (Duopa): Store in freezer at -20°C (-4°F). Fully thaw in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) prior to use; protect from light. To ensure controlled thawing, remove the cartons containing the seven individual cassettes from the transport box and separate the cartons from each other. Assign a 12-week, use-by date based on the time the cartons are put in the refrigerator to thaw (may take up to 96 hours to thaw). Once thawed, the individual cartons may be packed in a closer configuration within the refrigerator. Cassettes are for single use only and should be discarded daily following infusion (up to 16 hours). Do not re-use opened cassettes.

Intestinal gel (Duodopa [Canadian product]): Store in refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Keep in outer carton to protect from light. Cassettes are for single use only and should be discarded daily following infusion (up to 16 hours).

Drug Interactions

Alfuzosin: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Alizapride: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Avoid combination

Amifostine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Amifostine. Management: When used at chemotherapy doses, hold blood pressure lowering medications for 24 hours before amifostine administration. If blood pressure lowering therapy cannot be held, do not administer amifostine. Use caution with radiotherapy doses of amifostine. Consider therapy modification

Amisulpride (Injection): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Avoid combination

Amisulpride (Oral): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Amisulpride (Oral). Avoid combination

Antipsychotic Agents (First Generation [Typical]): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Antipsychotic Agents (First Generation [Typical]). Management: Avoid concomitant therapy if possible. If antipsychotic use is necessary, consider using atypical antipsychotics such as clozapine, quetiapine, or ziprasidone at lower initial doses, or a non-dopamine antagonist (eg, pimavanserin). Consider therapy modification

Antipsychotic Agents (Second Generation [Atypical]): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Management: Consider avoiding atypical antipsychotic use in patients with Parkinson disease. If an atypical antipsychotic is necessary, consider using clozapine, quetiapine, or ziprasidone at lower initial doses, or a non-dopamine antagonist (eg, pimavanserin). Consider therapy modification

Barbiturates: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Biperiden: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Specifically, the risk of choreic movements or dyskinesias may be increased. Monitor therapy

Blood Pressure Lowering Agents: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy

Blood Pressure Lowering Agents: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Brimonidine (Topical): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Brivudine [INT]: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Specifically, the risk of chorea may be increased. Monitor therapy

Bromopride: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Monitor therapy

Bromperidol: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Bromperidol. Bromperidol may diminish the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Avoid combination

BuPROPion: Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist) may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of BuPROPion. Monitor therapy

Diazoxide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Droxidopa: Carbidopa may diminish the therapeutic effect of Droxidopa. Carbidopa may decrease serum concentrations of the active metabolite(s) of Droxidopa. Carbidopa may increase the serum concentration of Droxidopa. Monitor therapy

DULoxetine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of DULoxetine. Monitor therapy

Fosphenytoin-Phenytoin: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Glycopyrrolate (Systemic): May decrease the serum concentration of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Herbs (Hypotensive Properties): May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Hypotension-Associated Agents: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Hypotension-Associated Agents. Monitor therapy

Iron Preparations: May decrease the serum concentration of Levodopa. Only applies to oral iron preparations. Management: Consider separating doses of the agents by 2 or more hours to minimize the effects of this interaction. Monitor for decreased therapeutic effects of levodopa during concomitant therapy, particularly if doses cannot be separated. Consider therapy modification

Isoniazid: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Lormetazepam: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Macimorelin: Levodopa-Containing Products may diminish the diagnostic effect of Macimorelin. Avoid combination

Methionine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Management: Avoid large daily doses of methionine in patients receiving levodopa (clinical studies showing interaction used 4.5 g methionine daily). More typical doses of methionine (eg, 500 mg) may not cause a problem. Consider therapy modification

Methotrimeprazine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist) may diminish the therapeutic effect of Methotrimeprazine. Avoid combination

Methylphenidate: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Monitor therapy

Metoclopramide: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Avoid combination

Molsidomine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors: Levodopa-Containing Products may enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors. Of particular concern is the development of hypertensive reactions when levodopa is used with nonselective MAOI. Avoid combination

Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Type B): Levodopa-Containing Products may enhance the orthostatic hypotensive effect of Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Type B). Monitor therapy

Multivitamins/Fluoride (with ADE): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Management: Concurrent use of a multivitamin and levodopa (without carbidopa) should be avoided. Consider therapy modification

Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa. Multivitamins/Minerals (with ADEK, Folate, Iron) may decrease the serum concentration of Levodopa. Only applies to oral iron-containing preparations. Management: Separate doses of these agents by 2 or more hours. Monitor for decreased levodopa effects, particularly if doses cannot be separated. Concurrent use of a multivitamin and levodopa (without carbidopa) should be avoided. Consider therapy modification

Multivitamins/Minerals (with AE, No Iron): May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Management: Concurrent use of a multivitamin and levodopa (without carbidopa) should be avoided. Consider therapy modification

Naftopidil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Nicergoline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Nicorandil: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Nitroprusside: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Nitroprusside. Monitor therapy

Obinutuzumab: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Management: Consider temporarily withholding blood pressure lowering medications beginning 12 hours prior to obinutuzumab infusion and continuing until 1 hour after the end of the infusion. Consider therapy modification

Papaverine: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Papaverine may diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Pentoxifylline: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Pholcodine: Blood Pressure Lowering Agents may enhance the hypotensive effect of Pholcodine. Monitor therapy

Phosphodiesterase 5 Inhibitors: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Prostacyclin Analogues: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Pyridoxine: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Management: The concomitant use of pyridoxine and levodopa (in the absence of a dopa decarboxylase inhibitor (DDI)) should be avoided. Use of a DDI (eg, carbidopa) with levodopa will essentially eliminate the risk of this interaction. Consider therapy modification

Quinagolide: May enhance the hypotensive effect of Blood Pressure Lowering Agents. Monitor therapy

Sapropterin: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Levodopa-Containing Products. Monitor therapy

Solriamfetol: May enhance the adverse/toxic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Monitor therapy

Spiramycin: May decrease the serum concentration of Carbidopa. And thus may decrease the effectiveness of levodopa. Monitor therapy

Sulpiride: May diminish the therapeutic effect of Anti-Parkinson Agents (Dopamine Agonist). Avoid combination

Test Interactions

False-positive reaction for urinary glucose; false-negative reaction using glucose-oxidase tests for glucosuria; false-positive urine ketones; false diagnosis for pheochromocytoma (rare) based on plasma and urine levels of catecholamines

Adverse Reactions

The following adverse drug reactions and incidences are derived from product labeling unless otherwise specified.

>10%:

Cardiovascular: Orthostatic hypotension (enteral suspension: 70% to 73%; oral: 1% to 5%)

Central nervous system: Dizziness (2% to 19%), headache (oral : 1% to 17%), depression (enteral suspension: 11%; oral: 1% to 2%)

Gastrointestinal: Nausea (enteral suspension: 30%; oral: 3% to 20%), constipation (enteral suspension: 22%; oral: ≤6%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Dyskinesia (2% to 17%), increased creatine phosphokinase (enteral suspension: ≤17%)

Renal: Increased blood urea nitrogen (enteral suspension: ≤13%)

1% to 10%:

Cardiovascular: Hypertension (enteral suspension: 8%), peripheral edema (enteral suspension: 8%), ischemia (oral: ≤2%), chest pain (oral: ≤1%)

Central nervous system: Insomnia (oral: 1% to 9%), anxiety (2% to 8%), confusion (2% to 8%), abnormal dreams (oral: ≤6%), polyneuropathy (enteral suspension: 5%), sleep disorder (enteral suspension: 5%), hallucination (≤5%), psychosis (≤5%), dystonia (oral: ≤2%), on-off phenomenon (oral: 1% to 2%), paresthesia (oral: ≤1%)

Dermatologic: Skin rash (enteral suspension: 5%)

Endocrine & metabolic: Increased serum glucose (≥1%)

Gastrointestinal: Xerostomia (oral: 1% to 7%), diarrhea (≤5%), dyspepsia (≤5%), vomiting (oral: 2% to 5%), anorexia (oral: 1%)

Genitourinary: Bacteriuria (enteral suspension: 5%; oral: ≥1%), urinary tract infection (oral: 2%), hematuria (oral: ≥1%), urinary frequency (oral: ≤1%)

Hematologic & oncologic: Leukocyturia (enteral suspension: 5%; oral: ≥1%), decreased hematocrit (oral: ≥1%), decreased hemoglobin (oral: ≥1%)

Neuromuscular & skeletal: Back pain (oral: ≤2%), muscle cramps (oral: ≤1%), shoulder pain (oral: ≤1%)

Respiratory: Atelectasis (enteral suspension: 8%), oropharyngeal pain (enteral suspension: 8%), upper respiratory tract infection (enteral suspension: 8%; oral: 1% to 2%), dyspnea (oral: ≤2%)

Miscellaneous: Fever (enteral suspension: 5%)

<1%, postmarketing, and/or case reports: Abdominal distress, abdominal pain, abnormal behavior, abnormal gait, abnormality in thinking, agitation, agranulocytosis, alopecia, anemia, angioedema, asthenia, ataxia, blepharospasm, blurred vision, bruxism, bullous rash (including pemphigus-like reactions), cardiac arrhythmia, common cold, cough, decreased mental acuity, decreased serum potassium, delirium, delusions, dementia, diaphoresis, diplopia, discoloration of saliva, discoloration of sweat, disorientation, drowsiness, duodenal ulcer, dysgeusia, dysphagia, edema, euphoria, extrapyramidal reaction, falling, fatigue, flatulence, flushing, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, glossopyrosis, glycosuria, heartburn, hemolytic anemia, Henoch-Schonlein purpura, hiccups, hoarseness, Horner syndrome (reactivation), hot flash, hypotension, impulse control disorder, increased lactate dehydrogenase, increased libido (including hypersexuality), increased serum alanine aminotransferase, increased serum alkaline phosphatase, increased serum aspartate transaminase, increased serum bilirubin, increased tremors, increased uric acid, leukopenia, lower extremity pain, malaise, malignant melanoma, memory impairment, muscle twitching, mydriasis, myocardial infarction, narcolepsy, nervousness, neuroleptic malignant syndrome, nightmares, numbness, oculogyric crisis, palpitations, paranoia, pathological gambling, peripheral neuropathy, phlebitis, positive direct Coombs test, priapism, proteinuria, pruritus, seizure, sense of stimulation, sialorrhea, suicidal ideation, suicidal tendencies, syncope, thrombocytopenia, trismus, urinary incontinence, urinary retention, urine discoloration, urticaria, weight gain, weight loss

Warnings/Precautions

Concerns related to adverse effects:

• Abnormal thinking/behavioral changes: Abnormal thinking and behavior changes have been reported and may include aggressive behavior, agitation, confusion, delirium, delusions, disorientation, paranoid ideation, and psychotic-like behavior.

• Dyskinesias: May cause or exacerbate dyskinesias; may require dosage reduction.

• Hallucinations: Hallucinations may occur and be accompanied by confusion and to a lesser extent sleep disorder and excessive dreaming; typically presents shortly after initiation of therapy and may require dose reduction.

• Impulse control disorders: Dopamine agonists used for Parkinson disease or restless legs syndrome have been associated with compulsive behaviors and/or loss of impulse control, which has manifested as pathological gambling, increased sexual urges, intense urges to spend money, binge or compulsive eating, and/or other intense urges. Dose reduction or discontinuation of therapy has been reported to reverse these behaviors in some, but not all cases.

• Melanoma: Risk for melanoma development is increased in Parkinson disease patients; drug causation or factors contributing to risk have not been established. Patients should be monitored closely and periodic skin examinations should be performed.

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome: A symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) has been reported in association with rapid dose reduction, or abrupt withdrawal. Identification of more severe NMS-like reactions (eg, altered consciousness, hyperthermia, involuntary movements, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability, mental status changes) can be complex; monitor patients closely for this reaction and when the dosage of levodopa is reduced abruptly or discontinued. Discontinue treatment immediately if signs/symptoms arise.

• Orthostatic hypotension: May cause orthostatic hypotension; Parkinson disease patients appear to have an impaired capacity to respond to a postural challenge. Use with caution in patients at risk of hypotension (such as those receiving antihypertensive drugs) or where transient hypotensive episodes would be poorly tolerated (cardiovascular disease or cerebrovascular disease). Parkinson patients being treated with dopaminergic agonists ordinarily require careful monitoring for signs and symptoms of postural hypotension, especially during dose escalation, and should be informed of this risk.

• Somnolence: Somnolence and falling asleep while engaged in activities of daily living (including operation of motor vehicles) have been reported; some cases reported that there were no warning signs for the onset of symptoms. Symptom onset may occur well after initiation of treatment; some events have occurred more than 1 year after start of therapy. Prior to treatment initiation, evaluate for factors that may increase these risks such as concomitant sedating medications, and the presence of sleep disorders. Monitor for drowsiness or sleepiness. If significant daytime sleepiness or episodes of falling asleep during activities that require active participation occurs (eg, driving, conversations, eating), discontinue the medication. There is insufficient information to suggest that dose reductions will eliminate these symptoms. If therapy is continued, advise patient to avoid driving and other potentially dangerous activities.

Disease-related concerns:

• Cardiovascular disease: Use with caution in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, including a history of myocardial infarction who have residual atrial, nodal, or ventricular arrhythmias.

• Endocrine disease: Use with caution in patients with endocrine disease and when interpreting plasma/urine catecholamine levels; falsely diagnosed pheochromocytoma has been rarely reported.

• Glaucoma: Use with caution in patients with glaucoma; monitor IOP carefully; some formulations are contraindicated in patients with narrow-angle glaucoma.

• Hepatic impairment: Use with caution in patients with hepatic impairment.

• Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy has been reported with use; prior to initiation, evaluate patients for history of neuropathy and known risk factors (eg, deficiency of vitamin B₆ and/or B₁₂, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism). Assess patients for peripheral neuropathy periodically during therapy.

• Peptic ulcer disease: Oral products: Use with caution in patients with a history of peptic ulcer disease; risk of GI hemorrhage may be increased.

• Psychotic disorders: Avoid use in patients with a major psychotic disorder. Use with extreme caution in patients with psychotic disorders because of the risk of exacerbating psychosis; observe patients closely for development of depression with concomitant suicidal tendencies.

• Renal impairment: Use with caution in patients with renal impairment.

• Respiratory disease: Use with caution in patients with respiratory disease.

Special populations:

• Elderly: Use with caution in elderly patients; may be more sensitive to CNS effects (eg, hallucinations) of levodopa.

Dosage forms specific issues:

• Intestinal suspension (Duopa): GI complications (eg, bezoar, ileus, implant-site erosion/ulcer, intestinal hemorrhage, intestinal ischemia, intestinal obstruction, intestinal perforation, pancreatitis, peritonitis, pneumoperitoneum, postoperative wound infection) may occur (may be fatal). Patients should notify their health care provider immediately if abdominal pain, prolonged constipation, nausea, vomiting, fever, and/or melanotic stool occur.

• Intestinal gel (Duodopa [Canadian product]): Product should be prescribed only by neurologists experienced in the treatment of Parkinson disease and who have completed the Duodopa Education Program. Response to levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel therapy should be assessed with a short-term test period of administration via a temporary nasojejunal tube prior to placement of a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy-jejunostomy (PEG-J) tube for permanent access and administration. Sudden deterioration in therapy response with recurring motor symptoms may indicate PEG-J tube complications (eg, displacement) or obstruction of the infusion device. Tube or infusion device complications may require initiation of oral levodopa/carbidopa therapy until complications are resolved.

Other warnings/precautions:

• Body fluid discoloration: Urine, saliva, or sweat may appear dark in color (red, brown, black) during therapy.

• Dietary protein: Distribute dietary protein throughout the day to avoid fluctuations in levodopa absorption. A high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of the enteral formulations.

• Discontinuation of therapy: Dopaminergic agents have been associated with a syndrome resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome on abrupt withdrawal, rapid dose reduction, significant dosage reduction after long-term use, or changes in dopaminergic therapy. Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction; taper dose to reduce the risk of hyperpyrexia and confusion.

Monitoring Parameters

Signs and symptoms of Parkinson disease; periodic hepatic function tests, BUN, creatinine, and CBC; periodic skin examinations; blood pressure, standing and sitting/supine; symptoms of dyskinesias, mental status changes; cardiac function (particularly during initial dosage adjustment), IOP (in patients with glaucoma); signs and symptoms of neuroleptic malignant syndrome if abrupt discontinuation required (as with surgery); drowsiness or sleepiness; signs of depression (including suicidal thoughts); signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy prior to therapy and periodically during therapy.

Additional Canadian labeling recommendations include vitamin B₁₂, vitamin B₆, folic acid, homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid levels prior to initiation and regularly thereafter (Duodopa Canadian product monograph).

Pregnancy Considerations

Carbidopa can be detected in the umbilical cord, but absorption in fetal tissue is minimal. Levodopa crosses the placenta and can be metabolized by the fetus and detected in fetal tissue (Merchant 1995).

The incidence of Parkinson disease in pregnancy is relatively rare, and although information related to the use of carbidopa/levodopa in pregnant women is limited (Ball 1995; Cook 1985; Golbe 1987; Serikawa 2011; Shulman 2000; Tüfekçioğlu 2018; Zlotnik 2014), this combination has the most outcome information available for the treatment of pregnant women (Seier 2017). Current guidelines note that the available information is insufficient to make a recommendation for the treatment of restless legs syndrome in pregnant women (Aurora 2012).

Patient Education

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.

• It is used to treat signs like Parkinson's disease caused by other health problems.

• It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Nightmares

• Fatigue

• Dry mouth

• Trouble sleeping

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Depression like thoughts of suicide, anxiety, agitation, irritability, panic attacks, mood changes, behavioral changes, or confusion

• Confusion

• Behavioral changes

• Sensing things that seem real but are not

• Uncontrollable urges

• Narcolepsy

• Skin growth

• Mole changes

• Abnormal movements

• Severe headache

• Dark urine

• Yellow skin or eyes

• Vision changes

• Eye pain

• Severe eye irritation

• Shortness of breath

• Burning or numbness feeling

• Swelling of arms or legs

• Vomiting blood

• Black, tarry, or bloody stools

• Persistent constipation

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal pain

• Chest pain

• Fast heartbeat

• Abnormal heartbeat

• Chills

• Sore throat

• Bruising

• Bleeding

• Severe dizziness

• Passing out

• Severe loss of strength and energy

• Neuroleptic malignant syndrome like fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, change in thinking, fast heartbeat, abnormal heartbeat, or sweating a lot

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Note: This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have questions.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer: This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medicine or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a limited summary of general information about the medicine's uses from the patient education leaflet and is not intended to be comprehensive. This limited summary does NOT include all information available about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. This information is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. For a more detailed summary of information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine, please speak with your healthcare provider and review the entire patient education leaflet.

Frequently asked questions

• How long does it take carbidopa levodopa to work?
• How often should carbidopa/levodopa be taken?
• Can carbidopa/levodopa cause high blood pressure?
• What foods should be avoided when taking levodopa?
• Is Rytary better than Sinemet?
• What is the difference between carbidopa, levodopa, and Rytary?
• How long does it take for Rytary to start working?
• How long does Rytary stay in your system?

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Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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