Rytary Dosage
Generic name: Levodopa 95mg, Carbidopa 23.75mg
Dosage form: capsule, extended release
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 13, 2023.
Dosage in Patients Naïve to Levodopa Therapy
The recommended starting dosage of RYTARY in levodopa-naïve patients is 23.75 mg / 95 mg taken orally three times a day for the first 3 days. On the fourth day of treatment, the dosage of RYTARY may be increased to 36.25 mg / 145 mg taken three times a day.
Based upon individual patient clinical response and tolerability, the RYTARY dose may be increased up to a maximum recommended dose of 97.5 mg / 390 mg taken three times a day. The dosing frequency may be changed from three times a day to a maximum of five times a day if more frequent dosing is needed and if tolerated. The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg / 2450 mg.
Maintain patients on the lowest dosage required to achieve symptomatic control and to minimize adverse reactions such as dyskinesia and nausea.
Converting from Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa to RYTARY
To convert patients from immediate-release carbidopa-levodopa to RYTARY, determine the recommended starting dosage of RYTARY using Table 1.
The dosages of other carbidopa and levodopa products are not interchangeable with the dosages of RYTARY.
Adjust the dose to maintain patient tolerance and sufficient symptomatic control. The dosing frequency may be changed from three times a day to a maximum of five times a day if more frequent dosing is needed and if tolerated. The maximum recommended daily dose of RYTARY is 612.5 mg / 2450 mg.
For patients currently treated with carbidopa and levodopa plus catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) inhibitors (such as entacapone), the initial total daily dose of levodopa in RYTARY described in Table 1 may need to be increased.
Use of RYTARY in combination with other levodopa products has not been studied.
Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in Immediate-Release Carbidopa-Levodopa | Recommended Starting Dosage of RYTARY | |
---|---|---|
Total Daily Dose of Levodopa in RYTARY | RYTARY Dosing Regimen | |
|
||
400 mg to 549 mg | 855 mg | 3 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg / 95 mg taken TID* |
550 mg to 749 mg | 1140 mg | 4 capsules RYTARY 23.75 mg / 95 mg taken TID |
750 mg to 949 mg | 1305 mg | 3 capsules RYTARY 36.25 mg / 145 mg taken TID |
950 mg to 1249 mg | 1755 mg | 3 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg / 195 mg taken TID |
Equal to or greater than 1250 mg | 2340 mg or | 4 capsules RYTARY 48.75 mg / 195 mg taken TID or |
2205 mg | 3 capsules RYTARY 61.25 mg / 245 mg taken TID |
Discontinuation of RYTARY
Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of RYTARY. The daily dose of RYTARY should be tapered at the time of treatment discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2)].
Administration Information
Swallow RYTARY whole with or without food. A high-fat, high-calorie meal may delay the absorption of levodopa by about 2 hours [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3)].
Do not chew, divide or crush RYTARY capsules. For patients who have difficulty swallowing intact capsules, administer RYTARY by carefully opening the capsule, sprinkling the entire contents on a small amount of applesauce (1 to 2 tablespoons), and consuming immediately. Do not store the drug/food mixture for future use.
Frequently asked questions
- How long does it take carbidopa levodopa to work?
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- How long does it take for Rytary to start working?
- How long does Rytary stay in your system?
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