Drug Interaction Report

Alcohol can increase the nervous system side effects of levodopa such as dizziness, drowsiness, and difficulty concentrating. Some people may also experience impairment in thinking and judgment. You should avoid or limit the use of alcohol while being treated with levodopa. You may experience reduced effectiveness of levodopa in the presence of foods or enteral (tube) feedings with a high protein content. This may make the symptoms of Parkinson's disease worse. Talk with your doctor or nutrition counselor about the best foods to eat while you are taking this medication. Contact your doctor if your condition changes.

Treatment with cholecalciferol may require you to adjust your dietary intake of foods which contain natural or added calcium, phosphate (organic and inorganic), and vitamin D. Ingesting too much vitamin D or having elevated calcium and/or phosphorus levels in the blood and urine can lead to toxic effects, such as having an irregular heart rhythm, seizures, kidney stones, and eventual calcification of your blood vessels, cornea and/or the soft tissues in your body. Your doctor will monitor the levels of calcium and phosphorus in your blood during treatment with cholecalciferol. Please speak with your healthcare team to determine if you require a specialized diet, particularly if you have reduced kidney function, and to discuss any other questions or concerns you have. You may require additional monitoring or a dose adjustment of cholecalciferol if your diet changes. Fortified foods will state on their labeling how much calcium, phosphate, and/or vitamin D has been added. The National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements also provides information on which foods contain calcium, phosphorus, and vitamin D. You should avoid abrupt changes in your dietary calcium intake and seek medical attention if you experience early symptoms of vitamin D intoxication such as weakness, fatigue, headache, drowsiness, vertigo, ringing in the ears, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, constipation, dry mouth, metallic taste, muscle pain, bone pain, muscle incoordination, and low muscle tone. Late symptoms may include frequent urination, excessive thirst, weight loss, conjunctivitis ("pink eye"), light sensitivity, runny nose, itching, increased body temperature, and irregular heart rhythm. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

Levodopa and multivitamin with minerals should not be taken orally at the same time. Products that contain iron may interfere with the absorption of levodopa and reduce its effectiveness. You should separate the dosing of these medications by as much as possible. Contact your doctor if your Parkinson symptoms worsen. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.