Levodopa Dosage

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 3, 2023.

Applies to the following strengths: 500 mg; 250 mg; 100 mg; 42 mg

Usual Adult Dose for:

Parkinson's Disease

Additional dosage information:

Renal Dose Adjustments
Liver Dose Adjustments
Precautions
Dialysis
Other Comments

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease

84 mg via oral inhalation as needed when OFF period starts to return; may dose up to 5 times a day
Maximum dose per OFF period: 84 mg
Maximum daily dose: 420 mg

Comments:

Therapy should be taken when symptoms of an OFF period start to return.
This drug has shown efficacy only in combination with levodopa/carbidopa therapy.
Oral inhalation capsules should only be used with the Inbrija(R) inhaler; capsules should not be swallowed whole as the intended effect will not be obtained.

Use: For the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with carbidopa/levodopa.

Renal Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Liver Dose Adjustments

Data not available

Precautions

CONTRAINDICATIONS:

Concomitant, or within 2 weeks of taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor such as phenelzine or tranylcypromine

Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.

Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.

Dialysis

Data not available

Other Comments

Administration advice:

Capsules are for oral inhalation with the Inbrija(R) inhaler
Capsules must not be swallowed
Each dose requires 2 capsules for a total of 84 mg; dosing is for the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes, taken as needed, up to 5 doses in a 24-hour period
Patients should be instructed in the proper administration prior to use

Storage requirements:

Store capsules in a dry place; capsules should be kept in blister package until just before use
Do not store capsules in the inhaler

General:

In clinical trials, patients used approximately 2 doses per day.

Patient advice:

Patients should be instructed to read the US FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information and Instructions for Use).
Patients should understand that this drug is taken as needed when symptoms of an OFF period first occur and does not replace their daily carbidopa-levodopa medication.
Patients should understand that inhalation may lead to coughing.
Patients should understand that this medication may cause a dark coloration of saliva, urine, or sweat; this coloration is clinically insignificant.
Patients should be advised that falling asleep during activities of daily living, including driving, have been reported; sedating effects should be reported to their healthcare provider and they should discuss use of alcohol and/or other sedating medications with their physician.
Patients should be advised that this drug may cause syncope, new or worsening dyskinesias, hallucinations, depression, and impulse control and/or compulsive behaviors; they should speak with their healthcare provider if these develop.