$Unique_ID{BRK01999}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{LEVODOPA}
$Subject{Dopar (Norwich Eaton)
Larodopa (Roche)
levodopa (various manufacturers)}
$Volume{}
$Log{}

Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


LEVODOPA
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BRAND NAMES (Manufacturers):
     Dopar (Norwich Eaton)
     Larodopa (Roche)
     levodopa (various manufacturers)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Antiparkinsonism agent
INGREDIENT:
     levodopa
DOSAGE FORMS:
     Tablets (100 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg)
     Capsules (100 mg, 250 mg, and 500 mg)
STORAGE:
     Levodopa tablets and capsules should be stored at room temperature in
tightly closed, light-resistant containers.

USES

     Levodopa is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.  It is
converted in the body to dopamine, a chemical in the brain that is diminished
in patients with Parkinson's disease.

TREATMENT

     In order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take levodopa with food or
with a full glass of milk or water (unless your doctor directs you to do
otherwise).
     These tablets and capsules should be swallowed whole for maximum
effectiveness--do not crush, break, or chew them.
     You may not observe significant benefit from this drug for two to three
weeks after starting to take it.
     If you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as possible, unless it
is within two hours of the next scheduled dose.  In that case, do not take the
missed dose at all; just return to your regular dosing schedule.  Do not
double the next dose.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Abdominal pain, anxiety, bitter taste in the mouth, constipation,
diarrhea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, flushing, gas, headache, hiccups,
hoarseness, increased hand tremors, increased sexual interest, increased
sweating, insomnia, loss of appetite, nausea, offensive body odor, salivation,
vision changes, vomiting, weakness, or weight gain.  These side effects may
disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
     Levodopa can cause a darkening of your urine or sweat.  This is a
harmless effect.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), drink more
water, and exercise (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     If you feel dizzy, sit or lie down for a while; get up slowly from a
sitting or reclining position, and be careful on stairs.
     To relieve mouth dryness, chew sugarless gum or suck on ice chips or a
piece of hard candy.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
bloody or black, tarry stools; confusion; convulsions; depression; fainting;
false sense of well-being; loss of coordination; loss of hair; nightmares;
painful erection; palpitations; rapid weight gain (three to five pounds within
a week); skin rash; visual disturbances; uncontrolled movements; or unusual
weakness.

INTERACTIONS

     Levodopa interacts with several other types of medications:
     1. The dosage of antihypertensive drugs and oral antidiabetic drugs may
require adjustment when levodopa is started.
     2. The effectiveness of levodopa may be decreased by benzodiazepine
tranquilizers, phenothiazine tranquilizers, haloperidol, thiothixene,
phenytoin, papaverine, and reserpine.
     3. Methyldopa can increase or decrease the side effects of therapy with
levodopa.
     4. Use of levodopa and a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor within 14 days
of each other can lead to severe side effects.
     5. Levodopa can increase the side effects of tricyclic antidepressants,
ephedrine, and amphetamines.
     6. Antacids may alter the absorption of levodopa from the
gastrointestinal tract.
     7. Pyridoxine (vitamin B) can decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.
     BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any medications you are currently
taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor about unusual or allergic reactions you have had to
any medications, especially to levodopa.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you now have or if you have ever had asthma, diabetes mellitus, difficulty in
urinating, epilepsy, glaucoma, heart disease, hormone disorders, kidney
disease, liver disease, lung disease, melanoma (a type of skin cancer), mental
disorders, or peptic ulcers.
     * Some of these products contain the color additive FD&C Yellow No. 5
(tartrazine), which can cause allergic-type symptoms (difficulty in breathing,
faintness, or rash) in certain susceptible individuals.
     * If levodopa makes you dizzy or blurs your vision, avoid activities that
require alertness, such as driving a car or operating potentially dangerous
machinery.
     * Notify your doctor if you start to experience any uncontrolled
movements of the limbs or face while taking this medication.
     * Before having surgery or any other medical or dental treatment, be sure
to tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication.
     * Levodopa can cause erroneous readings of urine glucose and ketone
tests.  Diabetic patients should not change their medication dosage unless
they first check with their doctor.
     * Pyridoxine (vitamin B6) can decrease the effectiveness of levodopa.
Persons taking levodopa should avoid taking this vitamin and should avoid
foods rich in pyridoxine (including beans, bacon, avocados, liver, dry skim
milk, oatmeal, sweet potatoes, peas, and tuna).
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although levodopa
appears to be safe in humans, birth defects have been reported in the
offspring of animals that received large doses during pregnancy.  Also, tell
your doctor if you are breast-feeding an infant.  Levodopa passes into breast
milk and can cause side effects in nursing infants.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
