Levodopa (Systemic)

Brand Names : Atamet, Larodopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Apo-Levocarb, Nu-Levocarb, Carbidopa and Levodopa, Levodopa

Precautions While Using This Medicine

Before having any kind of surgery (including dental surgery) or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are taking this medicine.

For patients with diabetes :

• This medicine may cause test results for urine sugar or ketones to be wrong. Check with your doctor before depending on home tests using the paper-strip or tablet method.

This medicine may cause some people to become dizzy, confused, or have blurred or double vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well .

Dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting may occur, especially when you get up from a lying or sitting position . Getting up slowly may help. If the problem continues or gets worse, check with your doctor.

For patients taking levodopa by itself:

• Pyridoxine (vitamin B ₆ ) has been found to reduce the effects of levodopa when levodopa is taken by itself. This does not happen with the combination of carbidopa and levodopa. If you are taking levodopa by itself, do not take vitamin products containing vitamin B ₆ during treatment, unless prescribed by your doctor .
• Large amounts of pyridoxine are also contained in some foods such as bananas, egg yolks, lima beans, meats, peanuts, and whole grain cereals. Check with your doctor about how much of these foods you may have in your diet while you are taking levodopa. Also, ask your health care professional for help when selecting vitamin products.

As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Injuries resulting from falls may occur . Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation, and coordination. This is especially important in the elderly .