Levodopa (Systemic)
Brand Names : Atamet, Larodopa, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Apo-Levocarb, Nu-Levocarb, Carbidopa and Levodopa, Levodopa
Proper Use of This MedicineAt first,
levodopa may be taken with a meal or a snack, so that any effects like stomach
upset will be lessened. Later, as your body becomes accustomed to the medicine,
it should be taken on an empty stomach so that it works better. Be sure to
talk to your doctor about the best time for you to take this medicine.
Take this medicine only as directed
. Do not
take more or less of it, and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered.
For patients taking carbidopa and levodopa extended-release
tablets
:
-
Swallow the tablet whole without crushing or chewing, unless your
doctor tells you not to. If your doctor tells you to, you may break the tablet
in half.
Some people must take this medicine for several weeks or months before
full benefit is received. Do not stop taking it even
if you do not think it is working
. Instead, check with your doctor.
Dosing - The dose of levodopa or carbidopa and levodopa
combination will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label
. The following
information includes only the average doses of levodopa or carbidopa and levodopa
combination. If your dose is different, do not change
it
unless your doctor tells you to do so. The number of tablets that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.
Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time
allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend
on your special needs
.
For levodopa
-
For Parkinson's disease:
-
For oral
dosage form (tablets):
-
Adults and teenagers - At first, 250 milligrams (mg) two to four
times a day. Your doctor may increase your dose if needed. However, the dose
is usually not more than 8000 mg (8 grams) a day.
-
Children up to 12 years of age - Use and dose must be determined
by your doctor.
For levodopa and carbidopa combination
-
For Parkinson's disease:
-
For oral tablet
dosage form:
-
Adults - At first, 1 tablet three or four times a day. Your doctor
may need to change your dose, depending on how you respond to this combination
medicine.
-
Children and teenagers - Use and dose must be determined by your
doctor.
-
For oral extended-release tablet
dosage
form:
-
Adults - At first, 1 tablet two times a day. However, you may
need to take more than this. Your doctor will decide the right dose for you,
depending on your condition and the other medicines you may be taking for
Parkinson's disease.
-
Children and teenagers - Use and dose must be determined by your
doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as
soon as possible. However, if your next scheduled dose is within 2 hours,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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