CODOPA
CO-CARELDOPA · by GENETICS
Composition
Tab: Levodopa 250 mg, carbidopa (as monohydrate) 25 mg. Tab: Levodopa 250 mg, carbidopa (as monohydrate) 50 mg. Tab: Levodopa 100 mg, carbidopa (as monohydrate) 25 mg. Tab: Levodopa 100 mg, carbidopa (as monohydrate) 10 mg.
Indications & Dosage
Parkinsons disease: Adult: Initially 25/100 mg 3 times a day, then increased in steps of 12.5/50 mg once daily or on alternate days, alternatively increased in steps of 25/100 mg once daily or on alternate days, dose to be adjusted according to response; dose increased until 800mg levodopa (with 200mg carbidopa) daily in divided doses is reached, then maintenance up to 200/2000 mg daily in divided doses, adjusted according to response. Parkinsons disease, alternative regimen: Adult: Initially 12.5/50 mg 3–4 times a day, alternatively initially 10/100 mg 3–4 times a day, then increased in steps of 12.5/50 mg once daily or on alternate days, adjusted according to response, alternatively increased in steps of 10/100 mg once daily or on alternate days, adjusted according to response, dose increased until 800mg levodopa (with up to200mg carbidopa) daily in divided doses is reached, then maintenance up to 200/2000 mg daily in divided doses, adjusted according to response.
Contraindications
Severe psychosis, narrow angle glaucoma, history of malignant melanoma.
Precautions
Hepatic and renal impairment, history of convulsions, history of myocardial infarction with residual arrhythmia, Cushing syndrome, diabetes mellitus, endocrine disorders, history ofpeptic ulcer, hyperthyroidism, osteomalacia, phaeochromocytoma, psychiatric illness, severe cardiovascular disease, severe pulmonary disease, susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma. Monitor blood values, hepatic, renal and cardiovascular function. When cocareldopais used, the total daily dose of carbidopa should be at least 70 mg. A lower dose may not achieve full inhibition of extra cerebraldopa- decarboxylase, with a resultant increase in side-effects
Interactions
Drugs affecting central amines. MAOls. Antihypertensives and sympathomimetics, ferrous sulphate.
Pregnancy
Use with caution; risk of toxicity
Lactation
Contraindicated
Side Effects
Anorexia, anxiety, ataxia, arrhythmias, abnormal dreams, chorea, confusion, dementia, depression, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, dyskinesia, dystonia, euphoria, fatigue, insomnia, nausea, palpitations, postural hypotension, psychosis, syncope, vomiting, chest pain, constipation, diarrhoea, dysphagia, flatulence, hand tremor, hoarseness, hypersalivation, hypertension, malaise, muscle cramps, oedema, reddish discoloration of the urine and other body fluids, weakness, weight changes.