CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA/ENTACAPONE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (KAR-bi-DOE-pa/LEE-vo-DOE-pa/en-TAK-a-pone)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Stalevo
GENERIC NAME(S): carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone
Uses
USES: This combination medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Carbidopa and entacapone prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting.
How to use CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA/ENTACAPONE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually 3 to 4 times a day. Take only one tablet for each dose. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet. Doing so may cause you to get the wrong dose and may also cause staining of the mouth, dentures, and saliva. See also Side Effects section. Taking this medication with food may help to decrease nausea. It is best to avoid a high-protein diet (it decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Also avoid taking this medication with a high-fat, high-calorie meal since this can slow down the time it begins to work by about 2 hours. Separate your dose of this medication by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of this medication absorbed by the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" (worsening of symptoms) before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect might also occur, in which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your doctor for possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when this drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. (See also Side Effects section.) Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Images
- color
- brownish
- shape
- round
- imprint
- STO 50
- color
- light brownish red
- shape
- oblong
- imprint
- STO 75
- color
- brownish
- shape
- oblong
- imprint
- STO 100
Reviews
Faq for CARBIDOPA/LEVODOPA/ENTACAPONE - ORAL
Carbidopa/Levodopa/Entacapone is used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. It helps improve muscle control and reduce stiffness, tremors, and slowness of movement.
Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, allowing more of it to reach the brain and be converted into dopamine. Levodopa is converted into dopamine, a chemical messenger in the brain that helps control movement. Entacapone prolongs the effect of levodopa in the brain, reducing fluctuations in symptoms.
The common side effects include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach pain, diarrhea, headache, dry mouth, and sweating. These side effects are usually temporary and may improve over time.
It is usually taken by mouth with or without food, three times a day. The dosage is prescribed by the doctor based on the individual's condition and response to treatment. Follow the instructions provided by your healthcare professional and do not stop taking the medication abruptly.
Inform your doctor if you have any allergies, liver disease, kidney disease, heart problems, glaucoma, or a history of mental/mood disorders. This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness, so avoid activities that require alertness. It may also cause dark urine or sweat, which is harmless. Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking to avoid any potential drug interactions.
It is recommended to discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor before using this medication during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. The effects on the unborn baby or nursing infant are not known, and the medication should only be used if clearly needed.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed one.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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