Dopar (Levodopa) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 26, 2012

Dopar

Parkinson's Disease »

What is Parkinson's disease?

Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and the most common movement disorder. It is characterized by progressive loss of muscle control, which leads to trembling of the limbs and head while at rest, stiffness, slowness, and impaired balance. As symptoms worsen, it may become difficult to walk, talk, and complete simple tasks.

The progression of Parkinson's disease and the degree of impairment vary from individual to individual. Many people with Parkinson's disease live long productive lives, whereas others become disabled much more quickly. Premature death is usually due to complications such as falling-related injuries or pneumonia.

In the United States, about 1 million people are affected by Parkinson's disease and worldwide about 5 million. Most individuals who develop Parkinson's disease are 60 years of age or older. Parkinson's disease occurs in approximately 1% of i...

Read the Parkinson's Disease article »

Dopar

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Please Note: This Brand Name drug is no longer available in the US.
(Generic versions may still be available.)

In order to reduce the high incidence of adverse reactions, it is necessary to individualize the therapy and to gradually increase the dosage to the desired therapeutic level.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Larodopa is available as tablets containing 0.1 g, 0.25 g or 0.5 g levodopa. Each tablet also contains corn starch, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, povidone, talc and D&C Red No.7 lake dye.

Chemically, levodopa is (-)-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-phenyl)-L-alanine. It is a colorless, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water and insoluble in alcohol, with a molecular weight of 197.2.

Last reviewed on RxList: 12/8/2004
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.