Lodosyn (Carbidopa) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Lodosyn

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Sleep disorder drugs (hypnotic and sedative drugs) overview

Insomnia, a disorder of sleep, occurs occasionally in most people but usually lasts only a few days. The body then "corrects" itself naturally, and people return to a normal pattern of sleep. Insomnia may be short-term (less than three weeks) or chronic, lasting longer than three weeks. Contributing factors include, but are not limited to, poor sleeping habits, stress, jet lag, medications, disease, and depression. Chronic insomnia may warrant the use of sedative/hypnotics medications; however, it is important that the treating physician perform a complete diagnostic evaluation as well as take medication and substance abuse histories, to exclude secondary insomnia due to other conditions.

Hypnotics/sedatives medications (henceforth referred to as hypnotics) work, in general, by increasing the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter in the brain. Neuro...

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LODOSYN®
(carbidopa) Tablets

When LODOSYN* (Carbidopa) is to be given to carbidopa-naive patients who are being treated with levodopa, the two drugs should be given at the same time, starting with no more than 20 to 25% of the previous daily dosage of levodopa when given without LODOSYN (Carbidopa). At least twelve hours should elapse between the last dose of levodopa and initiation of therapy with LODOSYN (Carbidopa) and levodopa. See the WARNINGS and DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION sections before initiating therapy.

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Carbidopa, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 244.3. It is designated chemically as (–)-L-α-hydrazino-α-methyl-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid monohydrate. Its empirical formula is C₁₀H₁₄N₂O₄•H₂O, and its structural formula is:

LODOSYN (Carbidopa) Structural Formula Illustration

LODOSYN (Carbidopa) tablets contain 25 mg of carbidopa. Inactive ingredients are cellulose, FD&C Yellow 6, magnesium stearate and starch.

Tablet content is expressed in terms of anhydrous carbidopa which has a molecular weight of 226.3.

What are the possible side effects of carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Carbidopa alone is not associated with side effects. The following side effects are generally associated with carbidopa and levodopa therapy.

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking carbidopa and levodopa and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
uncontrolled movements of a part of the body;
seizures;
persistent...

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What are the precautions when taking carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: certain eye problem (narrow-angle glaucoma).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: breathing problems (e.g., asthma, emphysema), certain eye problem (wide-angle glaucoma), heart or blood vessel problems (e.g., arrhythmias, heart attack, angina), kidney disease, liver disease, mental/mood disorders (e.g.,...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 10/3/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.