Lodosyn (Carbidopa) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

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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...

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Lodosyn Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have

taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the past 2 weeks;
narrow-angle glaucoma (angle closure glaucoma); or
malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, a previous heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat;
respiratory disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
liver disease;
kidney disease;
an endocrine (hormonal) disease;
a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
wide-angle glaucoma; or
depression or any other psychiatric disorder.

You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether carbidopa will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take carbidopa without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is also not known whether carbidopa will be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take carbidopa without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Take carbidopa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Carbidopa must be taken with levodopa to have an effect.

It is important to take carbidopa regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with carbidopa to monitor progress and side effects.

Store carbidopa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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