Stalevo (Carbidopa, Levodopa and Entacapone) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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February 9, 2012

Stalevo

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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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Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 50
Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 75
Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 100
Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 125
Stalevo® 150
Stalevo® 200
(carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) Tablets

DRUG DESCRIPTION

Stalevo® (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) is a combination of carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

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

Carbidopa Structural Formula Illustration

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

Levodopa, an aromatic amino acid, is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 197.2. It is designated chemically as (-)-L-α-amino-β-(3,4-dihydroxybenzene) propanoic acid. Its empirical formula is C₉H₁₁NO₄, and its structural formula is

Levodopa Structural Formula Illustration

Entacapone, an inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), is a nitro-catechol-structured compound with a molecular weight of 305.3. The chemical name of entacapone is (E)-2-cyano-3-(3,4-dihydroxy-5-nitrophenyl)-N,N-diethyl-2-propenamide. Its empirical formula is C₁₄H₁₅N₃O₅ and its structural formula is

Entacapone Structural Formula Illustration

Stalevo® (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) is supplied as tablets in six strengths: Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 50, containing 12.5 mg of carbidopa, 50 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone; Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 75, containing 18.75 mg of carbidopa, 75 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone; Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 100, containing 25 mg of carbidopa, 100 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone; Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 125, containing 31.25 mg of carbidopa, 125 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone; Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 150, containing 37.5 mg of carbidopa, 150 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone; Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 200, containing 50 mg of carbidopa, 200 mg of levodopa and 200 mg of entacapone.

The inactive ingredients of the Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® tablet are corn starch, croscarmellose sodium, glycerol 85%, hypromellose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, polysorbate 80, povidone, sucrose, red iron oxide, and titanium dioxide. Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 50, Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 100, and Stalevo (carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone) ® 150 also contain yellow iron oxide.

What are the possible side effects of carbidopa, entacapone, and levodopa?

You may notice that your sweat, urine, or saliva appears dark in color, such as red, brown, or black. This is not a harmful side effect, but it may cause staining of your clothes or bed sheets.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

nausea, sweating, feeling like you might pass out (especially when you first start...

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What are the precautions when taking carbidopa, levodopa and entacapone (Stalevo)?

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: glaucoma (narrow-angle).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, glaucoma (wide-angle), breathing problems, heart disease (especially history of heart attack), kidney disease, ulcers, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia), blood disorders.

To minimize dizziness and...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 11/8/2010
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.