25 / 250, SP 343
tablet , blue , mint , scored , round round
Flat-faced
USES: This medication is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa is used to make levodopa more effective. Carbidopa has no effect when given alone.
HOW TO USE: Take this drug exactly as directed by your doctor. Just before taking a dose, gently remove the tablet from the bottle with dry hands. Immediately place the tablet on your tongue. It will dissolve quickly and can be swallowed with your saliva. No water is needed to take this medication. You may take this drug with food or milk if stomach upset occurs. Consult your doctor for more details. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. If you switch from other products that also contain levodopa to this drug, you must stop using those products for at least 12 hours before starting this medication. This should lessen side effects such as uncontrolled movements or eye twitching that may occur during this switch.
SIDE EFFECTS: May cause drowsiness, dizziness, headache, loss of appetite, stomach upset, nausea, vision changes, or trembling of the hands. These should subside as your body adjusts to the medication. If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you develop any of these serious effects while taking this medication: vomiting, difficulty swallowing, difficulty urinating, uncontrollable movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), chest pain, irregular heartbeat, skin rash, mental/mood changes. May cause darkening of the urine or sweat. This is not harmful and will disappear when the medication is stopped. May cause dizziness especially when rising quickly from a seated or lying position. Change positions slowly and be careful on stairs. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: glaucoma, skin cancer, breathing problems, heart disease, gland problems (e.g., diabetes, thyroid), kidney disease, liver disease, ulcers, depression, blood disorders. This medicine may contain aspartame. If you have phenylketonuria (PKU) or any other condition where you must restrict your intake of aspartame (or phenylalanine), consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding the safe use of this medicine. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking this medication. This drug should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Levodopa appears in breast milk. Do not take this medication if you are breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Tell your doctor of all the medications you may use, (both prescription and nonprescription), especially of: drugs used for depression or anxiety, iron vitamins, phenytoin, blood pressure drugs, pyridoxine, any other drugs used for Parkinson's disease. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks before or after treatment with this medication. In some cases a serious, possibly fatal, drug interaction may occur. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.
