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Carbidopa

Pronounced

"kar-beh-DOE-puh"

Uses

Carbidopa is used with levodopa or the combination levodopa/carbidopa to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson-like symptoms (e.g., shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Carbidopa must be taken together with levodopa to be effective. Used alone, carbidopa has no effect on Parkinson's symptoms. It is used to improve the effect of levodopa and reduce some levodopa side effects (e.g., nausea, vomiting).

Carbidopa is known as an enzyme blocker. It works by preventing the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream. This allows more levodopa to enter the brain, where it can decrease Parkinson's symptoms. By helping more levodopa get into the brain so that less stays in the bloodstream, carbidopa can reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea. This may allow your doctor to increase your dose of levodopa more quickly to find the best dose for you.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with food along with your levodopa or levodopa/carbidopa doses, exactly as directed by your doctor. If you are taking carbidopa for the first time, wait at least 12 hours after your last levodopa dose before starting this medication. Your doctor will usually reduce your levodopa dose when starting carbidopa to prevent side effects from too much dopamine. Be sure to follow your doctor's instructions closely.

Avoid high-protein diets because they may prevent absorption of this medication. Separate your dose of this medication as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (e.g., multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of carbidopa and levodopa available to the body.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Consult your doctor or pharmacist regarding your dosing schedule.

Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is quickly reduced or suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced. (See also Side Effects section.)

Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

References

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Information expires June 2014.

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