Carbidopa and levodopa Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

Skip to main content
Print
Save

# Carbidopa and levodopa

Generic name: carbidopa and levodopa [ KAR-bi-DOE-pa-and-LEE-voe-DOE-pa ]
Brand names: Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR
Dosage forms: oral capsule, extended release (23.75 mg-95 mg; 36.25 mg-145 mg; 48.75 mg-195 mg; 61.25 mg-245 mg); oral tablet (10 mg-100 mg; 25 mg-100 mg; 25 mg-250 mg); oral tablet, disintegrating (10 mg-100 mg; 25 mg-100 mg; 25 mg-250 mg); oral tablet, extended release (25 mg-100 mg; 50 mg-200 mg)
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on May 3, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is carbidopa and levodopa?

Carbidopa and levodopa is a combination medicine used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease, such as stiffness or tremors.

Carbidopa and levodopa is also used to treat Parkinson symptoms caused by carbon monoxide poisoning or manganese intoxication.

Carbidopa and levodopa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Do not use carbidopa and levodopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days, such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine.

## Related/similar drugs

ropinirole, pramipexole, carbidopa / levodopa, benztropine, Sinemet, Exelon, Gocovri

## Before taking this medicine

You should not use this medicine if you are allergic to carbidopa or levodopa, or if you have:

- narrow-angle glaucoma.

Do not use this medicine if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

- heart disease, high blood pressure, or heart attack;

- liver or kidney disease;

- an endocrine (hormonal) disorder;

- asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

- a stomach or intestinal ulcer;

- open-angle glaucoma; or

- depression, mental illness, or psychosis.

The disintegrating tablet may contain phenylalanine. Tell your doctor if you have phenylketonuria (PKU).

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Talk to your doctor about this risk and what skin symptoms to watch for.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

## How should I take carbidopa and levodopa?

If you already take levodopa, you must stop taking it at least 12 hours before you start taking carbidopa and levodopa.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Take carbidopa and levodopa at regular intervals, with or without food.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.

The tablet is sometimes broken in half to give the correct dose. Always swallow a whole or half tablet without chewing or crushing.

Place the orally disintegrating tablet in your mouth and allow it to dissolve, without chewing.

It may take up to several weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve. Tell your doctor if the effects of this medicine wear off quickly between doses.

If you use this medicine long-term, you may need frequent medical tests.

This medicine can affect the results of certain medical tests. Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using carbidopa and levodopa.

Do not stop using carbidopa and levodopa suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Ask your doctor how to safely stop using this medicine.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Detailed Carbidopa / levodopa dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

## What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

## What should I avoid while taking carbidopa and levodopa?

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how carbidopa and levodopa will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Avoid getting up too fast from a sitting or lying position, or you may feel dizzy.

Avoid taking iron supplements or eating a diet high in protein. These things can make it harder for your body to digest and absorb carbidopa and levodopa. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about the best foods to eat or avoid.

## Carbidopa and levodopa side effects

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

Carbidopa and levodopa may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

- worsening of tremors (uncontrolled shaking);

- severe or ongoing vomiting or diarrhea;

- confusion, hallucinations, unusual changes in mood or behavior;

- depression or suicidal thoughts; or

- severe nervous system reaction--very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.

Some people taking carbidopa and levodopa have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime sleepiness or drowsiness.

You may have increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges while taking this medicine. Talk with your doctor if this occurs.

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.

Common side effects of carbidopa and levodopa may include:

- jerky or twisting muscle movements;

- headache, dizziness;

- low blood pressure (feeling light-headed);

- sleep problems, strange dreams;

- dry mouth;

- muscle contractions; or

- nausea, vomiting, constipation.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Carbidopa / levodopa side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect carbidopa and levodopa?

Other drugs may affect carbidopa and levodopa, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Carbidopa / levodopa drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

How long does it take carbidopa levodopa to work?

The short-acting (immediate-release) formulation of carbidopa/levodopa takes effect within about 20 to 50 minutes. The long-acting (extended-release) formulation starts to work closer to the 50-minute timeframe. Continue reading

How often should carbidopa/levodopa be taken?

The immediate-release (short-acting) form of carbidopa/levodopa is usually taken 3 or 4 times each day, while the extended-release (long-acting) form is typically taken 2 to 4 times each day. Continue reading

Can carbidopa/levodopa cause high blood pressure?

Carbidopa/levodopa is unlikely to cause high blood pressure (hypertension). It was reported in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials and is not considered a common adverse reaction related to the drug. Continue reading

### More FAQ

- What foods should be avoided when taking levodopa?
- Is Rytary better than Sinemet?
- What is the difference between carbidopa, levodopa, and Rytary?

View more FAQ

## More about carbidopa / levodopa

- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (86)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- Patient tips
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

### Patient resources

- Drug Information
- Carbidopa and levodopa (Advanced Reading)
- Carbidopa and Levodopa Extended-Release Tablets
- Carbidopa and Levodopa Orally Disintegrating Tablets
- Carbidopa and Levodopa Tablets

#### Other brands

Sinemet, Rytary, Sinemet CR, Parcopa, Duopa

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Restless Legs Syndrome
- Parkinson's Disease
- Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome
- GTP-CH Deficiency

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 13.01.