LEVODOPA belongs to a class of drugs called antiparkinson agents. LEVODOPA is a precursor of dopamine (a hormone found in the brain) primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It may also be used in combination with carbidopa. Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that affects movement and locomotion. It causes stiffness, shaking, difficulty in walking, coordination and balance. In Parkinson’s patients, there are a decrease in dopamine (a chemical messenger that is important for movement control) levels as the nerve cells that produce dopamine begin to die.
LEVODOPA works by getting converted to dopamine in the brain and restores its levels. Thereby, it improves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. LEVODOPA is synthesized in the brain into dopamine and is the first-line drug used for the management of Parkinson's disease. Off-label use of LEVODOPA involves treatment for the patients with intermittent restless leg syndrome.
It is for oral inhalation only. Use LEVODOPA as advised by the doctor. Most common side effects of LEVODOPA are nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, light-headedness, lowered blood pressure, confusion and dyskinesia (uncontrolled/involuntary muscle movement). Most of these side effects of LEVODOPA do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. However, if the side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
If you are known to be allergic to LEVODOPA or any other medicines, please tell your doctor. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is advised to inform your doctor. If you have glaucoma, asthma, nausea, dizziness, mental illness, breathing problems, daytime sleepiness, involuntary muscle movements, intense urges like gambling, spending money, overeating or increased sexual urges, please inform your doctor before taking LEVODOPA.
Parkinson’s disease
LEVODOPA is an antiparkinson agent that is used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. In Parkinson’s patients, the nerve cells that produce dopamine (a chemical messenger that is important for movement control) begin to die. So, there is a decrease in dopamine levels. LEVODOPA gets converted to dopamine in the brain and restores its levels. Thereby, improves the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Patients taking LEVODOPA can also have a low level of vitamin B12, increased methylmalonic acid levels. A patient whose Vitamin B12 is deficient has increased level of methylmalonic acid and vice versa. Besides this, prolonged intake of LEVODOPA may lead to greater chances of neuropathy (nerve damage). LEVODOPA should be given with caution in patients with eye problems (glaucoma), irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), gastrointestinal bleeding, stomach ulcer and psychosis. The use of LEVODOPA is contraindicated with the use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOs) or antidepressants drugs like isocarboxazid, phenelzine, selegiline and tranylcypromine because it can lead to high blood pressure (hypertension) crisis.
Drug-Drug Interaction: LEVODOPA may have interaction with other antiparkinson’s drugs (rasagiline, pramipexole), water pills or diuretics (furosemide), high cholesterol-lowering drugs (atorvastatin), vitamins (pyridoxine), and antipsychotic drugs (quetiapine).
Drug-Food Interaction: LEVODOPA may interact with proteins in the food. Therefore, avoid intake of high protein food such as chicken, beef, pork, eggs, and fish as they may reduce the effectiveness of LEVODOPA. Do not take vitamin supplements with LEVODOPA unless prescribed by a doctor. Also, avoid alcohol intake as it may increase side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, or difficulty in concentrating.
Drug-Disease Interaction: If you have glaucoma, asthma, nausea, dizziness, mental illness, breathing problems, daytime sleepiness, or involuntary muscle movements, inform your doctor before taking LEVODOPA.
Avoid consumption of alcohol with LEVODOPA as it may increase the risk of adverse effects such as drowsiness, dizziness or difficulty in concentrating.
LEVODOPA is a Category B3 pregnancy drug and is given to a pregnant woman only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
LEVODOPA is excreted in human milk, but the effect of LEVODOPA on an infant is unknown. So, LEVODOPA is given to a breastfeeding mother only if the doctor thinks benefits outweigh risks.
LEVODOPA may cause drowsiness and make you fall asleep suddenly. Therefore, avoid driving if you feel drowsy after taking LEVODOPA.
Take LEVODOPA with caution, especially if you have a history of Liver diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
Take LEVODOPA with caution, especially if you have a history of Kidney diseases/conditions. The dose may be adjusted by your doctor as required.
LEVODOPA is not recommended for children as the safety and efficacy were not established.
Parkinson’s disease: It is a disorder of central nervous system that affects movement due to damage of nerve cells in the brain which reduces the levels of dopamine and leads to symptoms such as stiffness, tremor in one hand, shaking, difficulty in walking, coordination and balance. This condition can last for many years or life-long. Treatment with medicines along with physiotherapy may help to control the symptoms and provide a quality life for as long as possible.