Carbidopa Tablets

What is this medication?

CARBIDOPA (kar bi DOE pa) treats the symptoms of Parkinson disease in people who are taking Levodopa. It works by helping Levodopa increase the amount of dopamine in your brain, a substance which helps manage body movements and coordination. This reduces the symptoms of Parkinson, such as body stiffness and tremors.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lodosyn

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Glaucoma
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• An unusual or allergic reaction to carbidopa, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day, at the same time you take your levodopa or carbidopa; levodopa medication. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

• Iron salts
• Medications for blood pressure

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Until your dosage is adjusted properly, you may notice more muscle twitches or other uncontrolled movements. Tell your care team if these occur.

A severe reaction similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) may occur if you reduce the dose of or stop taking this medication too quickly. Symptoms of NMS include high fever, stiff muscles, increased sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, and confusion. Contact your care team right away if think you have NMS.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Falling asleep during daily activities
• Mood and behavior changes—anxiety, nervousness, confusion, hallucinations, irritability, hostility, thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
• New or worsening uncontrolled and repetitive movements of the face, mouth, or upper body
• Sudden eye pain or change in vision such as blurry vision, seeing halos around lights, vision loss
• Urges to engage in impulsive behaviors such as gambling, binge eating, sexual activity, or shopping in ways that are unusual for you

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.