Carbi/levo CR 25-100mg Tb

Manufacturer ADVAGEN PHARMA Active Ingredient Carbidopa and Levodopa Extended- Release Tablets(kar bi DOE pa & lee voe DOE pa) Pronunciation KAR-bi-DOE-pa & LEE-voe-DOE-pa
It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.It is used to treat signs like Parkinson's disease caused by other health problems.It may be given to you for other reasons. Talk with the doctor.
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Drug Class
Anti-Parkinsonian Agent
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Pharmacologic Class
Dopamine Precursor; Decarboxylase Inhibitor
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jan 1991
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

This medicine is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It helps to reduce symptoms like stiffness, tremors, slow movement, and balance problems. Levodopa turns into a natural substance in your brain called dopamine, which is low in Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa helps more levodopa get to your brain and reduces side effects.
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How to Use This Medicine

Taking Your Medication Correctly

To get the most benefit from your medication, follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Read all the information provided with your prescription and follow the instructions closely. You can take this medication with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole - do not chew or crush it. If you have a product that can be broken in half, do not chew or crush it. Check with your pharmacist or doctor if you have any questions.

If you take an iron supplement or a multivitamin that contains iron, ask your doctor or pharmacist for guidance on how to take it with this medication. Iron may reduce the absorption of this medication in your body. Additionally, a diet high in protein, fat, or calories, as well as consuming acidic foods, may also affect how well your body absorbs this medication. Discuss your diet with your doctor, especially if you plan to make any changes.

Continue taking this medication even when you are not experiencing symptoms. Keeping a diary of your symptoms can be helpful. Take this medication at the same time every day, as directed by your doctor or healthcare provider, even if you feel well.

Storing and Disposing of Your Medication

Store your medication at room temperature, protected from light, and in a dry place. Do not store it in a bathroom. Keep all medications in a safe place, out of the reach of children and pets. Dispose of unused or expired medications properly. Do not flush them down the toilet or pour them down the drain unless instructed to do so. If you have questions about disposing of your medication, consult your pharmacist. You may also want to check if there are any drug take-back programs in your area.

What to Do If You Miss a Dose

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take this medication consistently, as prescribed, usually twice a day at least 6 hours apart. Do not crush, chew, or divide extended-release tablets.
  • Avoid taking with high-protein meals, as protein can interfere with absorption. If you experience 'off' periods, discuss meal timing with your doctor.
  • Stand up slowly to avoid dizziness or lightheadedness due to orthostatic hypotension.
  • Report any new or worsening involuntary movements (dyskinesias) or 'on-off' periods.
  • Be aware of potential psychiatric side effects like hallucinations, delusions, or changes in behavior (e.g., increased gambling, shopping, sexual urges). Report these to your doctor immediately.
  • Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, as it can lead to a severe withdrawal syndrome similar to neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
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Available Forms & Alternatives

Available Strengths:

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Initial: 50 mg carbidopa/200 mg levodopa ER twice daily, at least 6 hours apart. Titrate gradually.
Dose Range: 25 - 1600 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

conversionFromImmediateRelease: Approximately 10% more levodopa may be required daily when converting from immediate-release to extended-release. Administer ER tablets at intervals of 4 to 8 hours during the waking day. Initial dose should provide approximately 10% more levodopa per day than the previous IR regimen. Patients receiving less than 70 mg of carbidopa per day may experience nausea and vomiting.
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Pediatric Dosing

Neonatal: Not established
Infant: Not established
Child: Not established
Adolescent: Not established
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Dose Adjustments

Renal Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects.
Moderate: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects.
Severe: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects. Use with caution.
Dialysis: Not dialyzable. No specific adjustment, but monitor closely for adverse effects.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects.
Moderate: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects.
Severe: No specific adjustment recommended, monitor for adverse effects. Use with caution.
Confidence: Medium

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Levodopa is a metabolic precursor of dopamine that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa inhibits dopa decarboxylase, an enzyme that metabolizes levodopa in the periphery, thereby increasing the amount of levodopa available to cross the blood-brain barrier and reducing peripheral side effects of levodopa.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Levodopa: Approximately 30% (variable); Carbidopa: Approximately 58%
Tmax: Levodopa: 2-3 hours (ER formulation); Carbidopa: 2-3 hours (ER formulation)
FoodEffect: High-protein meals can significantly reduce levodopa absorption and peak plasma concentrations, leading to reduced clinical efficacy. Food generally delays Tmax and decreases Cmax for ER formulation.

Distribution:

Vd: Levodopa: 0.9-1.6 L/kg; Carbidopa: 1.1 L/kg
ProteinBinding: Levodopa: Approximately 10-30%; Carbidopa: Approximately 36%
CnssPenetration: Levodopa: Yes; Carbidopa: Limited (does not cross blood-brain barrier significantly)

Elimination:

HalfLife: Levodopa: Approximately 1.5 hours (with carbidopa); Carbidopa: Approximately 2 hours
Clearance: Levodopa: 0.3-0.5 L/kg/hr
ExcretionRoute: Renal (primarily as metabolites)
Unchanged: Levodopa: <1% (unchanged); Carbidopa: Approximately 30% (unchanged)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Variable, typically within 30-60 minutes for initial effect, but sustained release provides more prolonged and stable plasma levels.
PeakEffect: Variable, typically 2-3 hours after dose for ER formulation, with sustained levels.
DurationOfAction: Extended-release formulation aims for 4-6 hours or longer, reducing 'off' times compared to immediate-release.

Safety & Warnings

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Side Effects

Serious Side Effects: Seek Medical Help Right Away

Although rare, some people may experience severe and potentially life-threatening side effects while taking this medication. If you notice any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention immediately:

Signs of an allergic reaction, such as:
+ Rash
+ Hives
+ Itching
+ Red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin (with or without fever)
+ Wheezing
+ Tightness in the chest or throat
+ Trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking
+ Unusual hoarseness
+ Swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat
Signs of high or low blood pressure, including:
+ Severe headache or dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
New or worsening behavioral or mood changes, such as:
+ Depression
+ Thoughts of suicide
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Feeling confused
Strong, uncontrollable urges (e.g., eating, gambling, sex, or spending money)
A skin lump or growth
Changes in the color or size of a mole
New or worsening trouble controlling body movements
Eyelid twitching
Muscle twitching
Stomach pain
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Chest pain or pressure
Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Dark urine or yellow skin and eyes
Changes in eyesight, eye pain, or severe eye irritation
Shortness of breath
Sudden, unexplained sleepiness, especially during activities like driving, eating, or talking (this can occur up to 1 year after starting the medication)

If you experience sudden sleepiness, do not drive or engage in activities that require alertness. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience this side effect or feel extremely sleepy.

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people may not experience any side effects or may only have mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Bad dreams
Constipation
Dizziness or sleepiness
Dry mouth
Headache
Trouble sleeping
Some products may cause a dark red, brown, or black color to appear in your saliva, urine, or sweat (this is harmless but may discolor your clothes)
* Upset stomach or vomiting

This is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor. You can also report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or online at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe dizziness or fainting (orthostatic hypotension)
  • New or worsening uncontrolled, jerky movements (dyskinesias)
  • Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there)
  • Delusions or paranoia
  • Unusual urges or behaviors (e.g., gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping)
  • Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities
  • Severe nausea or vomiting that doesn't improve
  • Muscle stiffness, fever, confusion (signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like reaction if stopped suddenly)
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Before Using This Medicine

Before Taking This Medication: Important Information to Share with Your Doctor

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this medication, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, such as:
+ Glaucoma
+ Skin lumps or growths
+ A history of skin cancer
Current or recent use of specific medications, including:
+ Reserpine or tetrabenazine
+ Linezolid or methylene blue
+ Certain antidepressants or Parkinson's disease medications taken within the last 14 days, such as:
- Isocarboxazid
- Phenelzine
- Tranylcypromine
- Selegiline
- Rasagiline (note: taking these medications with this drug can lead to very high blood pressure)
Use of any other medications that contain the same active ingredient as this drug

This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to discuss all your medications (prescription, over-the-counter, natural products, and vitamins) and health problems with your doctor and pharmacist. They will help determine if it is safe to take this medication with your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.
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Precautions & Cautions

It is essential to inform all your healthcare providers, including doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists, that you are taking this medication. This will help ensure that you receive the best possible care.

To minimize the risk of accidents, avoid driving and engaging in activities that require alertness until you understand how this medication affects you. Additionally, to reduce the likelihood of dizziness or fainting, stand up slowly when getting up from a sitting or lying down position, and exercise caution when navigating stairs.

This medication may interfere with certain laboratory tests, so it is crucial to notify all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this drug. As directed by your doctor, have your blood work checked and undergo regular eye exams to monitor your condition.

If you have diabetes (high blood sugar), consult with your doctor to determine the most suitable glucose tests to use. You may experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness as the time for your next dose approaches, a phenomenon known as "wearing off." If this occurs and bothers you, inform your doctor.

Before consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other forms of cannabis, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may impair your reactions, discuss the potential risks with your doctor.

People with Parkinson's disease may have an increased risk of developing a type of skin cancer called melanoma, although it is unclear whether this medication contributes to this risk. To monitor your skin health, undergo regular skin exams while taking this medication, and consult with your doctor about any concerns.

Do not abruptly discontinue or reduce your dosage of this medication without consulting your doctor, as this may lead to severe side effects, including fever, muscle cramps or stiffness, dizziness, severe headache, confusion, altered thinking, abnormal heartbeat, or excessive sweating. If you experience any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, inform your doctor to discuss the potential benefits and risks of this medication to both you and your baby.
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Overdose Information

Overdose Symptoms:

  • Severe dyskinesias
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Palpitations, arrhythmias
  • Nausea, vomiting
  • Confusion, agitation, insomnia

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222. Management is supportive, including gastric lavage, IV fluids, and careful monitoring of cardiac and respiratory function. Antiarrhythmics may be needed for cardiac arrhythmias.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) - risk of hypertensive crisis. Discontinue MAOIs at least 2 weeks prior to initiating carbidopa/levodopa.
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Major Interactions

  • Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, chlorpromazine, risperidone, olanzapine) - may antagonize the effects of levodopa due to dopamine receptor blockade.
  • Iron salts (ferrous sulfate, gluconate) - can chelate levodopa, reducing its absorption.
  • High-protein diet - can reduce levodopa absorption and transport across the blood-brain barrier.
  • Metoclopramide - may increase gastric emptying, potentially affecting absorption, and has dopamine receptor blocking effects.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Antihypertensives - additive hypotensive effects, especially orthostatic hypotension.
  • Phenytoin - may reduce levodopa efficacy.
  • Papaverine - may reduce levodopa efficacy.
  • Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) - large doses may reverse levodopa effects if carbidopa is not present in sufficient amounts (less relevant with fixed-dose combination).
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Minor Interactions

  • Antacids - may slightly increase levodopa absorption.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Neurological examination

Rationale: To assess baseline motor function, cognitive status, and identify existing Parkinson's symptoms.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Blood pressure (supine and standing)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for orthostatic hypotension.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hematologic abnormalities (e.g., hemolytic anemia, leukopenia) which are rare but reported.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential hepatic dysfunction.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

Renal function tests (BUN, creatinine)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for potential renal dysfunction.

Timing: Prior to initiation of therapy

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Routine Monitoring

Neurological status (motor fluctuations, dyskinesias, 'on-off' periods)

Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit (e.g., every 1-3 months initially, then every 3-6 months)

Target: Optimal symptom control with minimal dyskinesias and 'off' time.

Action Threshold: Significant increase in 'off' time, troublesome dyskinesias, or new motor complications warrant dose adjustment or addition of adjunctive therapy.

Psychiatric status (hallucinations, delusions, impulse control disorders, depression)

Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit

Target: Absence of or well-managed psychiatric symptoms.

Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms warrants dose reduction, medication review, or psychiatric consultation.

Blood pressure (supine and standing)

Frequency: Regularly, at each follow-up visit

Target: Within normal limits, without symptomatic orthostatic hypotension.

Action Threshold: Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension (e.g., dizziness, syncope) warrants dose adjustment or management of hypotension.

CBC, LFTs, Renal function

Frequency: Periodically (e.g., annually or as clinically indicated)

Target: Within normal limits.

Action Threshold: Significant abnormalities warrant further investigation and potential dose adjustment or discontinuation.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Dyskinesias (involuntary movements)
  • Motor fluctuations ('wearing off', 'on-off' phenomena)
  • Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness upon standing)
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Hallucinations, delusions, psychosis
  • Impulse control disorders (e.g., pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating)
  • Sleep disturbances (insomnia, somnolence, sudden onset of sleep)
  • Depression, anxiety
  • Peripheral neuropathy (rare)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on fetal development. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Limited human data available.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for developmental toxicity observed in animal studies.
Second Trimester: Potential for developmental toxicity observed in animal studies.
Third Trimester: Potential for developmental toxicity observed in animal studies.
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Lactation

Levodopa is excreted into breast milk. Carbidopa is also likely excreted. Due to potential for serious adverse reactions in the infant (e.g., interference with central nervous system development, suppression of lactation), a decision should be made whether to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Infant Risk: L3 (Moderately safe; potential for adverse effects, monitor infant for drowsiness, poor feeding, or motor changes).
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Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established. Use is generally not recommended.

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Geriatric Use

Elderly patients may be more sensitive to the central nervous system effects (e.g., hallucinations, confusion) and orthostatic hypotensive effects of carbidopa/levodopa. Initiate with lower doses and titrate slowly. Monitor closely for adverse effects.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • Extended-release tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or divided. This can lead to rapid release of the drug and increased side effects.
  • Patients should be advised that the onset of action for ER formulations may be slower than IR, but the duration of effect is longer, aiming to reduce 'off' times.
  • Protein redistribution: Advise patients to take medication at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after high-protein meals to optimize absorption and reduce 'off' periods.
  • Impulse control disorders (ICDs) can occur with dopamine replacement therapy. Screen patients for new or worsening ICDs (e.g., pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating) and educate patients and caregivers about this risk.
  • Sudden onset of sleep has been reported. Advise patients to exercise caution while driving or operating machinery.
  • Abrupt discontinuation or rapid dose reduction can lead to a symptom complex resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome (fever, rigidity, altered mental status, autonomic instability). Taper dose gradually if discontinuation is necessary.
  • Patients may experience a 'wearing-off' phenomenon or 'on-off' fluctuations. Dose adjustments, changes in dosing frequency, or addition of adjunctive therapies (e.g., COMT inhibitors, MAO-B inhibitors, dopamine agonists) may be necessary.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Dopamine Agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine)
  • MAO-B Inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline, safinamide)
  • COMT Inhibitors (e.g., entacapone, opicapone)
  • Amantadine
  • Istradefylline
  • Pimavanserin (for Parkinson's disease psychosis)
  • Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) for advanced Parkinson's disease
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: $50 - $300+ per 30 tablets (25-100mg)
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 1 or Tier 2 (generic), Tier 3 or higher (brand)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it is essential to contact your doctor promptly. To ensure safe and effective treatment, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so it's a good idea to check with your pharmacist for more information. If you have any questions or concerns about your medication, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider. In the event of a suspected overdose, immediately call your local poison control center or seek emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it happened.