Carbidopa/lev/entac 31.25-125-200mg

Manufacturer SANDOZ Active Ingredient Levodopa, Carbidopa, and Entacapone(lee voe DOE pa, kar bi DOE pa, & en TA ka pone) Pronunciation lee voe DOE pa, kar bi DOE pa, & en TA ka pone
It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
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Drug Class
Antiparkinsonian agents
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Pharmacologic Class
Dopamine precursor; DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor; COMT inhibitor
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Pregnancy Category
Category C
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FDA Approved
Jul 2003
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DEA Schedule
Not Controlled

Overview

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What is this medicine?

This medication is a combination of three drugs (levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone) used to treat Parkinson's disease. Levodopa helps replace a chemical called dopamine in your brain, which is low in Parkinson's. Carbidopa helps more levodopa get to your brain and reduces side effects. Entacapone helps levodopa work longer by preventing its breakdown in the body. This combination helps reduce 'wearing-off' periods where your symptoms return before your next dose.
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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, break, or crush it.

If you take an iron supplement or a multivitamin that contains iron, consult your doctor or pharmacist about how to take it with this medication. Iron may reduce the absorption of this medication in your body.

Your diet can also affect how well your body absorbs this medication. Diets high in protein, fat, or calories, as well as acidic foods, may reduce absorption. Discuss your diet with your doctor, especially if you plan to make any changes.

Do not stop taking this medication suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may increase your risk of side effects. If you need to stop taking this medication, your doctor will instruct you on how to taper off gradually.

Continue taking this medication even when you are not experiencing symptoms. Keeping a diary of your symptoms can be helpful in tracking your progress. 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 in a dry place, away from the bathroom. Keep all medications 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 resume your regular schedule. Do not take two doses at the same time or take extra doses to make up for a missed dose.
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Lifestyle & Tips

  • Take exactly as prescribed, do not crush or chew tablets.
  • Do not stop taking this medication suddenly, as it can lead to a serious condition called neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like syndrome.
  • Be aware that your urine, sweat, or saliva may turn reddish-brown or black; this is a harmless effect of the medication.
  • Avoid sudden changes in position (e.g., standing up quickly) to reduce dizziness or lightheadedness caused by low blood pressure.
  • Report any new or worsening involuntary movements (dyskinesias) or changes in thinking, mood, or behavior (e.g., hallucinations, unusual urges) to your doctor.
  • Avoid high-protein meals close to your dose, as protein can interfere with levodopa absorption. Discuss dietary considerations with your doctor or dietitian.
  • Be cautious when driving or operating machinery, as this medication can cause sudden sleep attacks or drowsiness.

Dosing & Administration

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Adult Dosing

Standard Dose: Highly individualized. Initial dose based on prior levodopa dose. For patients converting from standard carbidopa/levodopa, the total daily levodopa dose should be approximately the same, but divided into more frequent administrations (e.g., 6-8 times daily). The 31.25-125-200mg strength contains 125mg levodopa and 200mg entacapone. Maximum daily dose of entacapone is 2000mg (equivalent to 10 tablets of the 200mg entacapone strength).
Dose Range: 31.25 - 250 mg

Condition-Specific Dosing:

Parkinson's Disease: Initial dose should provide approximately 10% more levodopa than the previous carbidopa/levodopa regimen, given in more frequent doses. Adjust dose and frequency based on clinical response and tolerability. Doses are typically given every 2-4 hours during waking hours.
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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.
Moderate: No specific adjustment recommended.
Severe: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects. No specific dose adjustment guidelines available.
Dialysis: Not available; entacapone is highly protein bound and not significantly removed by dialysis.

Hepatic Impairment:

Mild: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects.
Moderate: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects. Consider dose reduction for entacapone component.
Severe: Use with caution; monitor for adverse effects. Consider dose reduction for entacapone component.
Confidence: Medium

Pharmacology

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Mechanism of Action

Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone is a combination product used to treat Parkinson's disease. Levodopa, a precursor to dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain, alleviating Parkinsonian symptoms. Carbidopa inhibits peripheral 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. Entacapone is a reversible and selective inhibitor of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an enzyme that metabolizes levodopa in the periphery. By inhibiting COMT, entacapone reduces the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, increasing its bioavailability and prolonging its plasma half-life, leading to more sustained dopaminergic stimulation in the brain.
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Pharmacokinetics

Absorption:

Bioavailability: Levodopa: ~30% (with carbidopa); Entacapone: ~35%
Tmax: Levodopa: 0.5-2 hours; Carbidopa: 0.5-2 hours; Entacapone: 0.5-1.5 hours
FoodEffect: Food (especially high protein) can delay and decrease the absorption of levodopa. Entacapone absorption is not significantly affected by food.

Distribution:

Vd: Levodopa: 0.9-1.6 L/kg; Carbidopa: ~1.1 L/kg; Entacapone: ~20 L
ProteinBinding: Levodopa: Low; Carbidopa: Low; Entacapone: ~98% (primarily to albumin)
CnssPenetration: Levodopa: Yes; Carbidopa: No; Entacapone: Limited

Elimination:

HalfLife: Levodopa: 1-2 hours (with carbidopa); Carbidopa: ~2 hours; Entacapone: ~2.9 hours (terminal)
Clearance: Not available
ExcretionRoute: Levodopa: Renal; Carbidopa: Renal; Entacapone: Primarily fecal (90-95%), minor renal (10-20%)
Unchanged: Levodopa: <1% (renal); Entacapone: <0.2% (renal)
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Pharmacodynamics

OnsetOfAction: Within 30 minutes to 1 hour (for levodopa effect)
PeakEffect: 1-2 hours (for levodopa effect)
DurationOfAction: Variable, typically 2-4 hours (dependent on levodopa component and individual patient response)

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
New or worsening behavior or mood changes, including:
+ Depression
+ Thoughts of suicide
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Severe dizziness or fainting
Confusion
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Muscle pain or weakness, dark urine, or difficulty urinating
A skin lump or growth
Changes in the color or size of a mole
Strong, uncontrollable urges (such as eating, gambling, sex, or spending money)
New or worsening trouble controlling body movements
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Sudden, unexplained sleepiness, including falling asleep during activities like driving, eating, or talking

If you experience sudden sleepiness, do not drive or engage in activities that require alertness. Contact your doctor immediately.

Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS)

NMS is a rare but potentially life-threatening condition that can occur when this medication is stopped suddenly or the dose is lowered. If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:

Fever
Muscle cramps or stiffness
Dizziness
Severe headache
Confusion
Changes in thinking
Fast or irregular heartbeat
Excessive sweating

Other Side Effects

Most people experience few or no side effects while taking this medication. However, some common side effects may include:

Dizziness
Sleepiness
Fatigue
Weakness
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Nausea or vomiting
Dry mouth
Headache
Trouble sleeping
* Back pain

If you experience any of these side effects or any other symptoms that concern you, contact your doctor. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine if any further action is needed.

Reporting Side Effects

If you have questions or concerns about side effects, contact your doctor or report them to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088 or https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.
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Seek Immediate Medical Attention If You Experience:

  • Severe dizziness or fainting (signs of orthostatic hypotension)
  • New or worsening involuntary movements (dyskinesias)
  • Hallucinations, delusions, confusion, or other psychiatric changes
  • Unusual urges or behaviors (e.g., pathological gambling, increased sexual urges, compulsive shopping)
  • Sudden onset of sleep during daily activities
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Muscle stiffness, fever, confusion, or rapid heart rate (signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome-like syndrome)
  • Unexplained muscle pain, tenderness, or weakness (signs of rhabdomyolysis)
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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, such as foods or drugs. Be sure to describe the allergic reaction and its symptoms.
Certain health conditions, including:
+ Glaucoma
+ Skin lumps or growths
+ A history of skin cancer
* If you have taken specific antidepressant medications, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, within the last 14 days. Using this medication within 14 days of these drugs can lead to severe high blood pressure.

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 first consulting your doctor.
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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.

When starting this medication, be cautious when driving or performing tasks that require alertness, as it may affect your ability to do so. Wait until you understand how this drug affects you before engaging in such activities.

To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Be particularly careful when navigating stairs.

Regular blood tests and other laboratory assessments are crucial while taking this medication. Follow your doctor's instructions for scheduling these tests. It is also important to notify all healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may interfere with certain lab tests.

You may experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness as the time for your next dose approaches. If this occurs and bothers you, discuss it with your doctor.

It may take several months to notice the full effects of this medication.

Before consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that can cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor.

You may notice a dark discoloration (red, brown, or black) in your saliva, urine, or sweat. Although this is harmless, it may stain your clothing.

If you experience diarrhea or vomiting, consult your doctor promptly. It is crucial to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You and your doctor will need 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
  • Agitation, confusion, hallucinations
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Tachycardia, arrhythmias
  • Nausea, vomiting

What to Do:

Seek immediate medical attention. Call 911 or your local emergency number. For poison control, call 1-800-222-1222.

Drug Interactions

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Contraindicated Interactions

  • Non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine): Risk of hypertensive crisis. Discontinue MAOIs at least 2 weeks prior to starting.
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Major Interactions

  • Iron salts (ferrous sulfate, gluconate): May form chelates with levodopa, reducing its absorption. Separate administration by at least 2-3 hours.
  • Dopamine D2 receptor antagonists (e.g., antipsychotics like haloperidol, phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone, olanzapine, clozapine): May antagonize the therapeutic effects of levodopa.
  • Phenytoin, Papaverine: May reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa.
  • Metoclopramide: May increase GI motility (affecting levodopa absorption) and has dopamine antagonist properties.
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Moderate Interactions

  • Antihypertensives: Additive hypotensive effects, especially orthostatic hypotension.
  • Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs): May cause hypertension and dyskinesia; use with caution.
  • Sympathomimetics (e.g., epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, isoproterenol): Increased risk of arrhythmias due to enhanced cardiovascular effects of catecholamines.
  • Other drugs metabolized by COMT (e.g., isoproterenol, epinephrine, norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, alpha-methyldopa): Entacapone may interfere with their metabolism, potentially increasing their effects.
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Minor Interactions

  • Antacids: May increase entacapone absorption slightly.

Monitoring

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Baseline Monitoring

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Rationale: Entacapone has been associated with rare cases of liver injury.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Renal function (BUN, creatinine)

Rationale: To assess baseline kidney function, especially in patients with severe impairment.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

Rationale: Levodopa can rarely cause hemolytic anemia or leukopenia.

Timing: Prior to initiation

Blood Pressure (BP)

Rationale: To establish baseline and monitor for orthostatic hypotension.

Timing: Prior to initiation (supine and standing)

Mental status and psychiatric history

Rationale: To assess baseline for potential psychiatric adverse effects (e.g., hallucinations, psychosis, impulse control disorders).

Timing: Prior to initiation

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Routine Monitoring

Motor fluctuations (wearing-off, dyskinesias)

Frequency: At each visit, or as needed based on patient report

Target: Optimal control of symptoms with minimal dyskinesia

Action Threshold: Worsening motor symptoms or new/worsening dyskinesias require dose adjustment or consideration of adjunctive therapies.

Blood Pressure (BP), especially orthostatic

Frequency: Regularly, especially during dose titration and if symptoms of orthostatic hypotension occur

Target: Maintain normotension, minimize orthostatic drop

Action Threshold: Significant orthostatic drop (>20 mmHg systolic or >10 mmHg diastolic) or symptomatic hypotension requires intervention (e.g., dose reduction, non-pharmacologic measures).

Psychiatric symptoms (hallucinations, delusions, impulse control disorders)

Frequency: At each visit

Target: Absence of new or worsening psychiatric symptoms

Action Threshold: Emergence or worsening of psychiatric symptoms requires dose adjustment or consideration of alternative therapy.

Liver function tests (LFTs)

Frequency: Periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months) or if symptoms of liver dysfunction occur

Target: Within normal limits

Action Threshold: Significant elevation (e.g., >3x ULN) requires investigation and potential discontinuation.

Renal function

Frequency: Periodically, especially in patients with pre-existing renal impairment

Target: Stable

Action Threshold: Significant decline may warrant re-evaluation of dosing.

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Symptom Monitoring

  • Dyskinesia (involuntary movements)
  • Motor fluctuations (wearing-off, on-off phenomena)
  • Orthostatic hypotension (dizziness, lightheadedness upon standing)
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Hallucinations, delusions, confusion, psychosis
  • Impulse control disorders (e.g., pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive shopping, binge eating)
  • Sleepiness, sudden onset of sleep
  • Unusual urges or behaviors
  • Darkening of urine, sweat, or saliva (harmless, due to entacapone metabolites)

Special Patient Groups

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Pregnancy

Category C. Use only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. Levodopa has been shown to be teratogenic in animals at high doses.

Trimester-Specific Risks:

First Trimester: Potential for developmental toxicity based on animal studies.
Second Trimester: Not well-studied in humans; potential risks remain.
Third Trimester: Not well-studied in humans; potential risks remain.
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Lactation

Not recommended. Levodopa is excreted into breast milk and may inhibit lactation. Entacapone is also excreted into breast milk in animals. The effects on the breastfed infant are unknown but potentially harmful.

Infant Risk: Risk L3 (Moderate Concern) - Levodopa is present in breast milk and may affect infant CNS or inhibit lactation. Entacapone also present in milk.
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Pediatric Use

Safety and effectiveness have not been established in pediatric patients. Not indicated for use in this population.

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Geriatric Use

No specific dose adjustment is generally required based on age alone. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the adverse effects of levodopa, such as orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesias, and psychiatric disturbances. Monitor closely for these effects.

Clinical Information

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Clinical Pearls

  • This combination product is designed to reduce 'wearing-off' periods in Parkinson's patients by extending the duration of levodopa's effect.
  • Patients should be advised not to crush or chew the tablets, as this can alter drug release and absorption.
  • The dose and frequency are highly individualized; careful titration is necessary to optimize symptom control while minimizing dyskinesias and other side effects.
  • Inform patients about the potential for harmless discoloration of urine, sweat, and saliva (reddish-brown to black).
  • Counsel patients on the risk of impulse control disorders and sudden sleep attacks, and the importance of reporting these to their physician.
  • High-protein meals can interfere with levodopa absorption; advise patients to take the medication at least 30 minutes before or 1 hour after such meals, or to distribute protein intake throughout the day.
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Alternative Therapies

  • Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine)
  • MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline, safinamide)
  • Amantadine
  • Anticholinergics (e.g., benztropine, trihexyphenidyl)
  • COMT inhibitors (e.g., entacapone, opicapone, tolcapone - as monotherapy or with carbidopa/levodopa)
  • Adenosine A2A receptor antagonists (e.g., istradefylline)
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Cost & Coverage

Average Cost: Varies widely, typically $100-$500+ per 30 tablets
Generic Available: Yes
Insurance Coverage: Tier 2 or 3 (for generic), Tier 3 or 4 (for brand)
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General Drug Facts

If your symptoms or health issues persist or worsen, it's essential to contact your doctor for further guidance. To ensure your safety, never share your medication with others or take someone else's medication. Some medications may come with an additional patient information leaflet, so be sure 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 medical attention. When reporting the incident, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.