Lodosyn 25mg Tablets

Carbidopa is an aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase inhibitor that does not cross the blood-brain barrier. When administered with levodopa, it inhibits the peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa to dopamine, thereby increasing the amount of levodopa available to cross the blood-brain barrier for conversion to dopamine in the central nervous system. This reduces the peripheral side effects of levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting.

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 depression, including:
+ Thoughts of suicide
+ Nervousness
+ Emotional ups and downs
+ Abnormal thinking
+ Anxiety
+ Lack of interest in life
Signs of high or low blood pressure, such as:
+ Severe headache
+ Dizziness
+ Passing out
+ Changes in eyesight
Signs of a urinary tract infection (UTI), including:
+ Blood in the urine
+ Burning or pain when passing urine
+ Frequent or urgent need to urinate
+ Fever
+ Lower stomach pain
+ Pelvic pain
Changes in behavior
Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
Strong, uncontrollable urges (such as eating, gambling, sex, or spending money)
Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material
Black, tarry, or bloody stools
Abnormal burning, numbness, or tingling sensations
Chest pain or pressure
Abnormal heartbeat
Fever, chills, or sore throat
Unexplained bruising or bleeding
Feeling extremely tired or weak
Skin lumps or growths
Changes in mole color or size
Changes in eyesight
New or worsening trouble controlling body movements
Grinding of teeth
Shortness of breath
Swelling
Changes in urine output
Painful erection (hard penis) or an erection lasting longer than 4 hours

Other Possible Side Effects

Like all medications, this drug can cause side effects. Many people experience no side effects or only mild ones. If you notice any of the following side effects or any other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor or seek medical attention:

Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue
Weakness
Headache
Dry mouth
Trouble sleeping
Constipation
Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Upset stomach
Vomiting
Decreased appetite
Gas
Heartburn
Hiccups
Changes in taste
Strange or odd dreams
Weight gain or loss
Common cold symptoms
Back pain
Pain in arms or legs
Muscle cramps
Flushing
Excessive sweating
Hair loss
* Hot flashes

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.

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

It is essential to inform your doctor about the following conditions and situations before starting this medication:

Any allergies you have, including allergies to this drug, its components, or other substances. Be sure to describe the symptoms you experienced.
If you have glaucoma.
If you have taken certain antidepressant medications, such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine, or tranylcypromine, within the last 14 days. Taking this medication within 14 days of these drugs can lead to severe high blood pressure.
If you are currently taking linezolid or methylene blue.
* If you are taking another medication that contains the same active ingredient as this drug.

Special Considerations for Children:
This medication is not intended for children. Do not administer this drug to a child.

Additional Important Information:
This list is not exhaustive, and it is crucial to inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medications, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, natural products, and vitamins. You must verify that it is safe to take this medication with all your other medications and health conditions. Never start, stop, or change the dose of any medication without consulting your doctor first.

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 your safety and prevent potential interactions with other treatments.

When starting this medication, be cautious when performing tasks that require alertness, such as driving, until you understand how it affects you. To minimize the risk of dizziness or fainting, get up slowly from a sitting or lying position, and be careful when climbing stairs.

Before consuming alcohol, using marijuana or other cannabis products, or taking prescription or over-the-counter medications that may cause drowsiness, consult with your doctor. These substances can interact with your medication and increase the risk of adverse effects.

Regular blood tests and other laboratory exams are crucial to monitor your condition. Inform all your healthcare providers and laboratory personnel that you are taking this medication, as it may affect the results of certain lab tests. If you have diabetes, discuss with your doctor which glucose tests are suitable for you to use.

You may experience a decrease in the medication's effectiveness as the time for your next dose approaches. If this occurs and bothers you, notify your doctor. Additionally, you may notice a dark discoloration (red, brown, or black) in your saliva, urine, or sweat, which is harmless but may stain your clothing.

It may take several months to feel the full effects of the medication. However, be aware that some people have experienced sudden onset of sleep during daily activities, such as driving, eating, or talking, even if they did not feel sleepy beforehand. This can occur up to 1 year after starting the medication. If you experience excessive sleepiness or fall asleep during activities, do not engage in tasks that require alertness, and contact your doctor immediately.

People with Parkinson's disease may have an increased risk of developing a type of skin cancer called melanoma. Although it is unclear if this medication contributes to this risk, it is essential to undergo regular skin exams while taking this medication. Discuss any concerns with your doctor.

If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You will need to discuss the potential benefits and risks of the medication to both you and your baby.

• Nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) - due to risk of hypertensive crisis when co-administered with levodopa. Carbidopa alone is not contraindicated, but its primary use is with levodopa.

• Iron salts (ferrous sulfate, ferrous gluconate): May reduce the bioavailability of carbidopa and levodopa, leading to decreased efficacy. Separate administration by at least 2 hours.
• Antihypertensive agents: May potentiate orthostatic hypotension when co-administered with levodopa/carbidopa.

• Phenytoin: May reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa/carbidopa.
• Papaverine: May reduce the therapeutic effects of levodopa/carbidopa.
• High-protein diet: May reduce the absorption of levodopa, indirectly affecting the carbidopa-levodopa balance.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Dizziness
• Lightheadedness (especially upon standing)
• Involuntary movements (dyskinesia)
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Sleep disturbances

Carbidopa is classified as Pregnancy Category C. Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant humans. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.

Carbidopa is excreted into breast milk in small amounts. The American Academy of Pediatrics considers levodopa/carbidopa to be compatible with breastfeeding, but caution is advised. Monitor the infant for potential adverse effects such as drowsiness, feeding difficulties, or unusual movements.

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

No specific dose adjustments are generally required for elderly patients. However, elderly patients may be more sensitive to the central nervous system and cardiovascular side effects (e.g., orthostatic hypotension, dyskinesia) of levodopa/carbidopa therapy. Monitor closely for adverse reactions.

• Lodosyn (Carbidopa alone) is almost exclusively used as an adjunct to levodopa therapy, not as a standalone treatment for Parkinson's disease.
• Its primary role is to inhibit peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain and reducing peripheral side effects like nausea and vomiting.
• Carbidopa does not cross the blood-brain barrier, so it has no direct central nervous system effects.
• Patients taking Lodosyn should be carefully monitored for signs of levodopa-induced dyskinesia, as increasing carbidopa can sometimes potentiate levodopa's effects.

• Dopamine agonists (e.g., pramipexole, ropinirole)
• MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., selegiline, rasagiline, safinamide)
• COMT inhibitors (e.g., entacapone, opicapone)
• Amantadine

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 emergency medical attention. When seeking help, be prepared to provide details about the medication taken, the amount, and the time it occurred.