Uses of Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa

The combination of Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa is used in the management of Parkinson’s disease.

Therapeutic Category

Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa: Anti-parkinsonian drugs

How Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa works

Levodopa which gets converted to dopamine, a chemical messenger that controls movement in the brain. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of Levodopa by allowing it to enter the brain for increased dopamine levels and Entacapone maintains the level of levodopa in the blood. All these collective actions provide greater relief from the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.

Common side effects of Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa

• Uncontrolled movements
• Nausea and vomiting
• Reddish-brown discoloured urine
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain and cramps
• Light-headedness or fainting due to changes in blood pressure
• Dizziness, drowsiness and tiredness
• Abdominal pain and discomfort, heartburn, dry mouth, constipation
• Inability to sleep, abnormal dreams (including nightmares)
• Mental confusion and seeing or feeling imaginary things
• Memory problems, anxiety and depression (possibly suicidal thoughts)
• Chest pain, irregular heart rate or rhythm
• More frequent falling
• Pallor skin and shortness of breath
• Increased sweating and skin rashes
• Swelling of legs
• Blurred vision
• Weight loss
• Headache, joint pain
• Pelvic pain, increased urge to urinate, irritation while urinating and blood in the urine

When to consult your doctor

Consult your doctor, if you experience:

• Signs of neuroleptic malignant syndrome or rhabdomyolysis (a rare severe reaction to medicines used to treat disorders of the central nervous system causing your muscles to get very rigid or jerk violently, tremors, agitation, confusion, fever, rapid pulse or wide fluctuations in your blood pressure)
• Signs of an allergic reaction (nettle skin rash, itching, rash, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, causing difficulties in breathing or swallowing)
• Strong impulse to gamble excessively despite serious personal or family consequences
• Altered or increased sexual interest and behaviour
• Uncontrollable excessive shopping or spending
• Eating large amounts of food in a short time or eating more food than needed to satisfy your hunger

Health Tips for Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa

• Take Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not exceed the recommended dosage. Do not skip doses or stop using them without consulting your doctor
• Drink an adequate amount of water unless your healthcare provider
• Engage in regular physical activity as recommended by your healthcare provider
• Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider to monitor your health
• Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements
• Carbidopa+Entacapone+Levodopa is not recommended for use in pregnant or planning for pregnancy or breastfeeding women