Brand Name
Apo-Levocarb
Common Name
levodopa - carbidopa
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02195933 | APO-LEVOCARB 10MG/100MG TABLET |
| 02195941 | APO-LEVOCARB 25MG/100MG TABLET |
| 02195968 | APO-LEVOCARB 25MG/250MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
This is a combination product containing two medications: levodopa and carbidopa. It is used to treat Parkinson's disease.
Levodopa helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson's disease by correcting the chemical imbalance in the brain that produces symptoms. Levodopa can be used alone, but adding carbidopa lowers the amount of levodopa that is required and may reduce some of the side effects that are associated with levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting.
Although levodopa helps relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease, it does not slow down the progression of the disease.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
Treatment with levodopa - carbidopa should be started slowly and increased gradually to reduce the risk of side effects while gaining maximum benefit from the medication.
The recommended starting dose for people not already taking levodopa is 1 tablet, containing levodopa 100 mg and carbidopa 25 mg, 3 times a day. Your doctor will usually increase the dosage by 1 tablet daily every 3 days until the best results occur with the least amount of side effects. When the daily dose rises above 3 tablets daily, the dose should be divided into 4 to 6 daily doses.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue on with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you miss more than one dose, check with your doctor.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
100 mg/10 mg
Each blue, oval tablet, with one side scored and engraved "100 10" on one side and engraved "APO" on the other, contains levodopa 100 mg and carbidopa 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sorbitol.
100 mg/25 mg
Each yellow, oval tablet, with one side scored and engraved "100 25" on one side and engraved "APO" on the other, contains levodopa 100 mg and carbidopa 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: croscarmellose sodium, D&C Yellow No. 10 Aluminum Lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sorbitol.
250 mg/25 mg
Each blue, oval tablet, with one side scored and engraved "250 25" on one side and engraved "APO" on the other, contains levodopa 250 mg and carbidopa 25 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: FD&C Blue No. 1 Aluminum Lake, croscarmellose sodium, FD&C Blue No. 2 Aluminum Lake, magnesium stearate, microcrystalline cellulose, and sorbitol.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Levodopa - carbidopa should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to levodopa, carbidopa, or to any of the ingredients of the medication
- cannot take sympathomimetic amines (e.g., epinephrine)
- has a history of neuroleptic malignant syndrome
- has a history of rhabdomyolysis
- has active heart disease, blood related diseases, endocrine disease, liver disease, lung disease, or kidney disease
- has narrow-angle glaucoma
- has pheochromocytoma
- has suspicious undiagnosed skin lesions or a history of melanoma
- has used an MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) within the past t2 weeks, and MAO inhibitors should not be used within 2 weeks after taking levodopa - carbidopa
