Levodopa

Generic name: Levodopa Inhalation
Dosage form: inhalation capsule (42 mg)
Drug class: Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Usage of Levodopa

Levodopa inhalation is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease that come back (OFF episodes) while you are taking another medicine called Carbidopa and levodopa.

Levodopa inhalation is not to be used in place of any medicine you take daily for Parkinson's disease.

Levodopa inhalation may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Levodopa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using levodopa inhalation and call your doctor or seek emergency medical attention if you have a wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing after inhaling levodopa inhalation.

Levodopa inhalation may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

extreme drowsiness, falling asleep suddenly (even after feeling alert);

nausea, sweating, and a light-headed feeling (like you might pass out);

uncontrolled muscle movements in your face (chewing, lip smacking, frowning, tongue movement, blinking or eye movement);

confusion, paranoia, hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not real);

unusual thoughts or behavior;

trouble sleeping, or increased dreaming;

agitation, aggression; or

increased sexual urges, unusual urges to gamble, or other intense urges.

Some people using this medicine have fallen asleep during normal daytime activities such as working, talking, eating, or driving. This side effect has occurred up to 1 year after the start of treatment with levodopa inhalation. Tell your doctor if you have any problems with daytime drowsiness.

Common side effects of levodopa inhalation may include:

cough;

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

nausea; or

sweat, urine, or saliva that appears dark in color.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Levodopa

Do not use levodopa inhalation if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine, and others.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing disorder;

glaucoma;

involuntary muscle movements;

a sleep disorder that causes daytime sleepiness;

dizziness, nausea, or fainting spells when standing from a sitting or lying position;

mental illness or psychosis; or

an intense urge or compulsive behavior (such as sexual urges, binge eating, gambling, or spending money).

It is not known whether levodopa inhalation will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

It may not be safe to breastfeed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.

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How to use Levodopa

Usual Adult Dose for Parkinson's Disease:

84 mg via oral inhalation as needed when OFF period starts to return; may dose up to 5 times a dayMaximum dose per OFF period: 84 mgMaximum daily dose: 420 mgComments:-Therapy should be taken when symptoms of an OFF period start to return. -This drug has shown efficacy only in combination with levodopa/carbidopa therapy.-Oral inhalation capsules should only be used with the Inbrija(R) inhaler; capsules should not be swallowed whole as the intended effect will not be obtained. Use: For the intermittent treatment of OFF episodes in patients with Parkinson's disease treated with carbidopa/levodopa.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect Levodopa

Using levodopa inhalation with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

isoniazid;

metoclopramide;

risperidone or other antipsychotic medication;

iron medication, such as ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, or ferrous sulfate;

a multivitamin or mineral supplement that contains iron; or

other medicines to treat Parkinson's disease.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect levodopa inhalation, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Disclaimer

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