Proper Use
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
Take this medicine exactly as directed, and every time that you are supposed to take it. It is important that you do not stop taking your medicine unless ordered by your doctor. It is also important to not start taking other medicines for your Parkinson's disease without first talking with your doctor.
Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, chew, or break it. You may take the tablet with or without food.
Since protein may interfere with the body's response to levodopa, high protein diets should be avoided. Intake of normal amounts of protein should be spaced equally throughout the day, or taken as directed by your doctor.
You may experience a “wearing-off” effect towards the end of the dosing interval. You should tell your doctor if you have problems with this that affect your every day life. Your doctor may want to adjust your dose.
This medicine begins to release its ingredients 30 minutes after you take it.
If you are taking multivitamin tablets or plan to start taking them, discuss this first with your doctor. Iron salts (in vitamins) may keep this medicine from working properly.
Dosing
The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.
The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.
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For oral dosage forms (capsules or tablets):
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For Parkinson's disease:
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Adults—The starting dose is usually the same as the current dose you are taking. If you are starting this medicine for the first time, your doctor may want to start you on a carbidopa and levodopa combination with entacapone and gradually switch you over to this combination. Do not use more than 6 to 8 tablets in a 24-hour period.
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Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.
Storage
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.
Keep out of the reach of children.
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.
Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024
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