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Overview

Levodopa

Prescription vs OTC : Prescription by Doctor required

About Levodopa

Levodopa is an amino acid that is produced and used as a part of the normal biology of human beings, also in some animals and plants. Levodopa crosses the protective blood–brain barrier as dopamine cannot. Thus, Levodopa is used to increase the dopamine concentrations in the treatment of Parkinson's disease and dopamine-responsive dystonia. Besides the central nervous system, Levodopa can also be converted into dopamine from within the peripheral nervous system.

There are two types of responses seen with the administration of Levodopa : The short-duration response which is related to the half-life of the drug. The long-duration response depends directly on the accumulation of effects over at least a two week course, during which ΔFosB accumulates in nigrostriatal neurons. When used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, this response is seen only in early therapy, as at that stage the inability of the brain to store dopamine is not yet a concern.

Some side effects include hypotension: a result of the dosage being too high, arrhythmias: although this is uncommon, nausea, which can be avoided by taking the drug with food, hair loss, disorientation and, or confusion, an extreme emotional state, particularly anxiety, but also excessive libido.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the uses of Levodopa

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    What are the side effects of Levodopa ?

    • Nausea

    • Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome

    • Panic Attacks

    • Altered Behaviour

    • Mood Changes

    • Altered Sleep

    • Burning Sensation Of Tongue

    • Confusion

    • Convulsions

    • Dizziness

    • Drowsiness

    • Fever

    • Frequent Dreams

    • Hallucination

    • Increased Sweating

    • Tachycardia

    • Irregular Heart Rate

    • Tremor

    • Vomiting

    • Worsening Of Tremor

    • Muscle Stiffness

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Key highlights of Levodopa

    • Is It safe with alcohol?

      Syndopa forte tablet may cause excessive drowsiness and calmness with alcohol.

    • Are there any pregnancy warnings?

      Syndopa forte tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy.
      Animal studies have shown adverse effects on the foetus, however, there are limited human studies. The benefits from use in pregnant women may be acceptable despite the risk. Please consult your doctor.

    • Are there any breast-feeding warnings?

      Unknown. Human and animal studies are not available. Please consult your doctor.

    • Is it safe to drive while on this medicine?

      Patients who have experienced somnolence and/or an episode of sudden sleep onset must refrain from driving or operating machines.
      Advise patients to exercise caution while driving or operating machinery.

    • Does this affect kidney function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    • Does this affect liver function?

      There is no data available. Please consult doctor before consuming the drug.

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    Medicines containing Levodopa

    Below is the list of medicines, which contains Levodopa as ingredient

    Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

    How does this medication work?

    The active constituent of this medication is structurally an amino acid, a precursor of dopamine. Medication is taken orally crosses the blood-brain barrier and is decarboxylated to dopamine, which is then available to activate dopaminergic receptors. This compensates for the reduced supply of dopamine observed in Parkinson’s disease.

      Information given here is based on the salt content of the medicine. Uses and effects of the medicine may vary from person to person. It is advisable to consult a Neurologist before using this medicine.

      References

      • Evodopa-Drug Information Portal [Internet].druginfo.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://druginfo.nlm.nih.gov/drugportal/name/levodopa

      • Evodopa-DrugBank Online [Internet].go.drugbank.com 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB01235

      • Levodopa Tablet,solution-DailyMed [Internet].dailymed.nlm.nih.gov 2022 [Cited 28 May 2022].Available from:

        https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=Levodopa

      Disclaimer : The information produced here is best of our knowledge and experience and we have tried our best to make it as accurate and up-to-date as possible, but we would like to request that it should not be treated as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.

      Lybrate is a medium to provide our audience with the common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. Even if there is no mention of a warning for any drug or combination, it never means that we are claiming that the drug or combination is safe for consumption without any proper consultation with an expert.

      Lybrate does not take responsibility for any aspect of medicines or treatments. If you have any doubts about your medication, we strongly recommend you to see a doctor immediately.
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      Written ByDrx Hina FirdousPhD (Pharmacology) Pursuing, M.Pharma (Pharmacology), B.Pharma - Certificate in Nutrition and Child CarePharmacology
      Reviewed By
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      Reviewed ByDr. Garima SharmaMBBS, Master in Healthcare Administration, Diploma in Occupational HealthGeneral Physician
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