How does it work?

Levodopa is a medicine used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Dopamine is a chemical in the brain known to be absent or reduced in Parkinson's desease. Replacement dopamine cannot be given because it cannot cross the barrier between the blood and the brain. Levodopa can cross this barrier and is transformed into dopamine in the brain and the body. In this way it replaces the lost dopamine and reduces some of the symptoms of the disease. Only a fraction of levodopa gets to the brain, as a large amount of it is broken down by the body. To increase the amount of this medicine reaching the brain, and minimise the side effects of dopamine in the body, levodopa may be given in combination with other medicines.

What is it used for?

Parkinson's disease

Warning!

You should not suddenly stop taking this medicine unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

If you should require local or general anaesthesia, it is important that you inform your anaesthetist you are taking this medicine.

You should have regular tests to monitor the function of your liver, blood, kidney and heart while taking this medicine.

This medicine may cause a reddish discolouration to your urine. This is not harmful.

If your symptoms start to improve on this medicine make sure you resume your normal activities gradually. Try not to do too much too quickly as you may risk injury.

Use with caution in

Disease involving the heart and blood vessels

Disorders relating to hormone producing glands (endocrine disorders)

Heart attack

Irregular heart beats (arrhythmias)

Kidney disease

Lung disease

Peptic ulcer

Psychiatric disorders

Softening of the bones when there is lack of Vitamin D in the body

Not to be used in

Closed angle glaucoma

History of skin cancer

Severe cardiovascular disease

Severe disease of the hormone producing glands (endocrine disease)

Severe kidney disease

Severe liver disease

Severe psychotic illness

Skin cancer

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine should not be used by breastfeeding mothers as it suppresses lactation. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Label warnings

Take this medication with or after food.

This medication may cause your urine to be coloured.

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