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Carbidopa

Pronounced

"kar-beh-DOE-puh"

Uses

This medication is used with a combination levodopa/carbidopa product to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease or Parkinson-like symptoms (such as shakiness, stiffness, difficulty moving). Carbidopa must be taken together with a drug that contains levodopa to be effective. If used alone, carbidopa has no effect on Parkinson's symptoms. Parkinson's disease is thought to be caused by too little of a naturally occurring substance (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa changes into dopamine in the brain, helping to control movement. Carbidopa prevents the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream so more levodopa can enter the brain. Carbidopa can also reduce some of levodopa's side effects such as nausea and vomiting.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor. You may be directed to take this medication with one, some, or all of your levodopa/carbidopa doses. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Since this medication is always taken with a levodopa-containing product, it is best to avoid a high-protein diet (it decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Separate your dose of this medication by as many hours as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take. Iron can reduce the amount of levodopa absorbed by the body. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

Some patients may experience a "wearing-off" (worsening of symptoms) before the next dose is due. An "on-off" effect might also occur, in which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your doctor for possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect.

Do not stop taking this medication and the levodopa-containing product without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when these drugs are quickly reduced or suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually reduced. (See also Side Effects section.)

Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

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Information expires December 2025.