Warning: following details is intended to supplement, not substitute for, expertise of youre healthcare professional. this should not be construed to indicate that use of drug is safe or effective for you. Consult your pharmacist before using this medication.

Carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone - oral

(car-bee-doe-pah/lee-vo-doe-pah/en-tack-up-own)

common brand names: Stalevo

Stalevo 150 Usage: this combination pill is used to treat symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Parkinson's disease is believed to be due to a lack of an important chemical (dopamine) in the brain. Levodopa is converted in to dopamine in brain, leading to relief about Parkinson's disease symptoms. Both carbidopa and entacapone are given with levodopa to increase amount about levodopa that is converted into dopamine.

How to use Stalevo 150: Take this drug by mouth exactly as prescribed. do not increase dose or take more frequently without consulting your doctor. do not split tablets. it is best to avoid high protein diet (decreases the amount of levodopa that your body takes in) during treatment, unless directed otherwise by you're pharmacist. Consult your physician or doctor for more details. dosage is based on your medical condition, previous medication therapy, response to therapy, and side effects if they occur. few patients may experience a 'wearing-off' (worsening of symptoms) before next dose is due. An 'on-off' effect might also occur, at which sudden short periods of stiffness occur. If these effects occur, contact your healthcare professional since possible dose adjustments that may help to lessen this effect. do not stop taking this pill without consulting your doctor. some conditions may become worse when the med is suddenly stopped. you're dose may need to be gradually decreased. the manufacturer advises maximum about 8 tablets per day. Use this med regularly in order to get most benefit from it. To help you remember, use it at same times each day. If symptoms worsen while using this drug, contact you're doctor immediately.

Stalevo 150 side effects: Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, stomach upset, loss of appetite, dry mouth, or difficulty sleeping may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or healthcare professional promptly. Tell some your healthcare professional immediately if any about these serious side effects occur: involuntary movements (especially twitching of the eyelid), fainting or falling, confusion, difficulty swallowing, stomach/abdominal pain, vision changes (including blurred vision). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: hallucinations, chest pain, black/tarry stools, muscle pain, change in amount about urine. Tell your pharmacist immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: mental/mood changes or depression (sometimes severe, including rare thoughts of suicide), persistent sore throat, high fever, severe muscle stiffness, fast heartbeat, fast breathing, increased sweating. this medication may cause saliva, urine, or sweat to turn a dark color. this is harmless; however, this may discolor clothing. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate healthcare attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact you're doctor or healthcare professional.

Stalevo 150 Precautions: it drug should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult some your pharmacist or pharmacist if you have: glaucoma (narrow-angle). Before using this medication, tell you're healthcare professional or pharmacist some your medical history, especially about: liver disease, glaucoma (wide-angle), breathing problems, heart disease (especially history of heart attack), kidney disease, endocrine disease, ulcers, mental/mood disorders (e.g., depression, schizophrenia), blood disorders, history of skin cancer, any allergies. To minimize dizziness & lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from seated or lying position. this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Before you have surgery with general anesthetic, including dental surgery, tell the healthcare professional or dentist you taking it drug. this medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss risks & benefits with your doctor. Levodopa passes in to breast milk. It's unknown if carbidopa or entacapone pass into breast milk. Consult some your healthcare professional before breast-feeding.

Stalevo 150 pill interactions: this medication must not be used with following drugs because very serious interactions may occur: most MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine). If you are currently using any of these medications, tell your healthcare professional or pharmacist before starting carbidopa/levodopa/entacapone. Before using this medication, tell your physician or doctor about all prescription & nonprescription products you may use, especially of: medications to treat high blood pressure (hypertension), other drugs to treat Parkinson's disease (including other drugs that contain levodopa, carbidopa, or entacapone), iron vitamins, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline), phenytoin, papaverine, isoproterenol, adrenaline (epinephrine), norepinephrine, dopamine, dobutamine, alpha-methlydopa, apomorphine, isoetharine, bitolterol, probenecid, cholestyramine, metoclopramide, selegiline, certain antibiotics (e.g., erythromycin, ampicillin, rifampin, chloramphenicol). Also, report use of any medicine that can make you drowsy, such as: sedatives, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medicine, anti-seizure drugs, narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines, certain drowsiness-causing antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). this medication can cause false results with urine glucose testing in diabetics. Blood glucose testing must be performed instead. do not start or stop any medicine without healthcare professional or pharmacist approval.

Stalevo 150 Overdose: If overdose is suspected, contact some your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, irregular or quick heartbeat, increased blinking/eyelid spasms (blepharospasms).

Stalevo 150 special notes: do not share this drug with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., liver function tests, eye exams) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you missed Stalevo 150 dose: If you miss dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the clock of the next dose, skip missed dose & resume your usual dosing schedule. do not double dose to catch up.

Stalevo 150 Storage: Store at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) away from light & moisture. Brief storage from 59 to 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. do not store in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children & pets.

Active Ingredients : Carbidopa Levodopa Entacapone