Carbidopa Oral Tablet (CARBIDOPA - ORAL)

Instructions

This medicine may be taken with or without food.

Avoid taking with a high protein meal. A diet high in protein may reduce the effectiveness of this medicine.

This medicine is usually combined with another medicine to treat your condition.

Ask your doctor if any of your medicines need to be taken at the same time.

This medicine will work best if you take it at about the same time every day.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

Do not take vitamins or supplements containing iron within two hours of taking this medicine.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

The foods you eat can change how well this medicine works. Tell your doctor about the types of food you normally eat. Ask your doctor for a list of foods that can affect this medicine. Do not significantly change the foods you normally eat while on this medicine.

If you need to stop this medicine, your doctor may wish to gradually reduce the dosage before stopping.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Brand Name(s): Lodosyn

Generic Name: Carbidopa

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare but very serious medical condition. Please speak with your doctor about symptoms you should look out for while on this medicine. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop those symptoms.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting, especially after exercising or in hot weather. Be very careful when standing or sitting up quickly.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

If you drink more than a few alcoholic beverages each day, ask your doctor whether you should be on this medicine.

Call the doctor if there are any signs of confusion or unusual changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

• agitated feeling or trouble sleeping
• decreased appetite
• changes in color of urine, sweat, saliva or tears
• dizziness
• headaches
• nausea and vomiting
• dark urine
• vivid dreams or nightmares

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

• severe or persistent abdominal pain
• change in behavior
• bleeding or bruising
• chest pain
• coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• depression or feeling sad
• fainting
• fever
• numbness or tingling in hands and feet
• hallucinations (unusual thoughts, seeing or hearing things that are not real)
• fast or irregular heart beats
• unusual strong urges - such as increased need to shop, gamble, or have sex
• uncontrollable movement of face, tongue, arms or legs
• muscle aches, spasms or abnormal movements
• muscle trembling
• falling asleep suddenly during usual daily activities
• sore throat
• dark, tarry stool
• suicidal thoughts
• sweating
• unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
• blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.