Madopar

Uses
Madopar (Levodopa/Benserazide) is a combination of two medicines which work together as a treatment for Parkinson's disease, and the symptoms this condition can cause, including poor movement, muscular stiffness and shakiness. The first ingredient, levodopa, is changed into dopamine when taken. Parkinson's disease patients have low amounts of dopamine. As dopamine is vital for helping the nervous system and brain to carry out bodily functions, replenishing the diminished dopamine levels helps to treat and relieve some symptoms of this condition.

Levodopa is converted into dopamine in both the body and brain. However, increased dopamine in the body may trigger side effects. This is why benserazide is added. It belongs to a class of medicines known as decarboxylase inhibitors, and prevents levodopa from being converted into dopamine in the body (but not in the brain), thereby preventing nausea and other side effects, while still allowing dopamine levels in the brain to be increased.

Dosage and Administration
Madopar (Levodopa/Benserazide) capsules contain 200mg of levodopa and 50mg of benserazide. The dosage required will be decided by your doctor. Patient who are not currently being treated with levodopa may be instructed by their doctor to take one 50mg/12.5mg capsule (a weaker strength to this product), 3 to 4 times per day when starting treatment.

After this, the prescribing doctor may increase the dosage at 2 to 3 day intervals until a satisfactory dosage is found, and you may then be told to use the 200mg/50mg capsules. However, the dosage for patients who are currently taking levodopa is different for this, and your doctor will need to take into account any other medicine you are taking. Follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Side effects
There may be some side effects noticed by patients taking Madopar (Levodopa/Benserazide) to treat their condition, such as:

• Asthenia
• Poor appetite
• Feeling sleepy
• Dryness in the mouth
• Strange thoughts or depression

You must tell your doctor if any side effects occur. Some side effects are serious and will require immediate medical treatment. Examples of this include bleeding in the stomach, low white blood cell levels, a reduced amount of red blood cells and other possible reactions which have not been listed here.

Precautions
Treatment with this medication may have an effect on the results of medical tests, such as urine tests for glucose levels. Inform your doctor that you are undergoing treatment with this drug if you need to have any urine or blood tests conducted.

Sleepiness may occur as a result of taking this drug. In rare cases, patients have been affected by sudden sleep while performing daily activities. This is dangerous if you are driving or operating any types of machinery. Ask your doctor about this before starting treatment.

Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you suffer an allergic reaction. Symptoms to watch for, which may be indicative of a reaction, include skin rashes, hives, swelling of the face or limbs, trouble breathing, and trouble swallowing.

Always use Madopar (Levodopa/Benserazide) as you have been prescribed by your doctor. Never self-medicate or change your dosage without first consulting your doctor. The correct dosage can vary depending on your health, medical history, and the severity of the condition being treated.

This medication may not be safe for all patients. Before you begin using it always disclose the following to your doctor:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• If you suffer from any allergies.
• If you suffer from any other health conditions or illnesses.
• If you are using any other medicine (including all non-prescription).
• If you are using any supplements, vitamins, or herbal products of any kind.