৳ 18/unit
Pack: ৳ 180
৳ 18/unit
Pack: ৳ 180
At a glance
Levodopa + Benserazide is used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. Levodopa is a dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the brain. Benserazide is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that reduces peripheral metabolism of levodopa, allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
Indications
- Parkinson's disease - Immediate Release capsule: all forms except drug-induced Parkinsonism
- Parkinson's disease - Controlled Release capsule: patients with motor fluctuations, especially peak dose dyskinesia and end of dose deterioration and for better control of nocturnal symptoms
Pharmacology
Levodopa is a prodrug that crosses the blood-brain barrier and is converted to dopamine in the CNS by aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase. Benserazide is a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that reduces peripheral decarboxylation of levodopa, increasing its availability to the brain and reducing side effects.
Dosage
Immediate Release IR Capsule:
- Patients not receiving levodopa: Early stage: 50+12.5 62.5 mg, 1-2 times/day; gradually increase by 62.5 mg every 3-4 days
- Adult: 50+12.5 62.5 mg, 3-4 times/day OR Advanced stage: 100+25 125 mg, 3 times/day
- Maintenance: 100+25 125 mg, up to 3-6 times/day
- Previous levodopa monotherapy: Initiate with 10-15% of previous dose
- Previous other levodopa/dopa decarboxylase combination: Withdraw previous therapy for 12 hours, start 50+12.5 62.5 mg, 3-4 times/day
Controlled Release CR Capsule:
- Patients not receiving levodopa: 100+25 125 mg, 3 times/day; maximum 6 capsules/day
- Previous levodopa-benserazide IR: Substitute every 100 mg levodopa with 1 CR capsule; increase every 2-3 days
Side effects
Common Side Effects:
- Anxiety, decreased appetite
- Arrhythmia
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Hallucinations
- Movement disorders dyskinesia
- Nausea
- Postural hypotension
- Sleep disorders
- Altered taste
- Vomiting
- Leucopenia
Use in pregnancy
Use in Pregnancy: Levodopa + Benserazide is contraindicated during pregnancy Category B3 and in women of childbearing potential without adequate contraception. Discontinue if pregnancy occurs.
Pregnancy Category: B3 — always consult a doctor before taking during pregnancy.
Precautions & warnings
- Reduce dose if dyskinesia occurs early
- Caution with orthostatic hypotension
- Caution in psychiatric illness, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, peptic ulcer, glaucoma, pheochromocytoma
- Caution in Cushing's syndrome, endocrine disorders, hyperthyroidism, osteomalacia
- May activate malignant melanoma - do not use in suspicious lesions or history of melanoma
Overdose effects
Overdose requires symptomatic treatment for cardiovascular effects anti-arrhythmics or CNS effects respiratory stimulants, neuroleptics; for CR formulation, prevent further absorption.
Storage conditions
Store below 30°C, away from light and moisture; keep out of reach of children.