Carbidopa and levodopa and Selegiline

In the database of official manuals used in the service creation an interaction registered by statistical results of studies was found, which can either lead to negative consequences for the patient health or strengthen a mutual positive effect. A doctor should be consulted to address the issue of joint drug administration.

Using levodopa together with selegiline may increase the side effects of levodopa. Contact your doctor if you experience uncontrolled movements of a part of the body, persistent nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, and an irregular heartbeat or fluttering in the chest. If your doctor does prescribe these medications together, you may need a dose adjustment or special test to safely use both medications. It is important to tell your doctor about all other medications you use, including vitamins and herbs. Do not stop using any medications without first talking to your doctor.

ADJUST DOSE: When used as an adjunct to levodopa/carbidopa in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, selegiline may enhance levodopa-associated side effects in some patients. The presumed mechanism is enhanced peripheral catecholamine availability due to decreased degradation (MAOI activity) and increased synthesis (levodopa effect) of dopamine and, probably, norepinephrine. The concomitant administration of carbidopa has been reported to prevent or blunt the hypertensive response by inhibiting peripheral conversion of levodopa to dopamine.

MANAGEMENT: Two to three days after adding selegiline to the regimen, the levodopa/carbidopa dosage may require reduction by 10% to 30%. It has been suggested that the dosage reduction should be gradual in increments of 10% every 3 to 4 days and concurrent use should be avoided in patients with postural hypotension, frequent falls, confusion, and dementia. Due to the risks of nonselective MAO inhibition and drug interactions, selegiline doses should not exceed 10 mg/day. In addition, some authorities also recommend avoiding this combination in patients with severe cardiovascular disease, arterial hypertension, hyperthyroidism, phaeochromocytoma, narrow-angle glaucoma, prostatic adenoma with appearance of residual urine, tachycardia, arrhythmias, severe angina pectoris, psychoses, advanced dementia and thyrotoxicosis.

Carbidopa and levodopa

Generic Name: carbidopa / levodopa

Brand name: Parcopa, Rytary, Sinemet, Sinemet CR, Duopa

Synonyms: Carbidopa and Levodopa

What is Carbidopa and levodopa?

Selegiline

Generic Name: selegiline

Brand name: Eldepryl, Zelapar, Emsam

Synonyms: n.a.

What is Selegiline?