Carbidopa Levodopa
FDA Drug Information • Also known as: Dhivy
- Brand Names
- Dhivy
- Drug Class
- Aromatic Amino Acid Decarboxylation Inhibitor [EPC], Aromatic Amino Acid [EPC]
- Route
- ORAL
- Dosage Form
- TABLET
- Product Type
- HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG
Description
11 DESCRIPTION DHIVY ® (carbidopa levodopa) is a combination of carbidopa, an inhibitor of aromatic amino acid decarboxylation, and levodopa, an aromatic amino acid, in tablets for oral use. Carbidopa is a white, crystalline compound, slightly soluble in water, with a molecular weight of 244.3. It is designated chemically as (–)-L-α-hydrazino-α-methyl-β-(3,4-dihydroxy-benzene) propanoic acid monohydrate. It has a pKa of 2.3. Its molecular formula is C 10 H 14 N 2 O 4
What Is Carbidopa Levodopa Used For?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE DHIVY is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and symptomatic parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication. DHIVY is a combination of carbidopa (an aromatic amino acid decarboxylation inhibitor) and levodopa (an aromatic amino acid) indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, post-encephalitic parkinsonism, and symptomatic parkinsonism that may follow carbon monoxide intoxication or manganese intoxication ( 1 )
Dosage and Administration
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended starting dosage of DHIVY is one 25 mg /100 mg tablet taken orally three times a day. ( 2.1 ) Dosage may be increased by up to one whole tablet every day or every other day, as needed, until a maximum dosage of eight whole tablets of DHIVY a day is reached. ( 2.1 ) Swallow DHIVY with or without food. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Initial Dosage and Maintenance of Therapy The recommended starting dosage of DHIVY is one 25 mg / 100 mg tablet taken orally three times a day. This dosage schedule provides 75 mg of carbidopa per day. Dosage may be increased by up to one whole tablet every day or every other day, as needed to a maximum daily dosage of eight whole tablets. Dosing with DHIVY should be individualized and adjusted according to clinical response and tolerability. The tablet is functionally scored to facilitate dose adjustment. At least 70 mg to 100 mg of carbidopa per day should be provided. Experience with total daily dosages of carbidopa greater than 200 mg is limited. Monitor patients closely during the dose adjustment period. Specifically, involuntary movements may occur with DHIVY, which may require dosage reduction. Blepharospasm may be a useful early sign of excess dosage in some patients. Maintain patients on the lowest dosage required to achieve symptomatic control and to minimize adverse reactions, such as dyskinesia and nausea. 2.2 Discontinuation of DHIVY Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction of DHIVY. The daily dosage of DHIVY should be tapered at the time of treatment discontinuation [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . If general anesthesia is required, DHIVY may be continued as long as the patient is permitted to take fluids and medication by mouth. If therapy is interrupted temporarily, the patient should be observed for symptoms resembling neuroleptic malignant syndrome, and the usual daily dosage may be administered as soon as the patient is able to take oral medication. 2.3 Administration Information Swallow DHIVY with or without food. The patient should be advised that a change in diet to foods that are high in protein may delay the absorption of levodopa and may reduce the amount taken up in the circulation. Excessive acidity also delays stomach emptying, thus delaying the absorption of levodopa. If the patient has difficulty swallowing the tablet due to its size, the tablet can be broken at the score lines.
Side Effects (Adverse Reactions)
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed below and elsewhere in the labeling: Falling Asleep During Activities of Daily Living and Somnolence [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Withdrawal-Emergent Hyperpyrexia and Confusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Cardiovascular Ischemic Events [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hallucinations/Psychotic-Like Behavior [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Impulse Control/Compulsive Behaviors [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Dyskinesia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Peptic Ulcer Disease [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Glaucoma [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Depression//Suicidality [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] The most common adverse reactions reported with carbidopa/levodopa tablets have included dyskinesias, such as choreiform, dystonic, and other involuntary movements, and nausea. The following other adverse reactions have been reported with carbidopa/levodopa tablets: Body as a Whole Chest pain, asthenia. Cardiovascular Cardiac irregularities, hypotension, orthostatic effects including orthostatic hypotension, hypertension, syncope, phlebitis, palpitation. Gastrointestinal Dark saliva, gastrointestinal bleeding, development of duodenal ulcer, anorexia, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, dyspepsia, dry mouth, taste alterations. Hematologic Agranulocytosis, hemolytic and non-hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia. Hypersensitivity Angioedema, urticaria, pruritus, Henoch-Schönlein purpura, bullous lesions (including pemphigus-like reactions). Musculoskeletal Back pain, shoulder pain, muscle cramps. Nervous System/Psychiatric Psychotic episodes including delusions, hallucinations, and paranoid ideation, bradykinetic episodes (“on-off” phenomenon), confusion, agitation, dizziness, somnolence, dream abnormalities including nightmares, insomnia, paresthesia, headache, depression with or without development of suicidal tendencies, dementia, pathological gambling, increased libido including hypersexuality, impulse control symptoms. Convulsions also have occurred; however, a causal relationship with DHIVY has not been established. Respiratory Dyspnea, upper respiratory infection. Skin Rash, increased sweating, alopecia, dark sweat. Urogenital Urinary tract infection, urinary frequency, dark urine. Laboratory Tests Decreased hemoglobin and hematocrit; abnormalities in alkaline phosphatase, SGOT (AST), SGPT (ALT), LDH, bilirubin, BUN, Coombs test; elevated serum glucose; white blood cells, bacteria, and blood in the urine. Other adverse reactions that have been reported with levodopa alone and with various carbidopa levodopa formulations, and may occur with DHIVY are: Body as a Whole Abdominal pain and distress, fatigue. Cardiovascular Myocardial infarction. Gastrointestinal Gastrointestinal pain, dysphagia, sialorrhea, flatulence, bruxism, burning sensation of the tongue, heartburn, hiccups. Metabolic Edema, weight gain, weight loss. Musculoskeletal Leg pain. Nervous System/Psychiatric Ataxia, extrapyramidal disorder, falling, anxiety, gait abnormalities, nervousness, decreased mental acuity, memory impairment, disorientation, euphoria, blepharospasm (which may be taken as an early sign of excess dosage; consideration of dosage reduction may be made at this time), trismus, increased tremor, numbness, muscle twitching, activation of latent Horner’s syndrome, peripheral neuropathy. Respiratory Pharyngeal pain, cough. Skin Malignant melanoma, flushing. Special Senses Oculogyric crises, diplopia, blurred vision, dilated pupils. Urogenital Urinary retention, urinary incontinence, priapism. Miscellaneous Bizarre breathing patterns, faintness, hoarseness, malaise, hot flashes, sense of stimulation. The most common adverse reactions reported with carbidopa/levodopa tablets have included dyskinesias, such as choreiform, dystonic, and other involuntary movements, and nausea To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS,...
Drug Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Iron salts and dopamine D2 antagonists including metoclopramide: May reduce the effectiveness of DHIVY ( 7.2 , 7.3 ) 7.1 Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors The use of nonselective MAO inhibitors with DHIVY is contraindicated [see Contraindications (4) ] . Discontinue use of any nonselective MAO inhibitors at least two weeks prior to initiating DHIVY. DHIVY may be administered concomitantly with the manufacturer's recommended dose of selective MAO-B inhibitors (e.g., rasagiline or selegiline HCl). Concomitant therapy with selegiline and carbidopa/levodopa may be associated with severe orthostatic hypotension not attributable to carbidopa/levodopa alone. 7.2 Dopamine D 2 Receptor Antagonists and Isoniazid Dopamine D 2 receptor antagonists (e.g., phenothiazines, butyrophenones, risperidone) and isoniazid may reduce the effectiveness of levodopa. Monitor patients taking these drugs with DHIVY for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. 7.3 Iron Salts Iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts can form chelates with levodopa and carbidopa and can cause a reduction in the bioavailability of DHIVY. If iron salts or multivitamins containing iron salts are co-administered with DHIVY, monitor patients for worsening Parkinson’s symptoms. 7.4 Antihypertensive Drugs Symptomatic postural hypotension occurred when carbidopa/levodopa was added to the treatment of a patient receiving antihypertensive drugs. Therefore, when therapy with DHIVY is started, dosage adjustment of the antihypertensive drug may be required. 7.5 Dopamine-Depleting Agents Use of DHIVY with dopamine-depleting agents (e.g., reserpine and tetrabenazine) or other drugs known to deplete monoamine stores is not recommended. 7.6 Metoclopramide Although metoclopramide may increase the bioavailability of levodopa by increasing gastric emptying, metoclopramide may also reduce effectiveness of levodopa by its dopamine receptor antagonistic properties.
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS DHIVY is contraindicated in patients Currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, linezolid, and tranylcypromine) or have recently (within 2 weeks) taken a nonselective MAO inhibitor. Hypertension can occur if these drugs are used concurrently [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ] . With known hypersensitivity to any component of DHIVY [see Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Nonselective MAO inhibitors ( 4 ) With known hypersensitivity to any component of DHIVY ( 4 )
Overdosage
10 OVERDOSAGE Based on the limited available information, the acute symptoms of levodopa/dopa decarboxylase inhibitor overdosage can be expected to arise from dopaminergic overstimulation. Doses of a few grams may result in CNS disturbances, with an increasing likelihood of cardiovascular disturbance (e.g., hypotension, tachycardia) and more severe psychiatric problems at higher doses. An isolated report of rhabdomyolysis and another of transient renal insufficiency suggest that levodopa overdosage may give rise to systemic complications, secondary to dopaminergic overstimulation. Monitor patients and provide supportive care. Patients should receive electrocardiographic monitoring for the development of arrhythmias; if needed, appropriate antiarrhythmic therapy should be given. The possibility that the patient may have taken other drugs, increasing the risk of drug interactions (especially catechol-structured drugs) should be taken into consideration.
How Supplied
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied DHIVY (carbidopa and levodopa) tablets are white to off-white tablets with functional scoring containing 25 mg of carbidopa and 100 mg of levodopa. One side of each DHIVY tablet has 3 scores, with each segment containing 6.25 mg of carbidopa and 25 mg of levodopa (1:4 ratio). The unscored side of the tablet is debossed with logo “AV70l”. DHIVY is supplied as follows: NDC 75854-701-01 bottles of 100. Four copies of the Instructions for Use are included with the bottle, and additional copies, as needed, can be printed. 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Store in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. Dispense in a light-resistant container.
About This Information
This drug information is sourced from FDA-approved labeling via the openFDA database. It is intended for educational and reference purposes only. This is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making decisions about medication. Drug information may be updated by the FDA; check with your pharmacist for the most current information.
What are side effects?
Side effects are unwanted reactions that can occur when taking a medication. They range from mild (headache, nausea) to severe (allergic reactions, organ damage). Not everyone experiences side effects, and severity varies. Report any concerning side effects to your doctor.
What are drug interactions?
Drug interactions occur when a medication is affected by another drug, food, or supplement. Interactions can make medications less effective or cause dangerous side effects. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.