LEVODOPA
It is inactive by itself, but is the immediate precursor of the transmitter. Dopamine Marked symptomatic improvement occurs in parkinsonian patients. Hypokinesia and rigidity resolve first, later tremor as well. Secondary symptoms of posture gait, handwriting, speech, facial epression, mood, selfcare and interest in life and gradually normalized. In some patients this progresses to excitment - frank psychosis & embarrasingly disproportionate increase in sexual activity.Idiopathic, post-encephalitis & arteriosclerotic Parkinsonism.
Start with 250 mg daily after meals increasing slowly by 250 mg increments over 3-4 days till max. therapeutic response is achieved (Max. 1-8 gm daily in divided does)
acute narrow angle glaucoma. Severe psychosis, history of malignant melanoma.
Elderly, Ischaemic heart disease, cerebrovascular, psychiatric, endocrine, hepatic and renal disease, peptic ulcer. Paediatrics: Normally not prescribed. Pregnancy & Lactation: To be avoided. Elderly: No special problem.
Nausea, vomiting, postural hypoten- sion. Cardiac arrhythmias. Exacerbation of angina. Altertion in taste sensation. C.N.S. disturbances, involuntary movements, urine discolouration.
Hypertensive crises with furazolidone or MAOIs. Effects enhanced by the peripheral dopa decarboxylase inhibitors, amantadine, anticholinergics, amphetamine. Enhances hypotensive effects of bethanidine, bretylium, guanethidine. Phenothiazines, haloperidol, reserpine, diazepam, oxazepam, pyridoxine, chlordiazepoxide, phenobarbitone reduces effects of levodopa.
Brand Name | Manufactured by |
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BIDOPAL | GLAXO-SMITHKLINE |
LEVOPA | WALLACE PHARMACEUTICALS LTD |