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How often should carbidopa/levodopa be taken?

Medically reviewed by Sally Chao, MD. Last updated on Sep 21, 2023.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

The immediate-release (short-acting) form of carbidopa/levodopa is usually taken 3 or 4 times each day, while the extended-release (long-acting) form is typically taken 2 to 4 times each day.

Carbidopa and levodopa may come in capsules, which should be swallowed whole, or as tablets that disintegrate in your mouth.

Carbidopa and levodopa can also be delivered directly into your stomach, using a tube that is surgically inserted in the abdomen. When this method is used, patients are usually given an initial dose over 10 to 30 minutes, followed by a continuous dose over 16 hours.

Your doctor can help you decide on a schedule for how often and when to take carbidopa and levodopa. It’s important to adhere to the schedule closely, and it’s recommended that you take the medication at the same time each day.

It may be best to take your first daily dose 1 to 2 hours before eating your first meal of the day.

Taking carbidopa and levodopa soon after eating a meal that is high in fat and calories can elongate the time it takes for your body to absorb the medication and feel its effects. Eating lots of protein or acidic foods with the medication may also delay the onset of the medication’s effects.

This combination medication is used to treat Parkinson’s disease or related symptoms.

References
  1. U.S. National Library of Medicine MedlinePlus. Levodopa and Carbidopa. June 15, 2018. Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601068.html. [Accessed September 27, 2021].
  2. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). RYTARY (carbidopa and levodopa) extended-release capsules, for oral use. January 2015. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2015/203312s000lbl.pdf. [Accessed September 27, 2021].
  3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SINEMET CR (CARBIDOPA-LEVODOPA) SUSTAINED-RELEASE TABLETS. Available at: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/019856s025lbl.pdf. [Accessed September 27, 2021].

Read next

The short-acting (immediate-release) formulation of carbidopa/levodopa takes effect within about 20 to 50 minutes. The long-acting (extended-release) formulation starts to work closer to the 50-minute timeframe. Continue reading

Carbidopa/levodopa is unlikely to cause high blood pressure (hypertension). It was reported in less than 1% of patients in clinical trials and is not considered a common adverse reaction related to the drug. Continue reading

Levodopa is a central nervous system agent that helps people with Parkinson’s because it is converted into dopamine in the brain. It helps to alleviate the symptoms of the disease by providing a supply of dopamine, which is lacking in people with Parkinson's.

Levodopa works best to help treat the slowness and stiffness or rigidity associated with Parkinson’s disease, and in some cases may treat the tremor as well. It does not slow or reduce the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Continue reading

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