Madopar combination tablets for Parkinson disease (levodopa, benserazide)

What are Madopar combination pills for Parkinson disease (levodopa, benserazide)?

Madopar combination tablets contain 100 mg of levodopa, an amino acid acting as a precursor for neurotransmitters such as dopamine. Unlike dopamine itself, levodopa is able to cross the blood-brain barrier. Using levodopa has drastically changed the quality of life for patients with Parkinson disease and Parkinsonian syndrome, receiving well-deserved Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2000. However, unfortunately, taking levodopa as monotherapy can cause various side effects such as nausea, cardiac arrhythmia etc. 

Madopar combination tablets use levodopa together with benserazide hydrochloride, a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor. It helps to prevent converting levodopa into dopamine within the body before it reaches the brain, therefore, increases the effectiveness of the levodopa and decreases the required amount of it. Studies showed that Madopar combination tablets provide a stable and prolonged response in parkinsonian patients with fluctuating symptoms, decrease the severity and duration of dyskinesia and improving nocturnal akinesia in patients with Parkinson disease.

Active principles: levodopa 100 mg, benserazide hydrochloride 25 mg

Amount: 100 tablets

Maker: Taiyo Pharma Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan

Indications: treatment of Parkinson's disease and Parkinsonian syndrome

How to take

For patients who haven't used levodopa before: adults should start with 1-3 tablets, after meal, dividing into 1-3 times, on the first day. Then, gradually increase the dosage by 1-2 tablets every 2-3 days. The maintenance dosage is 3-6 tablets a day. 

For patients already taking levodopa: adults should start with approximately 1/5 of their previous dose of levodopa a day, after meal, dividing into 1-3 times. Gradually increase or decrease the dosage of this medicine until you reach the maintenance dose of 3-6 tablets a day.

Your doctor may adjust the dosage according to your age and symptoms. This medicine contains 100 mg of levodopa in 1 tablet. 

Contraindications: do not use for the following patients

• Patients with glaucoma,
• Patients with a hepatic or renal disorder,
• Patients with diabetes,
• Patients with heart and lung disease,
• Patients with bronchial asthma,
• Patients with endocrine disease,
• Patients with neurologic manifestations such as suicidal tendency,
• Patients with osteomalacia,
• Patients with a gastric or duodenal ulcer or a history of it,
• Breastfeeding or pregnant women.

Important information

As this medicine may cause sleepiness or decreased attention, patient should not drive a car, work at heights or operate dangerous machinery while taking these tablets.

If patient or their family notice any sign of unusual impulsive behavior (increase of sexual desire and appetite, excessive shopping, gambling etc.), they should immediately consult with their doctor.

If an allergic reaction occurs, patient needs to stop using the medicine and consult with their doctor. If patient is taking any other medication or treatment, they should consult with their doctor in advance.