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Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This combination medication is employed to alleviate symptoms associated with Parkinson’s disease, such as tremors, stiffness, and difficulty in movement. Levodopa undergoes conversion into dopamine within the brain, aiding in the regulation of movement. Benserazide serves the purpose of inhibiting the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream, allowing more levodopa to enter the brain. Benserazide can also mitigate some of the side effects associated with levodopa, such as nausea and vomiting. This combined action helps improve the management of Parkinson’s disease symptoms.
Uses and Dosage
Take this medication by mouth with food as prescribed by your doctor, usually 4 to 6 times a day. Swallow the capsules whole; do not open or dissolve them in liquid.
Avoid a high-protein diet during treatment unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, as it can decrease the absorption of levodopa in your body. Space your doses of this medication as far apart as possible from any iron supplements or products containing iron (such as multivitamins with minerals) you may take, as iron can reduce the absorption of this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
The dosage is determined based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To minimize the risk of side effects, your doctor may instruct you to initiate this medication at a low dose and gradually increase it. Follow your doctor’s instructions carefully.
Some patients may experience a “wearing-off” effect, indicating a worsening of symptoms before the next dose is due. An “on-off” effect may also occur, characterized by sudden short periods of stiffness. If these effects happen, contact your doctor for potential dose adjustments to alleviate this phenomenon.
Do not discontinue this medication without consulting your doctor, as some conditions may deteriorate when the medication is abruptly stopped. Additionally, sudden cessation may lead to withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, depression, confusion, fever, and muscle stiffness. To prevent withdrawal, your doctor may gradually reduce your dose. Withdrawal is more likely if you have been using this medication for an extended period or in high doses. Notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly if you experience withdrawal symptoms.
Use this medication consistently to derive the maximum benefit. To aid in remembering, take it at the same times each day.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- dark sweat or urine
- diarrhea
- dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when rising from lying or sitting position
- increase in sexual ability or desire
- increased sweating
- nausea
- nightmares
- stained saliva or mouth, teeth, and gums
- vomiting
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- compulsive behaviour (e.g., gambling, spending)
- false or unusual sense of well-being
- fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- fainting
- impaired ability to think
- mood or mental changes
- agitation
- confusion
- delusions
- taking more medication than ordered
- unwanted movements or difficulty moving
- absence of or decrease in body movement
- clenching, gnashing, or grinding teeth
- sudden freezing
- hypotonia
- tightness of the mouth, lips, or tongue
- twitching, twisting, uncontrolled repetitive movements of tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
- twisting of the neck to one side
- abdominal cramps
- difficulty breathing,
- swelling of the face and throat
- sudden onset of sleep
Caution
- Before taking this medication, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to levodopa or benserazide, or if you have any other allergies. Inactive ingredients in the product may trigger allergic reactions or other complications.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of liver disease, glaucoma, breathing problems, heart disease, kidney disease, stomach/intestinal ulcer, mental/mood disorders, blood disorders, seizures, or sleep disorders.
- This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. The use of alcohol or marijuana can intensify these effects. Refrain from driving, operating machinery, or engaging in activities requiring alertness until you can do so safely.
- This medication must not be used during pregnancy as it may harm an unborn baby. You should prevent pregnancy while taking this medication. Consult your doctor for more details and discuss the use of reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while on this medication. If you become pregnant or suspect pregnancy, notify your doctor immediately.
- Levodopa passes into breast milk in small amounts and may impact milk production. It is uncertain if benserazide passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Prolopa is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Prolopa capsule:
- 50 /12.5 mg
- 200 /50 mg
FAQ
Can Prolopa capsules be opened?
No, Prolopa capsules should be swallowed whole.
Can Prolopa be taken with food?
If you experience stomach upset you may take Prolopa with a small meal or snack. However, food high in protein should be avoided as it can interfere with absorption of the medication.
Resources
- https://www.uniprix.com/en/drug-lexicon/00386472/prolopa#:~:text=This%20medication%20may%20irritate%20the,and%20after%20taking%20this%20medication
- https://www.rxhealthmed.ca/medication_search/prolopa/
- https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/medications/adult/benserazide-and-levodopa?msk_tools_print=pdf
- https://www.medbroadcast.com/drug/getdrug/prolopa#adverseeffects
- https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/medications/levodopabenserazide-oral
