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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you have

• taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or phenelzine (Nardil) in the past 2 weeks;
• narrow-angle glaucoma (angle closure glaucoma); or
• malignant melanoma (a type of skin cancer).

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor if you have

• heart disease, high blood pressure, arteriosclerosis, hardening of the arteries, a previous heart attack, or an irregular heartbeat;
• respiratory disease, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);
• liver disease;
• kidney disease;
• an endocrine (hormonal) disease;
• a stomach or intestinal ulcer;
• wide-angle glaucoma; or
• depression or any other psychiatric disorder.

You may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

It is not known whether carbidopa will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take carbidopa without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

It is also not known whether carbidopa will be harmful to a nursing infant. Do not take carbidopa without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take carbidopa (Lodosyn)?

Take carbidopa exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Carbidopa must be taken with levodopa to have an effect.

It is important to take carbidopa regularly to get the most benefit.

Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with carbidopa to monitor progress and side effects.

Store carbidopa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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