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Levodopa : Interaction with Foods, Herbs & Alcohol


Are you taking Levodopa? Are you aware of the dangers of combining Levodopa with certain foods, herbs, or alcohol? Drug-food-interactions are seldom discussed but can lead to undesirable side effects and potentially diminish the efficacy of the medication.

Levodopa Interactions with Food and Herbs

High Protein foods: When on Levodopa, avoid having high protein foods like cheese,meats and other dairy products as it may decrease the drug's absorption into the body (1 Trusted Source
Levodopa: Micromedex Drug Information

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).

High Fiber foods: Avoid taking high fiber foods with Levodopa, it may delay gastric emptying, which can decrease and delay the absorption of Levodopa (2 Trusted Source
Levodopa: Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions

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).

Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6): Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) has been found to reduce the effects of Levodopa when it is taken alone. This does not happen with the combination of Carbidopa and Levodopa. When taking Levodopa do not take Vitamin and protein rich products such as bananas, eggs, meats and peanuts (3 Trusted Source
Levodopa: Drug Information

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).

Levodopa Interactions with Alcohol

Drinking Alcohol while taking Levodopa can increase the side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and difficulty in concentrating (4 Trusted Source
Levodopa: Alcohol/food Interactions

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).

When and How to Take Levodopa

  • Levodopa is available in the form of oral inhaler which is used by inhaling the dry powder contained in the capsule.
  • The capsule is intended for inhalation purpose only.
  • Do not exceed 5 doses in a day.
  • Follow the instructions carefully as given in the prescription.
  • Do not discontinue the medicine without consulting your physician(5 Trusted Source
    Levodopa:Medlineplus Drug Information

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    ).

References

1.Levodopa: Micromedex Drug Information
https://www.micromedexsolutions.com/micromedex2/librarian/PFDefaultActionId/evid encexpert.DoIntegratedSearch?navitem=topHome&isToolPage=true#
2.Levodopa: Food, Alcohol, Supplements and Drug Interactions
https://www.wellrx.com/sinemet%2025-100/lifestyle-interactions/#
3.Levodopa: Drug Information
https://www.apdaparkinson.org/article/nutrition-and-parkinsons-disease-part-one/
4.Levodopa: Alcohol/food Interactions
https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/levodopa-with-vitamin-b6-1456-0-1972-3743.html
5.Levodopa:Medlineplus Drug Information
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a619018.html

Drug Name : Levodopa

Levodopa is an antiparkinson agent, relieves some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, including tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. It also may improve your gait, posture, swallowing, speech, handwriting, vigor, alertness, and sense of well-being and may control excess salivation and seborrhoea (oily, crusty, scaly skin). Levodopa is also used to relieve bone pain caused by cancer and to control pain caused by shingles.
We recommend consulting your doctor to verify the information presented on this page or if you need any further clarifications.


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