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Co-beneldopa

  • Take co-beneldopa with or after a meal.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
  • Do not stop taking co-beneldopa without speaking to your doctor first.
  • In rare cases some patients taking co-beneldopa have suddenly fallen asleep with little or no warning of tiredness. If you experience this you should avoid driving, operating machinery or other tasks where you need to be fully alert, and see your doctor as soon as possible.

About co-beneldopa

Type of medicine Dopaminergic drug
Used for Parkinson's disease
Also called Madopar®
Madopar CR®
Available as Capsules
Dispersible tablets
Modified release capsules (co-beneldopa is released slowly over the day to give an even effect)

About co-beneldopa

Co-beneldopa contains two ingredients, benserazide hydrochloride and levodopa. It is used to relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. The way in which Parkinson's disease affects the brain to produce symptoms is not yet fully understood. A link between a reduction in the amount of a natural chemical in the brain known as dopamine has been found. The lack of dopamine causes the symptoms of Parkinsonism such as loss of muscle control, stiffness and tremor.

Levodopa is converted into dopamine, increasing the level in the brain.

Benserazide prevents levodopa being broken down in the body before it has had time to work; so that more levodopa gets into the brain to be converted into dopamine. The increased level of dopamine in the brain relieves the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Before taking co-beneldopa

Before taking co-beneldopa make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

  • If you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding.
  • If you suffer from lung or breathing problems.
  • If you suffer from glaucoma (increased eye pressure), diabetes, or osteomalacia (weakening of the bones).
  • If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid gland), Cushing's syndrome (high levels of cortisol) or phaeochromocytoma (a growth on the adrenal glands).
  • If you have ever had convulsions.
  • If you have liver or kidney problems.
  • If you have ever had a stomach ulcer.
  • If you suffer from heart or blood vessel problems.
  • If you have ever suffered from a melanoma (skin cancer).
  • If you have ever had a severe mental health illness.
  • If you are taking other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines.
  • If you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine.

How to take co-beneldopa

  • Before beginning treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet.
  • Take your medication exactly as directed by your doctor.
  • Try to take co-beneldopa at the same times each day to avoid missing any doses. If you do miss a dose, just take the next dose when it is due. Do not take a double-dose to make up for a missed dose.
  • Co-beneldopa capsules (Madopar®): Take with or after food to lessen the chance of stomach upset .
  • Co-beneldopa controlled release capsules (Madopar CR®): Swallow whole (not crushed or chewed) with a glass of water. Take them with or straight after a meal. Also, do not take indigestion remedies at the same time of day as this preparation. Take them at least one hour before or one hour after a dose of controlled release co-beneldopa.
  • Co-beneldopa dispersible tablets: Swallow whole or dispersed in water or fruit squash (but not pure fruit juice) with or after food.

Getting the most from your treatment

  • You may have to take co-beneldopa for several weeks or months before you feel the full benefit.
  • As your condition improves and your body movements become easier, be careful not to overdo physical activities. Physical activities must be increased gradually to allow your body to adjust to changing balance, circulation and co-ordination. This is especially important if you are elderly.
  • Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be checked. During the first few weeks of treatment your dose may require adjusting to suit your individual needs. Your doctor may also want you to have liver, kidney, heart and blood tests whilst you are taking co-beneldopa.
  • Do not stop taking co-beneldopa without speaking to your doctor first.
  • If you are diabetic, you may need to monitor your blood glucose levels more frequently. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.
  • Co-beneldopa may cause a reddish discolouration of urine and other body fluids. This is completely harmless and is no cause for concern.
  • In Parkinson's disease there is a small increased chance of skin problems developing, so your doctor may arrange for you to see a skin specialist from time to time. If you notice any unusual patches of skin, let your doctor know.
  • If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with co-beneldopa.

Can co-beneldopa cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Common side-effects - these affect less than 1 in 10 people who take this medicine What can I do if I experience this
Feeling or being sick Eat little and often. Stick to simple foods such as dry toast.
Drink plenty of liquid to replace any lost fluids
Dizziness, faintness Getting up slowly should help. If you begin to feel dizzy, lie down so that you do not faint, then sit for a few moments before standing
Drowsiness Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before driving, operating machinery, or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert
Headache Ask your pharmacist to recommend a suitable pain killer
Loss of appetite, diarrhoea, difficulty sleeping, agitation, a fast or fluttering heartbeat, uncontrollable movements of the body, mood changes, hearing or seeing things that are not real, flushing, sweating, tingling in the fingers or toes, and black or bloody stools Speak with your doctor

Important: If you experience falling asleep suddenly, avoid driving and see your doctor as soon as possible.

Important: Speak to your doctor if you notice any changes in your behaviour such as an increased desire to gamble or an increased sex drive.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store co-beneldopa

  • Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
  • Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines


  • Before having any kind of surgery, including dental or emergency treatment, tell the doctor or dentist which medicines you are taking.
  • Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of this medicine, go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Take the container with you, even if it is empty.
  • This medicine is for you. Never give it to other people even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.
  • Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Take them to your local pharmacy which will dispose of them for you.
  • If you have any questions about this medicine ask your pharmacist.

References

Comprehensive patient resources are available at www.patient.co.uk
© EMIS 2008 DocID:
3565		 DocRef:
dils3004		 Last Updated:
19 May 2008		 Date of Next Review:
19 May 2010		 Version:
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