Stalevo tablets are a combination medication used to treat the symptoms of Parkinson's disease. This medication contains three active ingredients that work together to achieve maximum benefit: levodopa 50 mg, carbidopa 12.5 mg, and entacapone 200 mg. Levodopa is a substance that is converted in the brain to dopamine to compensate for the deficiency in Parkinson's patients. Carbidopa prevents levodopa from being converted to dopamine before it reaches the brain, increasing the amount of levodopa available to the brain and reducing side effects. Entacapone is an inhibitor of the enzyme COMT, which is involved in the breakdown of levodopa. This increases the duration of levodopa's effect in the brain and improves symptom control.
What are the ingredients in Stalevo?
Stalevo tablets contain the following active ingredients:
Levodopa: 50 mg.
Carbidopa: 12.5 mg.
Entacapone: 200 mg.
The tablets also contain inactive ingredients.
Indications for Use:
Stalevo tablets are used to treat:
Parkinson's disease: especially in patients who experience fluctuations while taking levodopa and carbidopa alone.
It helps relieve motor symptoms of the disease, such as tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance.
The goal of treatment is to improve patients' ability to move and perform daily activities more smoothly and for a longer period.
What is the dosage of Stalevo?
Stalevo tablets should be taken as directed by your doctor. The dosage depends on the patient's response to levodopa and their individual needs. Stalevo is usually prescribed for patients already taking levodopa and carbidopa and need to improve their response.
Swallow the tablet whole with water. The medication can be taken with or without food, but some patients may find it works best if taken 30 minutes before or an hour after protein-rich meals. Strict adherence to the prescribed dose and timing is essential, and the medication should not be stopped suddenly without consulting a doctor to avoid a severe worsening of symptoms (withdrawal syndrome).
What are the side effects of Stalevo?
Stalevo tablets may cause some side effects, including:
Abnormal involuntary movements (dyskinesia), which are common.
Nausea and vomiting.
Diarrhea (may be chronic).
Red-brown urine discoloration.
Dry mouth.
Dizziness or lightheadedness.
Hallucinations.
Sleep disturbances (insomnia or excessive sleepiness).
In rare cases, more serious side effects may occur, such as orthostatic hypotension, liver problems, or compulsive behaviors (such as gambling or overeating). Any severe, persistent, or unusual side effects should be reported to a doctor immediately.