Stalevo

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Stalevo

Stalevo should never be combined with certain MAO inhibitors such as the antidepressants Nardil and Parnate (see "Most important fact about this drug").

If Stalevo is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to consult your doctor before combining Stalevo with the following:

Apomorphine (Uprima)
Asthma medications
Ampicillin (Principen)
Blood pressure medication
Chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin)
Cholestyramine (Questran)
Dobutamine
Dopamine
Epinephrine or norepinephrine (such as Epi-Pen)
Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Erythrocin, and others)
Isoniazid (Laniazid, Nydrazid, Rifater)
Major tranquilizers such as chlorpromazine, Haldol, Mellaril, and Risperdal
Methyldopa (Aldomet)
Metoclopramide (Reglan)
Papaverine (Cerespan, Pavabid, and others)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Probenecid (Benemid)
Pyridoxine (vitamin B6)
Rifampin or rifampicin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rimactane)
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil and Tofranil

Iron supplements or a high-protein diet may reduce the effectiveness of Stalevo.

Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Stalevo during pregnancy have not been studied. Notify your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Stalevo should only be used if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks.

It is not known whether Stalevo appears in breast milk. Your doctor may recommend that you discontinue breastfeeding while you are taking Stalevo.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

Your doctor will tailor your individual dosage carefully, depending on your response to previous therapy and symptoms. If you are already taking carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone as two separate medications, you will start a Stalevo regimen that matches what you were previously taking.

Stalevo may be taken up to eight times a day. It is available in three different strengths:

• 12.5 milligrams carbidopa/50 milligrams levodopa/200 milligrams entacapone
• 25 milligrams carbidopa/100 milligrams levodopa/ 200 milligrams entacapone
• 37.5 milligrams carbidopa/150 milligrams levodopa/200 milligrams entacapone

Overdosage

An overdose of Stalevo can have potentially serious effects and may require hospitalization. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical treatment immediately.

• Symptoms of overdose may include:
  Abdominal pain, loose stools, low blood pressure, mental disturbances (depression, psychosis, hallucinations, suicidal thoughts), rapid heartbeat