Dopacol tablets 250 mg for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndrome (levodopa, carbidopa)

General information on Japanese Dopacol tablets 250 mg for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndrome (levodopa, carbidopa)

Package details: 100 tablets

Manufacturer: Nichi-Iko Pharmaceutical Industry Co., Ltd., Japan

Active ingredient: levodopa (chemical formula C9H11NO4), carbidopa hydrate (chemical formula C10H16N2O5)

Medical effect: Dopacol tablets are effective for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndrome.

Contraindications and precautions: do not use for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Do not use for patients with closed angle glaucoma.

As this medicine may cause sudden sleepiness or decline of concentration, avoid driving a car, working at heights or operating dangerous mechanisms after taking this medicine.

If an allergic reaction occurs, stop taking the medicine and consult with your doctor. If you’re taking any other medication, please consult with your doctor before use.

Dosage and administration

For patients who have never taken levodopa before:

• For adults, start with 100-125 mg of levodopa at a time, 100-300 mg daily as an initial dose.
• Then gradually increase the dose by 100 to 125 mg every day or every other day.
• The maintenance dose is 200-250 mg of levodopa at a time, 3 times daily.
• The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage according to the symptoms, however,the maximum dosage of 1500 mg a day should not be exceeded.

For patients who have been taking levodopa:

• For adults, take at least 8-hour interval after taking levodopa alone,
• The initial dose should be equivalent to one fifth of levodopa of the daily maintenance dose, and this amount should be divided into 3 times a day.
• The maintenance dose is 200-250 mg of levodopa at a time, 3 times a day.
• The doctor in charge may adjust the dosage according to the symptoms, however,the maximum dosage of 1500 mg a day should not be exceeded.

Please note that this preparation contains 250 mg of levodopa in 1 tablet.

How effective are Dopacol tablets 250 mg from Japan for Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndrome (levodopa, carbidopa)?

Dopacol tablets contain two active ingredients, levodopa and carbidopa. Levodopa is a golden standard for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It is taken up into the brain, changes into dopamine and supplements insufficient dopamine. Carbidopa enhances transition of levodopa to the brain, decreasing the amount of levodopa needed and the occurrence of possible adverse effects.

Who should take Dopacol tablets 250 mg from Japan?

Dopacol tablets are effective for the treatment of Parkinson's disease and parkinsonian syndrome. They improve akinesia, muscle rigidity and tremor, body movements in daily life and wearing-off phenomenon. Studies showed that levodopa and carbidopa combination also improves non-motor symptoms, such as sleep, fatigue, mood, cognition, gastrointestinal tract or urinary symptoms (R. Kruger, P. Lingor et al. “An Observational Study of the Effect of Levodopa–Carbidopa Intestinal Gel on Activities of Daily Living and Quality of Life in Advanced Parkinson’s Disease Patients”. Advances in Therapy, 2017; 34(7): 1741–1752).