Duodopa 250/25mg Tablet 10s

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s is an oral anti-Parkinsonian medicine containing Carbidopa and Levodopa, which belongs to the dopamine precursor and decarboxylase inhibitor class. It is widely used as a first-line treatment for Parkinson's disease, particularly when lifestyle measures and other therapies alone are not sufficient to control motor symptoms like tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement. Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s works mainly by increasing dopamine levels in the brain and preventing its premature breakdown, helping to improve movement and reduce Parkinson's symptoms effectively.

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s contains Levodopa and Carbidopa, an effective anti-Parkinsonian combination that helps control motor symptoms without directly replacing lost brain cells. Because of this mechanism of action, Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s has a low risk of causing excessive dopamine side effects when used properly. It works by converting Levodopa to dopamine in the brain and preventing its premature breakdown outside the brain, helping to improve movement and reduce Parkinson's symptoms.

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s is widely valued in the management of Parkinson's disease due to its proven effectiveness in reducing tremors, stiffness, and slowness, its generally tolerable profile once adjusted, and its long-standing role as cornerstone therapy. When symptoms are well controlled, Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s has been shown to help maintain daily functioning and quality of life, reducing the impact of Parkinson's progression.

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s is usually taken with or after meals to reduce the likelihood of common side effects such as nausea, dizziness, low blood pressure, and involuntary movements, which often improve as treatment is fine-tuned. Regular monitoring of kidney and liver function is important during treatment, as impaired function may require dose adjustments. The medicine should always be used as directed by a healthcare professional, with the dose and timing adjusted according to individual patient needs.

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s is indicated for:

Parkinson's disease:

• Used as monotherapy or in combination with other anti-Parkinsonian agents to improve motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia, and postural instability.

Parkinsonism:

• Effective for symptoms caused by other conditions affecting dopamine levels, such as post-encephalitic Parkinsonism.

Off-periods in Advanced Parkinson's:

• Used to manage "wearing-off" episodes and motor fluctuations in patients with long-standing disease.

Effective Symptom Control:

Significantly improves tremors, stiffness, and slowness of movement, enhancing daily functioning.

Low Nausea Risk:

Carbidopa reduces peripheral side effects, allowing more Levodopa to reach the brain effectively.

Smooth Dopamine Delivery:

Provides consistent symptom relief with reduced "on-off" fluctuations.

Neuroprotective Potential:

May slow disease progression and improve quality of life in Parkinson's patients.

Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s is generally well-tolerated, but side effects related to movement and the gastrointestinal (GI) system are common, especially when treatment is initiated.​

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea or Vomiting

• Dyskinesia (involuntary movements)

• Dizziness or Lightheadedness

• Dry Mouth

• Loss of Appetite

Serious Side Effects (Stop taking the medicine and seek urgent medical attention if you experience):

• Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (RARE but SEVERE): This is a medical emergency. Symptoms include high fever, muscle rigidity, confusion, irregular heartbeat, and changes in blood pressure. The risk is highest with sudden dose changes or concurrent use of certain medications.​

• Hallucinations or Severe Confusion: Particularly in older patients or those with advanced disease, which may require dose adjustment.

• Severe Allergic Reaction: Rash, itching, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, and difficulty breathing.

• Dosage: The dose is typically started low and increased gradually 3-4 times daily, as directed by your physician.
• Administration: Swallow whole with a glass of water. It is crucial to take Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s with or immediately after a meal to reduce nausea and other side effects.
• Consistency: Take the medicine at the same time each day to maintain consistent symptom control.
• Monitoring: Your doctor will regularly monitor your symptoms, mental status, and liver/kidney function. Do not stop the medication without consulting your doctor.

• With Meals: Always take this medicine during or immediately after a meal to reduce nausea and stomach upset, which are common when starting treatment. Food helps the medication absorb more steadily while minimising gastrointestinal discomfort that many patients experience initially.​

• Regular Check-ups: You will need regular visits to your neurologist to monitor Parkinson's symptoms, mental status, blood pressure, and overall response. This is critical for safely adjusting doses as the disease progresses and to watch for side effects like dyskinesia or hallucinations.​

• Stay Steady: Rise slowly from sitting or lying positions to avoid orthostatic hypotension (dizziness or fainting from sudden blood pressure drops). Hold onto support if needed, especially in the early weeks of treatment or after dose increases.​

• Medical Tests: Inform your doctor or surgeon that you are taking Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s before any surgery, dental work, or procedures requiring anaesthesia. You may need to pause the medicine temporarily to prevent complications like irregular heart rhythms.​

• Symptoms of Serious Reaction: If you experience high fever, severe muscle stiffness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, hallucinations, or uncontrollable movements, seek emergency medical help immediately. These could signal neuroleptic malignant syndrome or overdose.​

Store the Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s in its original packaging at room temperature (typically below 30°C / 86°F), away from moisture, heat, direct sunlight, and humidity. Keep out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion. Do not use after the expiry date.​

Food: Food reduces the extent and slightly delays the absorption of Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s. However, taking it with or after food is highly recommended to minimise nausea and GI side effects.

• Glaucoma: Use with caution. May increase intraocular pressure in susceptible patients.
• Psychiatric Disorders (psychosis, depression): Contraindicated. Can worsen hallucinations, confusion, or psychotic symptoms.
• Cardiovascular Disease: Use with caution, as orthostatic hypotension can worsen heart conditions.
• Peptic Ulcer Disease: Use with caution due to increased risk of GI bleeding from Levodopa. Interactions with Other Drugs of Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s
• Antipsychotics (haloperidol, phenothiazines): Can reduce effectiveness and worsen Parkinson's symptoms; avoid concurrent use.
• MAO Inhibitors: Risk of hypertensive crisis; discontinue 2 weeks before starting Duodopa 250 25mg Tablet 10s.
• Anticholinergics, Iron Supplements: May delay absorption; separate dosing by 2 hours. Dopamine agonists (amantadine): May increase dyskinesia or hallucinations; monitor closely.
• Dopamine agonists (amantadine): May increase dyskinesia or hallucinations; monitor closely.

The typical maximum daily dose is 1200mg carbidopa/4800mg levodopa, but treatment starts low (e.g., 25mg carbidopa/100mg levodopa 3 times daily) and increases gradually over weeks. Doses are individualised based on symptom control and tolerance, often 3-4 times per day.​

Overdose can cause severe nausea, vomiting, involuntary movements (dyskinesia), confusion, low blood pressure, or agitation. Action Required: Seek emergency medical assistance immediately. Treatment involves supportive care, activated charcoal if recent, and monitoring vital signs in the hospital.​

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember with food, unless it's almost time for the next one. Skip the missed dose and resume your schedule—never double up, as this risks side effects like dyskinesia.