1. Co-careldopa is used to treat Parkinson's disease. It is particularly helpful for problems of rigidity and slow movement.
2. It is important to keep taking the tablets regularly unless your doctor tells you to stop. If you suddenly stop taking them your condition could get worse.
3. It is best not to take iron supplements for at least one hour before and after taking co-careldopa. They can reduce the amount of co-careldopa your body absorbs, so it will not work as well.
4. The tablets can cause nausea, but taking them with or after food may help prevent this. In some cases, when you have been taking the tablets for some time, your doctor may suggest that you take them on an empty stomach.
5. Co-careldopa can have some other unwanted effects. The most common side effects are involuntary body movements and mental changes, including confusion and anxiety. Tell your doctor if these or any other side effects are persistent or troublesome.
6. This medicine can make your urine a darker colour but this is not usually a cause for concern.
This series of "advice tips" on commonly used drugs is written by pharmacists from the Sussex Pharmacy Academic Practice Unit. It is intended as a reminder of points to be made by pharmacists as they hand out dispensed medicines. Cards for sale: Sets of 50 "tips" are now available for sale as 12 x 15cm cards, supplied with a ring binder, at a cost of £18 (UK); £22 (elsewhere). For those who already have the first 25 cards and binder, cards 26-50 are available separately at a cost of £8 (UK); £11 (elsewhere). Orders should be sent to Pharmacy Practice Consultants, 12 Firle Road, Lancing, West Sussex BN15 0NZ, with cheques payable to Pharmacy Practice Consultants.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone