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. The list is not intended to be comprehensive but to cover some important
points.
By Carina and Duncan Livingstone
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