Patient/caregiver was educated on the side-effects of using Carbidopa-Levodopa as follows:
Gastrointestinal side-effects
- Carbidopa-Levodopa use can result in common general constitutional symptoms such as, nausea and vomiting. Taking Carbidopa-Levodopa after having a meal or a snack can help avoid having unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms with the medication.
- Carbidopa-Levodopa use can induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Carbidopa-Levodopa use can also result in stomach upset, increased acid secretion, and mild burning sensation of the stomach. Symptoms of GI upset can be self-limiting and resolve in due course of time, with occasional subjects presenting with increased risk for development of peptic ulcers. Individuals with peptic ulcer development can present with episodes of GI bleed, which can appear as black tarry stools or vomit that looks coffee grounds.
