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Indications & Uses
Aparkin is indicated for:
Pharmacology
This capsule is an anti-Parkinson's medicine containing levodopa and benserazide. Levodopa is a dopamine precursor, and it works as a prodrug. Dopamine itself can't cross the blood brain barrier, but levodopa can, so it is used to raise dopamine levels. Once levodopa is inside the central nervous system, aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase converts it to dopamine.
After it is given, levodopa is quickly decarboxylated to dopamine in tissues outside the brain as well as inside it. Because of this, most of the levodopa given never reaches the basal ganglia, and the dopamine made in the rest of the body often causes unwanted side effects. So it is particularly desirable to block the decarboxylation of levodopa outside the brain. This can be done by giving levodopa together with benserazide, a peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor.
The levodopa-benserazide capsule combines the two substances in a ratio of 4:1. This ratio proved optimal in clinical trials and in therapeutic use, and the combination is just as effective as large doses of levodopa given alone.
Dosage Reference
Reference Information Only
Dosages shown are general references from official sources. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized dosing.
Adults:
Levodopa-Benserazide immediate release capsule (IR) for Parkinson's disease
For patients not presently receiving levodopa, in the early stage, elderly patients take (50+12.5) 62.5 mg, 1 to 2 times/day as the initial dose. Gradually increase by Levodopa-Benserazide (50+12.5) 62.5 mg daily, every 3 to 4 days according to response. Adults take (50+12.5) 62.5 mg, 3 to 4 times/day, and the maintenance dose is 1 capsule of Levodopa-Benserazide (100+25) 125 mg, 3 to 6 times/day. In the advanced stage, the dose is (100+25) 125 mg, 3 times/day.
Patients previously on levodopa monotherapy should initiate with 10 to 15% of the usual dose they took before. Patients previously on another levodopa/dopa decarboxylase combination therapy should withdraw that therapy for 12 hours before starting Levodopa-Benserazide (50+12.5) 62.5 mg, 3 or 4 times daily.
Controlled release capsule (CR) for Parkinson's disease with motor fluctuation
Patients not presently receiving levodopa start with 1 capsule of Levodopa-Benserazide (100+25) 125 mg controlled release capsule, 3 times/day. The maximum dose is 6 capsules/day.
Patients previously on a levodopa-Benserazide immediate release preparation should initially replace every 100 mg of levodopa with 1 controlled-release capsule, given at the same dosage frequency as before. Increase every 2 to 3 days according to response.
Patients with renal impairment: No dose reduction of Levodopa-Benserazide is considered necessary in mild or moderate renal insufficiency.
Patients with hepatic impairment: The safety and efficacy of Levodopa-Benserazide have not been established in patients with hepatic impairment.
Side Effects
Levodopa + Benserazide can cause anxiety, decreased appetite, arrhythmia, depression, diarrhea, hallucination, movement disorders, nausea, postural hypotension, sleep disorders, altered taste, vomiting and leucopenia, among others.
Cautions & Contraindications
Warnings & Precautions
Take extra care with Levodopa + Benserazide in people with Cushing's syndrome, diabetes mellitus, other endocrine disorders, hyperthyroidism, osteomalacia or pheochromocytoma. The same applies to anyone with a history of convulsions, a history of peptic ulcer, or a history of myocardial infarction with residual arrhythmia. Psychiatric illness, severe cardiovascular disease and severe pulmonary disease also call for care, as does susceptibility to angle-closure glaucoma.
Contraindications
Levodopa + Benserazide must not be used in patients with a known hypersensitivity to levodopa-benserazide or to any of the excipients. It is also contraindicated in patients taking non-selective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, because of the risk of hypertensive crisis. Selective MAO-B inhibitors such as selegiline and rasagiline, and selective MAO-A inhibitors such as moclobemide, are not contraindicated. The combination should also not be given to patients with decompensated endocrine, renal or hepatic function, cardiac disorders, psychiatric diseases with a psychotic component, or closed angle glaucoma. Levodopa may activate a malignant melanoma, so it should not be used in patients with suspicious, undiagnosed lesions or a history of melanoma. It is not for the management of patients with intention tremor or Huntington's chorea. It is also contraindicated in patients less than 30 years old (skeletal development must be complete).
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Levodopa + Benserazide falls in Pregnancy Category B3. This capsule is contraindicated during pregnancy, and also in women of childbearing potential who are not using adequate contraception. If a woman becomes pregnant while taking this capsule, the medicine must be discontinued. The safe use of this capsule during lactation has not been established.
Use in Children
This capsule is contraindicated in patients less than 30 years old.
⚠️ Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Overdose
Check the patient's vital signs and give supportive treatment according to how the patient is doing clinically. Some patients may need symptomatic treatment for effects on the heart (for example, anti-arrhythmics) or on the central nervous system (for example, respiratory stimulants or neuroleptics). With the controlled release formulation, further absorption should also be prevented using a suitable method.
⚠️ In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Storage
Store Levodopa + Benserazide below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Drug Interactions
Common questions about Aparkin 50 mg+12.5 mg
What is Aparkin 50 mg+12.5 mg Capsule?
Aparkin 50 mg+12.5 mg Capsule is a medicine that contains Levodopa + Benserazide. It is made by Ziska Pharmaceuticals Ltd. It belongs to the Antiparkinson drugs group of medicines.
What is Aparkin used for?
Aparkin is used for: Parkinson's Disease.
What are the side effects of Aparkin?
Levodopa + Benserazide can cause anxiety, decreased appetite, arrhythmia, depression, diarrhea, hallucination, movement disorders, nausea, postural hypotension, sleep disorders, altered taste, vomiting and leucopenia, among others.
Can I take Aparkin during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Levodopa + Benserazide falls in Pregnancy Category B3. This capsule is contraindicated during pregnancy, and also in women of childbearing potential who are not using adequate contraception. Talk to your doctor before taking any medicine during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
What happens if I take too much Aparkin?
Check the patient's vital signs and give supportive treatment according to how the patient is doing clinically. Some patients may need symptomatic treatment for effects on the heart (for example, anti-arrhythmics) or on the central nervous system (for example, respiratory stimulants or neuroleptics). In an emergency call 999 or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
How should I store Aparkin?
Store Levodopa + Benserazide below 30°C, and keep it away from light and moisture. Keep it out of the reach of children.
Can I take other medicines with Aparkin?
Some medicines can interact with Levodopa + Benserazide, for example: Adrenaline, Noradrenaline, Halothane, Levodopa, Dopamine Hydrochloride. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about every medicine you take.
Is there a cheaper medicine with the same ingredient?
Aparkin is already among the lowest-priced brands of Levodopa + Benserazide at this strength.
Do I need a prescription for Aparkin?
Aparkin is a prescription (Rx) medicine. Take it as your doctor advises.