Madopar is a combination of two antiparkinsonian agents. The function of Levodopa, which is a dopamine precursor, is enhanced in the brain by Benserazide in the way of preventing the breakdown of Levodopa. It is indicated for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.
Madopar can be taken orally as conventional capsules, conventional tablets, or controlled-release capsules. It also comes with a dispersible formulation which needs to be dispersed in a quarter of a glass of water (around 25-50mL) before drinking.
Be careful that the dosages for patients currently receiving Levodopa therapy and not on Levodopa therapy are different.
Patients currently ON Levodopa therapy:
Capsules / tablets / dispersible tablets:
Levodopa should be discontinued first before initiating therapy. Then, initiate on a total of one less tablet daily than your total number of Levodopa tablets.
For example: you are now taking 4 Levodopa tablets daily, so you should first discontinue them, and initiate 3 tablets of Madopar.
Controlled-release capsules:
It is indicated for the substitution of immediate-release Levodopa/decarboxylase inhibitor, such as Carbidopa, with an equivalent Levodopa dose of Madopar.
For example: you are taking 200 mg Levodopa daily, so you should replace your next and following doses with 2 Madopar capsules at the same frequency.
Patients NOT currently receiving Levodopa therapy:
Capsules / tablets / dispersible tablets:
Initial dose: 100mg/25mg once or twice daily, and can be increased by 100mg/25mg on a weekly basis.
Maintenance dose: 4-8 tablets/capsules daily in divided doses (400mg/100mg – 800mg/200mg)
Controlled-release capsules:
Initial dose: 100mg/25mg three times daily.
Maintenance dose: higher doses of controlled-release capsules may be needed due to its low bioavailability. You may increase the dose gradually, without exceeding 600mg/150mg per day.
Common dosing schedule:
Capsules / tablets / dispersible tablets can be taken with or immediately after a low-protein snack, such as fruit or biscuits, to control gastrointestinal side effects.
Controlled-release capsules should be administered 30 minutes before or 1 hour after a low-protein meal.
Dispersible tablets have to be dispersed in a quarter of a glass of water and drink it within 30 minutes of preparation.
This schedule is for reference only, adjustments may be made according to individual needs.
Some common medications Madopar may interact with:
Please notify your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking the above medication, dosage adjustments might be needed.
In Hong Kong, Madopar is a prescription only medicine, and requires a prescription from a doctor to be purchased in a pharmacy. It can also be obtained from doctors. To find a pharmacy near you, refer to the list of pharmacies (“Authorized Sellers of Poisons”) from the Hong Kong Department of Health.
For more information about drug names and ingredients, you can visit Hong Kong’s Drug Office at https://www.drugoffice.gov.hk
Need more information?
For detailed information about the use of Madopar in children, pregnancy and breastfeeding, and for questions about drug interactions, please check with your pharmacist or doctor.
Disclaimer: our goal is to provide you with the most relevant drug information and common dosage for Hong Kong. This information does not constitute medical advice. For specific treatment recommendations and advice, always discuss with your doctor or pharmacist, and follow the instructions included with your specific medicine.
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