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A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Stalevo is a prescription medication that contains a combination of three active ingredients: levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone. It is primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease, a progressive neurological disorder characterized by a deficiency of dopamine in the brain. Stalevo medication helps to increase the levels of dopamine in the brain, which helps to alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson's disease.
Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, supplementing the deficient levels. Carbidopa is included in Stalevo to enhance the effectiveness of levodopa by preventing its breakdown in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain. Entacapone helps to prolong the effect of levodopa by blocking an enzyme that breaks down dopamine.
Fact Table | |
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Formula | Carbidopa: C10H14N2O4, Levodopa: C9H11NO4, Entacapone: C14H15N3O5 |
License | FDA-approved |
Bioavailability | Levodopa: 30-100%, Entacapone: 35% |
Legal status | Prescription drug |
Chemical Name | Carbidopa / Levodopa / Entacapone |
Elimination half-life | Carbidopa: 1-2 hrs, Levodopa: 1-2 hrs, Entacapone: 0.4-0.7 hrs |
Dosage (Strength) | 12.5mg / 50mg / 200mg, 25mg / 100mg / 200mg, 31.25mg / 125mg / 200mg, 50mg / 200mg / 200mg, 18.75mg/75mg/200mg, 37.5mg/150mg/200mg |
Pregnancy | Consult healthcare provider |
Brands | Stalevo |
Protein binding | Carbidopa: Very low, Levodopa: ~10-30%, Entacapone: 98% |
PubChem CID | Carbidopa: 34359, Levodopa: 6047, Entacapone: 5281081 |
MedlinePlus | a601068 |
ChEBI | Carbidopa: 28689, Levodopa: 15765, Entacapone: 47955 |
ATC code | Carbidopa: N04BA02, Levodopa: N04BA01, Entacapone: N04BX02 |
DrugBank | Carbidopa: DB00190, Levodopa: DB01235, Entacapone: DB03608 |
KEGG | Carbidopa: D00558, Levodopa: D00359, Entacapone: D00781 |
Routes of administration | Oral |
Follow your doctor's instructions and take this medication as directed, typically 3 to 4 times a day. Swallow one tablet per dose without crushing, chewing, or splitting it. This prevents incorrect dosing and mouth staining.
To help reduce nausea, it is recommended to take Stalevo with food.
Avoid a high-protein, high-fat, high-calorie diet unless instructed otherwise by your doctor.
Stalevo dosage is determined based on your specific medical condition and how you respond to the treatment.
Take the medication regularly at the same times each day to maximize its benefits.
Some patients may experience symptom worsening before the next dose or sudden short periods of stiffness. If you experience any of these effects, it is important to contact your doctor.
Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor, as it may worsen your condition.
Carbidopa, Levodopa, and Entacapone are the active ingredients in Stalevo.
Before you plan to buy Stalevo online, disclose your medical history and all your allergies to your doctor.
This medication may cause dizziness or drowsiness. The consumption of alcohol or cannabis can intensify these effects. Avoid driving, operating machinery, or participating in activities that demand alertness until you can ensure that you can do them safely.
During pregnancy, use this medication only when necessary and after discussing the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Levodopa can pass into breast milk in small amounts. It is unknown whether carbidopa or entacapone passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding. Top of Form
This medication could have negative drug interactions with chlorpromazine, haloperidol, thioridazine, methyldopa, isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, tranylcypromine, cetirizine, diphenhydramine, alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem, codeine, hydrocodone carisoprodol, cyclobenzaprine. Inform your doctor all the products you use, including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products, before starting your treatment.
Common side effects of Stalevo may include:
It is crucial to consult with your doctor if you experience any side effects while taking Stalevo, as they can provide guidance and adjust your medication if necessary. Additionally, there may be other side effects not listed here, so it is important to discuss any concerns with your doctor before you buy Stalevo.
Can Stalevo be crushed?
Stalevo tablets should not be crushed, chewed, or broken. They are designed to be swallowed whole. Crushing or breaking the tablets may alter the way the medication is released and absorbed in the body, which can affect its effectiveness.
How does Stalevo work in Parkinson's?
Stalevo is a medication used in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. It contains a combination of three active ingredients: levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone. Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, which helps to replenish the depleted levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is deficient in Parkinson's disease. Carbidopa helps to enhance the effects of levodopa by preventing its breakdown in the body before it reaches the brain. Entacapone prolongs the effect of levodopa by blocking an enzyme that breaks it down. Together, these three components work synergistically to improve motor symptoms and alleviate the effects of Parkinson's disease.
What are the side effects of Stalevo for Parkinson's disease?
Common side effects of Stalevo for Parkinson's include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, headache, dry mouth, constipation, and changes in urine color. Other possible side effects include confusion, hallucinations, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, and changes in mood or behavior.
What is the difference between Sinemet and Stalevo?
Sinemet and Stalevo are both medications used to treat Parkinson's disease. They have different active ingredients. Sinemet contains levodopa and carbidopa, while Stalevo contains levodopa, carbidopa, and entacapone. The additional ingredient in Stalevo, entacapone, helps prolong the effect of levodopa in the brain.
Should Stalevo be taken before or after food?
To ensure the optimal effectiveness of Stalevo, it is recommended to take it either 45 minutes before or one hour after a high-protein meal. Taking Stalevo after the meal is preferable as protein consumption can potentially interfere with its function.