Duopa

Generic name:carbidopa and levodopa enteral [ KAR-bi-doe-pa-and-LEE-voe-doe-pa ]
Drug class:Dopaminergic antiparkinsonism agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jul 5, 2021.

What is Duopa?

Duopa enteral suspension contains a combination of carbidopa and levodopa. Levodopa is converted to dopamine in the brain. Carbidopa helps prevent the breakdown of levodopa before it can reach the brain and take effect.

Duopa is used to treat movement problems in people with advanced Parkinson's disease. Duopa reduces the "off time" effect associated with taking other medicines to treat Parkinson's symptoms.

Duopa enteral suspension is a gel form of carbidopa and levodopa and is delivered at a constant rate throughout the day into the small intestine using an infusion pump via a surgically implanted tube. This delivery method avoids the stomach and improves the effectiveness of the medicine.

Warnings

Duopa can cause serious side effects. Call your doctor right away if you have stomach pain, vomiting, ongoing constipation, fever, bloody or tarry stools, or problems around the tube through which this medicine is given (redness, warmth, swelling, oozing).

Before taking this medicine

Do not use Duopa if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue injection, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, and others.

To make sure Duopa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• a stomach ulcer or stomach surgery;

• low blood pressure, or fainting spells;

• heart disease, high blood pressure, or a heart attack;

• problems falling asleep suddenly during the day;

• problems with muscle movement;

• depression or mental illness;

• glaucoma; or

• nerve problems that cause numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.

People with Parkinson's disease may have a higher risk of skin cancer (melanoma). Ask your doctor about skin symptoms to watch for.

It is not known if Duopa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Duopa can slow breast milk product...