What is LEVODOPA used for?

LEVODOPA (brand name Inbrija) is a Parkinson's Agent indicated for See full prescribing information.

What are the most common side effects of LEVODOPA?

Reported side effects vary by individual. The side-effects section on this page lists the events most frequently reported to FDA FAERS for LEVODOPA. FAERS is voluntary reporting, so it reflects what was reported, not absolute incidence.

Is LEVODOPA the same as Inbrija?

Inbrija is a brand name for LEVODOPA. They share the same active ingredient and FDA-approved indications. Biosimilars and authorised generics may differ in inactive ingredients such as buffers or preservatives.

LEVODOPA

Q: How does LEVODOPA work?

LEVODOPA works through the following mechanism: 12.1 Mechanism of Action Levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa relieves symptoms of Parkinson's disease..

Parkinson's Agent

Brand names: Inbrija, Sinemet

Respiratory (inhalation)

Mechanism of Action

12.1 Mechanism of Action Levodopa, the metabolic precursor of dopamine, crosses the blood-brain barrier and presumably is converted to dopamine in the brain. This is thought to be the mechanism whereby levodopa relieves symptoms of Parkinson's disease.

Indications

See full prescribing information

Contraindications

• 4 CONTRAINDICATIONS INBRIJA is contraindicated in patients currently taking a nonselective monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor (e.g.
• 7.1 )

FDA Warnings

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS May cause falling asleep during activities of daily living ( 5
1 ) Avoid sudden discontinuation or rapid dose reduction to reduce the risk of withdrawal-emergent hyperpyrexia and confusion ( 5
Although many of these patients reported somnolence, some reported no warning signs (sleep attack) and believed that they were alert immediately prior to the event
Before initiating treatment with INBRIJA, advise patients about the potential to develop drowsiness and ask about factors that may increase the risk for somnolence with INBRIJA such as the concomitant use of sedating medications and the presence of sleep disorders

Known Side Effects

9 documented side effects by frequency

Drowsiness

0.1-1%

Weakness

0.1-1%

Drug Not Working

>10%

Falls

>10%

Tremor

1-10%

Dizziness

1-10%

Nausea

1-10%

Cough

1-10%

Fatigue

0.1-1%

Community Discussions

No community discussions found for LEVODOPA yet.

Primary sources

Every figure on this page links back to its primary source. See data sources for full provenance.

DailyMed FDA label search → LEVODOPA openFDA label JSON → LEVODOPA FAERS adverse-event reports → LEVODOPA ClinicalTrials.gov → completed Phase 2+ trials of LEVODOPA

Compare With

11 available comparisons

Formulations

Dosage Forms

Tablet

Route

Respiratory (inhalation)