Parkinsonism
Adult: Initially, 125 mg bid; increase gradually every 3-7 days according to response. Max dose: 8 g daily in divided doses.
Oral
Parkinsonism in conjunction with carbidopa
Adult: Patients not previously on levodopa therapy: Initially, 25 mg carbidopa with 100 mg levodopa tid; gradually increase in increments of 12.5 mg carbidopa with 50 mg levodopa or 25 mg carbidopa with 100 mg levodopa every day or on alternate days. Maintenance dose: 75-200 mg carbidopa with 750 mg to 2 g levodopa daily in divided doses. Max carbidopa dose: 200 mg daily. Patients previously on levodopa monotherapy: 20-25% of the dose previously taken 3 or 4 times daily. Patient previously on other levodopa/dopa-decarboxylase combination therapy: Initial dose should provide the same daily levodopa dose.
Oral
Parkinsonism in conjunction with benserazide
Adult: Patients not previously on levodopa therapy: Initially, 50 mg 3 or 4 times daily; gradually increase in increments of 100 mg once or twice wkly. Increase initial dose to 100 mg tid for advanced disease stages. Maintenance dose: 400-800 mg daily in divided doses; most require <600 mg daily. Patients previously on levodopa monotherapy: 10-15% of the usual dose previously taken. Patient previously on other levodopa/dopa-decarboxylase combination therapy: Initially, 50 mg 3 or 4 times daily.
Elderly: Initially, 50 mg once or bid, then increase by 50 mg every 3rd or 4th day.
Elderly: Initially, 50 mg once or bid, then increase by 50 mg every 3rd or 4th day.