Product Information:

DOPACONE 150+37.5+200mg Tablets is a fixed-dose triple-combination medication for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, containing:

1. Levodopa 150mg: A dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier to replenish depleted dopamine in the brain.
2. Carbidopa 37.5mg: A peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents premature breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, reducing side effects like nausea and allowing more levodopa to reach the brain.
3. Entacapone 200mg: A catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that blocks the metabolism of levodopa in the periphery, prolonging its therapeutic effect and reducing "wearing-off" fluctuations.

This formulation is designed for patients with mid-to-advanced Parkinson’s disease experiencing motor complications on standard levodopa/carbidopa therapy.

Uses of (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Adjunctive treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients with end-of-dose "wearing-off" phenomena
2. Replacement for equivalent doses of levodopa/carbidopa plus entacapone
3. Reduction of daily "off" time and improvement in motor function stability

Key Benefits of (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Extends the duration of levodopa effect by 1–2 hours per dose
2. Reduces total daily "off" time by up to 1–2 hours
3. Maintains motor control without increasing total levodopa exposure
4. Simplifies regimen by combining three agents into one tablet
5. Carbidopa ratio (150:37.5 = 4:1) matches standard formulations for optimal tolerability

How To Use (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

Take exactly as prescribed by your neurologist—typically one tablet per dose, replacing a previous levodopa 150mg + carbidopa 37.5mg dose along with entacapone 200mg.

1. Administer with or without food, but avoid high-protein meals near dosing time (protein may impair levodopa absorption).
2. Do not crush, chew, or split the tablet.
3. Dosing frequency usually ranges from 3 to 6 times daily, based on individual motor response.
4. Do not switch abruptly from other levodopa regimens without medical supervision.

When Not to Use (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

Do not use if you have:

1. Hypersensitivity to levodopa, carbidopa, entacapone, or any excipients
2. Narrow-angle glaucoma
3. History of melanoma or undiagnosed skin lesions (levodopa may stimulate melanoma growth)
4. Concurrent use of non-selective MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine)—discontinue MAOI at least 2 weeks prior
5. Severe hepatic impairment (entacapone is metabolized in the liver)

Side Effects of (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

Common: Dyskinesia (involuntary movements), nausea, diarrhea, urine discoloration (orange/brown), dizziness, headache, dry mouth.

Serious (rare):

1. Worsening parkinsonism or hallucinations (especially in elderly patients)
2. Impulse control disorders (pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive eating)
3. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, weakness, dark urine)
4. Hepatotoxicity (jaundice, abdominal pain—monitor liver enzymes if symptomatic)
5. Orthostatic hypotension, confusion, or sudden sleep episodes
6. Discontinue and seek medical help if severe psychiatric, motor, or hepatic symptoms occur.

Dosage: (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Replaces one dose of levodopa 150mg + carbidopa 37.5mg + entacapone 200mg
2. Typical regimen: 3–6 doses per day, aligned with patient’s motor fluctuation pattern
3. Maximum entacapone: 1,600mg/day (i.e., ≤8 tablets)
4. Adjust only under the guidance of a neurologist

Who It’s For (DOPACONE 150+37.5+200MG TABLETS):

Adults with Parkinson’s disease already stabilized on levodopa/carbidopa who experience motor fluctuations ("wearing-off"). Not for early-stage Parkinson’s or levodopa-naïve patients.

Warnings & Precautions:

1. May cause sudden onset of sleep—avoid driving or operating heavy machinery
2. Monitor for impulse control disorders and psychiatric changes
3. Entacapone may cause chronic diarrhea—discontinue if severe or persistent
4. Urine may turn orange, red, or brown—harmless but may stain fabrics
5. Avoid iron supplements within 2 hours of dosing (reduces levodopa absorption)

Drug Interactions:

1. Non-selective MAO inhibitors: Risk of hypertensive crisis—contraindicated
2. Antipsychotics (e.g., haloperidol, risperidone): May antagonize anti-Parkinson effects
3. Iron salts: Decrease levodopa absorption—administer ≥2 hours apart
4. Dopamine-depleting agents (reserpine, tetrabenazine): Reduce efficacy
5. Always inform your neurologist about all medications and supplements.

Additional Information:

Store below 25°C in a dry place, protected from light and moisture. Keep out of reach of children. Do not use after the expiration date printed on the blister pack. Available by prescription only in Pakistan.