Product Information:

DOPACONE 50+12.5+200mg Tablets is a fixed-dose triple-combination medication for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, containing:

1. Levodopa 50mg: A dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier to replenish depleted dopamine in the brain.
2. Carbidopa 12.5mg: A peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents premature breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, reducing nausea and allowing more levodopa to reach the central nervous system.
3. Entacapone 200mg: A catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that blocks the peripheral metabolism of levodopa, prolonging its plasma half-life and clinical effect.

This formulation is designed for patients with early to moderate Parkinson’s disease or those requiring lower-dose levodopa therapy due to sensitivity, age, or milder motor symptoms.

Uses of (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Adjunctive treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing early "wearing-off" phenomena
2. Patients transitioning to COMT inhibitor therapy from standard levodopa/carbidopa
3. Those requiring fine-tuned dosing due to dyskinesia or intolerance to higher levodopa doses

Key Benefits of (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Extends the duration of each levodopa dose by 1–2 hours
2. Reduces daily "off" time while minimizing dyskinesia risk (due to lower levodopa content)
3. Maintains consistent motor control with flexible dosing
4. Simplifies regimen by combining three agents into one tablet
5. Carbidopa-to-levodopa ratio (1:4) matches standard optimized formulations

How To Use (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

Take exactly as prescribed by your neurologist—typically one tablet per dose, replacing a prior levodopa 50mg + carbidopa 12.5mg dose along with entacapone 200mg.

1. Administer with or without food, but avoid high-protein meals within 1–2 hours of dosing (protein interferes with levodopa absorption).
2. Swallow whole—do not crush, chew, or split.
3. Typical dosing frequency: 3 to 6 times daily, based on symptom pattern.
4. Do not substitute 1:1 with other levodopa formulations without medical supervision.

When Not to Use (DOPACONE 50+12.5+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
4. Concurrent use of non-selective MAO inhibitors (e.g., phenelzine)—discontinue MAOI at least 2 weeks prior
5. Severe hepatic impairment (entacapone is metabolized in the liver)

Side Effects of (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

Common: Dyskinesia (usually mild at this dose), nausea, diarrhea, urine discoloration (orange/brown), dizziness, headache.

Serious (rare):

1. Hallucinations or confusion (especially in elderly)
2. Impulse control disorders (gambling, hypersexuality)
3. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, dark urine)
4. Hepatotoxicity (jaundice, abdominal pain)
5. Orthostatic hypotension or sudden sleep episodes
6. Seek medical help if severe psychiatric, motor, or hepatic symptoms occur.

Dosage: (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

1. Replaces one dose of levodopa 50mg + carbidopa 12.5mg + entacapone 200mg
2. Usual regimen: 3–6 doses per day, adjusted to individual response
3. Maximum entacapone: 1,600mg/day (≤8 tablets)
4. Titrate under neurologist guidance

Who It’s For (DOPACONE 50+12.5+200MG TABLETS):

Adults with early or moderate Parkinson’s disease requiring COMT inhibition with lower levodopa exposure. Ideal for elderly patients or those prone to dyskinesia. Not for levodopa-naïve patients unless initiated under specialist care.

Warnings & Precautions:

1. May cause sudden sleep onset—avoid driving or operating machinery
2. Monitor for impulse control disorders and psychiatric symptoms
3. Entacapone may cause diarrhea—discontinue if severe
4. Urine may turn orange, red, or brown—harmless but may stain clothing
5. Avoid iron supplements within 2 hours of dosing

Drug Interactions:

1. Non-selective MAO inhibitors: Contraindicated (risk of hypertensive crisis)
2. Antipsychotics: May reverse anti-Parkinson effects
3. Iron salts: Reduce levodopa absorption—administer ≥2 hours apart
4. Always inform your neurologist about all medications.

Additional Information:

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