Product Information:

DOPACONE 75+18.75+200mg Tablets is a fixed-dose triple-combination medication for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, containing:

1. Levodopa 75mg: A dopamine precursor that crosses the blood-brain barrier to replenish depleted dopamine in the basal ganglia.
2. Carbidopa 18.75mg: A peripheral decarboxylase inhibitor that prevents premature breakdown of levodopa outside the brain, reducing nausea and increasing central delivery of levodopa.
3. Entacapone 200mg: A catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inhibitor that blocks peripheral metabolism of levodopa, prolonging its plasma half-life and clinical effect.

This formulation maintains the standard 4:1 ratio of levodopa to carbidopa (75:18.75 = 4:1), optimized for efficacy and tolerability, and is suitable for patients requiring intermediate-dose therapy with COMT inhibition.

Uses of (DOPACONE 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

1. Adjunctive treatment in Parkinson’s disease patients experiencing end-of-dose "wearing-off"
2. Patients transitioning from standard levodopa/carbidopa to a COMT-inhibitor-enhanced regimen
3. Those needing more flexible dosing between low (50/12.5) and high (100/25 or 150/37.5) strengths

Key Benefits of (DOPACONE 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

1. Extends each levodopa dose effect by 1–2 hours
2. Reduces daily "off" time while allowing fine-tuned motor control
3. Lower risk of dyskinesia compared to higher levodopa doses
4. Simplifies therapy by combining three agents into one tablet
5. Maintains optimal 4:1 levodopa/carbidopa ratio for consistent response

How To Use (DOPACONE 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

Take exactly as prescribed by your neurologist—typically one tablet per dose, replacing a prior levodopa 75mg + carbidopa 18.75mg dose plus entacapone 200mg.

1. Administer with or without food, but avoid high-protein meals within 1–2 hours of dosing (protein reduces levodopa absorption).
2. Swallow whole—do not crush, chew, or split.
3. Typical dosing frequency: 3 to 6 times daily, based on individual motor fluctuations.
4. Do not switch abruptly from other levodopa regimens without medical supervision.

When Not to Use (DOPACONE 75+18.75+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 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

Common: Dyskinesia (mild to moderate), nausea, diarrhea, urine discoloration (orange/brown), dizziness, headache, dry mouth.

Serious (rare):

1. Hallucinations, confusion, or psychosis (especially in elderly patients)
2. Impulse control disorders (pathological gambling, hypersexuality, compulsive eating)
3. Rhabdomyolysis (muscle pain, weakness, dark urine)
4. Hepatotoxicity (jaundice, right upper quadrant pain)
5. Orthostatic hypotension or sudden sleep episodes
6. Discontinue and seek medical help if severe psychiatric, motor, or hepatic symptoms occur.

Dosage: (DOPACONE 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

1. Replaces one dose of levodopa 75mg + carbidopa 18.75mg + entacapone 200mg
2. Usual regimen: 3–6 doses per day, tailored to symptom 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 75+18.75+200MG TABLETS):

Adults with moderate Parkinson’s disease who require more precise dosing than standard strengths allow. Ideal for patients sensitive to higher levodopa doses or those experiencing early motor complications. Not for levodopa-naïve patients unless initiated under specialist care.

Warnings & Precautions:

1. May cause sudden onset of sleep—avoid driving or operating machinery
2. Monitor for impulse control disorders and psychiatric changes
3. Entacapone may cause chronic 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 (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.