Doses vary from person to person. Always follow the instructions from your doctor or specialist nurse.
Dosage and how to take co-beneldopa
Dosage
Co-beneldopa comes as:
- standard capsules
- slow-release (also known as controlled-release or prolonged-release) capsules
- tablets that dissolve in water (dispersible tablets)
Some people may need to take a combination of these.
Co-beneldopa capsules and tablets come in different strengths. The information on the medicine packet shows the amount of levodopa followed by the amount of benserazide (both in milligrams) in each capsule or tablet.
The standard capsules and the tablets work fairly quickly. You'll usually take these several times a day, depending on your dose.
Slow-release capsules get the medicine into your body gradually. This means you may not have to take them as often.
Changes to your dose
You'll usually start on a low dose of co-beneldopa. Your doctor or specialist nurse will increase your dose gradually until your symptoms are under control.
It's best to take the lowest dose that controls your symptoms. This helps reduce your chance of side effects.
How to take it
Take your co-beneldopa at the same times each day. This is important to help control your symptoms. If you delay taking it, your symptoms could come back.
It's best to avoid taking co-beneldopa at the same time as meals containing a lot of protein (such as meat, eggs, cheese, beans or lentils). For some people, protein can reduce the amount of levodopa your body takes in, meaning that your medicine may not work properly.
Because of this, you should take co-beneldopa at least 30 minutes before a meal or 60 minutes after a meal.
How to take co-beneldopa capsules
Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not break, crush or chew them.
If you find it difficult to swallow the capsules, talk to your pharmacist, doctor or specialist nurse.
How to take co-beneldopa tablets that dissolve
Put the tablets in a small glass of water. The tablets will break up quickly and turn the water white. Stir well and drink the mixture within 30 minutes.
If you do not like the taste, try mixing the tablets with diluted fruit squash instead. However, do not use orange juice or other fruit juices.
How long to take it for
You'll probably take co-beneldopa for a long time. You can keep taking it as long as it's controlling your symptoms and you're not having any serious side effects.
If you forget to take it
If you forget to take your co-beneldopa, leave out the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time.
Never take 2 doses at the same time. Never take an extra dose to make up for a forgotten dose.
If you often forget doses, it may help to set an alarm to remind you. You could also ask a pharmacist for other ways to help you remember to take your medicine.
If you take too much
It's important to get medical advice if you take more than your prescribed dose of co-beneldopa.
Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E now if:
You've taken more than your prescribed dose of co-beneldopa and you have:
- a fast, slow or irregular heartbeat
- black poo, or blood in your vomit – this can be a sign of bleeding in your stomach
Urgent advice: Contact 111 for advice now if:
- you've taken more than your prescribed dose of co-beneldopa, even if you do not have symptoms
Call 111 or get help from 111 online.
If you need to go to A&E, do not drive. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring the co-beneldopa packet or leaflet inside it, any remaining medicine, and any other medicines you take.
Stopping co-beneldopa
Do not stop taking co-beneldopa suddenly.
If you stop taking co-beneldopa suddenly, you may have serious withdrawal symptoms such as stiff muscles, a high temperature and confusion.
If you stop taking co-beneldopa, your symptoms are likely to come back unless you're taking other medicines for Parkinson's disease.
If you need to stop taking co-beneldopa, your doctor or specialist nurse will reduce the dose gradually. This will help prevent withdrawal symptoms.