Description
Indications
Prolopa Dispersible is a prescription medication primarily used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement and coordination.
Prolopa contains a combination of levodopa and benserazide. It is Levodopa is converted into dopamine in the brain, which helps alleviate the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Benserazide is included in the medication to prevent the breakdown of levodopa in the bloodstream before it reaches the brain, allowing for more effective treatment.
Use and Dosage
Prolopa Dispersible comes in the form of Orally Disintegrating Tablet to dissolve it on mouth an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. Place the tablet in a glass of water and allow it to dissolve completely. Stir the mixture if necessary. Once the tablet has fully dissolved, drink the mixture immediately. Do not store the mixture for later use. However, if you experience nausea or stomach upset when taking it on an empty stomach, your healthcare professional may recommend taking it with a light snack.
Abruptly stopping Prolopa Dispersible can lead to a sudden worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms and may result in withdrawal symptoms. Follow your healthcare professional’s guidance regarding the discontinuation of Prolopa Dispersible and to gradually reduce the dose if needed.
Take the tablet exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible and continue with your regular schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects
- Dark sweat or urine
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when rising from lying or sitting position
- Increase in sexual ability or desire
- Increased sweating
- Nausea
- Nightmares
- Stained saliva or mouth, teeth, and gums
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects
- Absence of or decrease in body movement
- Agitation
- Anxiety
- Changes in sleep
- Changes in weight
- Clenching, gnashing, or grinding teeth
- Compulsive behavior (e.g., gambling, spending)
- Confusion
- Decreased interest in activities
- Delusions
- Fainting
- False or unusual sense of well-being
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat
- Fearfulness
- Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that are not there)
- Impaired ability to think
- Inability to move the eyes
- Increased blinking or spasms
- Increased blinking or twitching of eyelids
- Increased hand tremor
- Muscle twitching
- Nervousness
- Poor concentration
- Restlessness
- Shakiness and unsteady walk, clumsiness, trembling problems with muscle control or coordination
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
- Sudden freezing, hypotonia (decreased muscle tone), and postural instability
- Sudden onset of sleep
- Suspiciousness
- Taking more medication than ordered
- Thoughts of suicide
- Tightness of the mouth, lips, or tongue
- Twisting of the neck to one side (torticollis)
- Twitching
- Twisting
- Uncontrolled repetitive movements of tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs
Cautions
- Parkinson’s Disease: Prolopa Dispersible is primarily used for the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. It should be used with caution in individuals with this condition, and the dosage may need to be adjusted based on their specific needs.
- Hypersensitivity: Some individuals may be hypersensitive or allergic to the active ingredients in the tablet. If you have a known hypersensitivity to these substances or any other components of the medication, avoid its use.
- Psychiatric Disorders: the tablet may exacerbate certain psychiatric disorders, such as psychosis or mania. If you have a history of these conditions or are currently experiencing psychiatric symptoms, discuss this with your healthcare professional before starting Prolopa.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Prolopa may have effects on blood pressure and heart rate. Individuals with a history of cardiovascular disease, including hypertension or arrhythmias, should be closely monitored while taking the tablet.
- Gastric Ulcers: Prolopa Dispersible may increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding in individuals with a history of gastric ulcers or gastrointestinal bleeding. Close monitoring and appropriate management are necessary in such cases.
- Liver or Kidney Disease: Prolopa is metabolized in the liver and excreted through the kidneys. Individuals with liver or kidney disease may require dosage adjustments or extra monitoring while taking the tablet.
- Interactions with Other Medications: Prolopa may interact with other medications, including certain antidepressants, antipsychotics, and MAO inhibitors. Inform your healthcare professional about all the medications you are currently taking to avoid potential interactions.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Prolopa during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established. Discuss the potential risks and benefits with a healthcare professional if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
- Glaucoma: Prolopa Dispersible may increase intraocular pressure, which can be problematic for individuals with glaucoma. Regular eye examinations and monitoring of intraocular pressure may be necessary for individuals with this condition.
- Melanoma: Some studies suggest that levodopa, one of the active ingredients in Prolopa Dispersible, may be associated with an increased risk of melanoma, a type of skin cancer. Regular skin examinations and monitoring are recommended for individuals taking the tablet.
- Impulse Control Disorders: Prolopa Dispersible has been associated with the development of impulse control disorders, such as compulsive gambling, excessive shopping, or hypersexuality. Individuals should be monitored for any changes in behavior or the development of such disorders.
- Cardiovascular Risk: Prolopa may increase the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attack or stroke, particularly in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions or risk factors. Close monitoring and appropriate management of cardiovascular health are important for individuals taking this medication.
- Orthostatic Hypotension: Prolopa may cause a drop in blood pressure upon standing, leading to dizziness or fainting. Individuals should be cautious when changing positions and may require adjustments in their medication or lifestyle to manage this side effect.
- Sleep Disorders: Prolopa can affect sleep patterns and may cause or worsen sleep disorders, such as insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness. Monitoring and management of sleep disturbances may be necessary for individuals taking the tablet.
- Withdrawal Symptoms: Abrupt discontinuation of Prolopa may lead to withdrawal symptoms, including worsening of Parkinson’s symptoms, muscle stiffness, and other neurological effects. Follow the guidance of a healthcare professional when adjusting or stopping the medication.