Compare carbidopa vs. carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

ADVERTISEMENT
Treats Parkinson's disease when given with levodopa.

Lodosyn (carbidopa) enhances the effect of levodopa. It cannot relieve symptoms of Parkinson's disease when taken by itself.

Treats Parkinson's disease.

Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) is a good choice for Parkinson's disease, especially when carbidopa/levodopa starts losing its effect.

Upsides
  • Extra doses of Lodosyn (carbidopa) allows you to get more out of levodopa, especially in later stages of the disease.
  • It is available in a combination pill with levodopa once you find the right dose that works for you.
  • It combines three medicines into one pill so you don't have to take so many pills daily.
  • Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) is available as a generic.
Downsides
  • Your doctor may need to change the dose of Lodosyn (carbidopa) frequently before finding the right dose.
  • You would first start by taking Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone) as two different pills, carbidopa/levodopa and entacapone, before you get switched over to Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone).
  • It's less customizable since there are only a few fixed combinations available.
ADVERTISEMENT
Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$8473.96
Find instant savings near you
Lowest price
$69.48
Find instant savings near you
Want to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Not enough review data.Leave a review
Side effects
The Lodosyn (carbidopa) FDA package insert doesn’t have numbers about how common side effects are.
20possible side effects
  • Difficulty controlling movements
    25%
  • Muscle spasm
    10%
  • Changes in urine color
    10%
  • Discolored urine
    10%
  • Muscle rigidity
    9%
  • Dizziness
    8%
  • Abdominal pain
    8%
  • Fatigue
    6%
  • Constipation
    6%
  • Back pain
    5%
  • Vomiting
    4%
  • Dry mouth
    3%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Bruising
    3%
  • Increased sweating
    2%
  • Anxiety
    2%
  • Sleepiness
    2%
  • Indigestion
    2%
  • Flatulence
    2%
  • Weakness
    2%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Take with levodopa
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Difficulty controlling movements
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle damage
  • Changes in blood pressure and falls
  • Stomach bleeding
    • History of stomach ulcers
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Lodosyn (carbidopa)
Learn more about Stalevo (carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone)