Compare carbidopa vs. carbidopa / levodopa / entacapone

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

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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.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$8740.22
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Lowest price
$79.97
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Reviews
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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)