Drug interactions
Carbidopa-levodopa + Chlorpromazine
Severity: Major
Carbidopa-levodopa and Chlorpromazine: major interaction.
Last updated
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Summary
Chlorpromazine is a potent dopamine blocker that can negate levodopa benefit and cause or worsen parkinsonism. Orthostatic hypotension may also be additive.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbidopa-levodopa and Chlorpromazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for.
Carbidopa-levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Chlorpromazine belongs to Central Nervous System.
Why it happens
Pharmacodynamic antagonism: D2 receptor blockade by chlorpromazine opposes levodopa.
What to do
Avoid in Parkinson's disease and use an alternative such as low-dose quetiapine or clozapine. If unavoidable, monitor motor function and blood pressure.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Does the benefit of taking both outweigh the risk in my case?
- Do I need any blood test, ECG or other check while on both?
- What early warning signs should I watch for, and what should I do if they appear?
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Other interactions of Carbidopa-levodopa
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Isocarboxazid Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Phenelzine Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Selegiline transdermal Contraindicated
- Carbidopa-levodopa + Tranylcypromine Contraindicated
- Amisulpride + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
- Asenapine + Carbidopa-levodopa Major
Other interactions of Chlorpromazine
- Chlorpromazine + Dofetilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Dronedarone Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Droperidol Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Ibutilide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Metrizamide Contraindicated
- Chlorpromazine + Panobinostat Contraindicated
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbidopa-levodopa with Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as major. Carbidopa-levodopa and Chlorpromazine can interact in a way that may be serious. Using them together is sometimes necessary, but it needs a deliberate decision by the prescriber, a plan for monitoring, and clear advice on the warning signs to watch for. Chlorpromazine is a potent dopamine blocker that can negate levodopa benefit and cause or worsen parkinsonism. Orthostatic hypotension may also be additive.
How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa-levodopa and Chlorpromazine?
MediHelp rates it major, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid in Parkinson's disease and use an alternative such as low-dose quetiapine or clozapine. If unavoidable, monitor motor function and blood pressure.
What other medicines interact with Carbidopa-levodopa?
MediHelp also lists interactions of Carbidopa-levodopa with, for example, Isocarboxazid, Phenelzine, Selegiline transdermal. The full list is on the Carbidopa-levodopa page.
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