Drug interactions
Carbidopa-levodopa + Papaverine
Severity: Moderate
Carbidopa-levodopa and Papaverine: moderate 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
Papaverine has been reported to reduce the effect of levodopa, possibly worsening parkinsonian symptoms. The evidence is limited and the mechanism is not firmly established.
What this interaction means in plain words
Carbidopa-levodopa and Papaverine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken.
Carbidopa-levodopa belongs to Central Nervous System; Papaverine belongs to Cardiovascular.
Why it happens
Mechanism not established; papaverine may have dopamine-blocking activity that opposes levodopa.
What to do
Avoid papaverine in patients with Parkinson's disease if an alternative exists. If it is used, monitor motor symptoms and adjust levodopa as needed.
What to ask your pharmacist
- Should I take them at different times of day?
- Does the dose of either medicine need to change?
- Is there anything I should avoid, such as alcohol or certain foods, while on both?
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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 Papaverine
- Givinostat + Papaverine Major
- Bretylium + Papaverine Moderate
- Calcium / magnesium / potassium / sodium oxybates + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa-entacapone-levodopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Carbidopa + Papaverine Moderate
- Iloprost + Papaverine Moderate
Frequently asked questions
Can I take Carbidopa-levodopa with Papaverine?
MediHelp rates the interaction as moderate. Carbidopa-levodopa and Papaverine can affect each other. The combination is often manageable, but it may need a change of dose, a change of timing, or extra checks while both are taken. Papaverine has been reported to reduce the effect of levodopa, possibly worsening parkinsonian symptoms. The evidence is limited and the mechanism is not firmly established.
How serious is the interaction between Carbidopa-levodopa and Papaverine?
MediHelp rates it moderate, on a four-level scale (minor, moderate, major, contraindicated) based on published labels and references. What to do, in brief: Avoid papaverine in patients with Parkinson's disease if an alternative exists. If it is used, monitor motor symptoms and adjust levodopa as needed.
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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