Wondopa 50/200 mg (Benserazide, Levodopa)

Adult dose

As with conventional levodopa therapy, treatment with this medicine should be initiated at the lowest possible dose and increased gradually. Regardless of the stage of the disease, the dosage and administration should be determined individually. To prevent the competitive effect of dietary protein on levodopa and promote a more rapid onset of action, it is recommended, if possible, to take this medicine 30 minutes before a meal or 1 hour after a meal. Gastrointestinal adverse reactions may occur early in treatment; these can be managed by taking this medicine with a low-protein diet or beverage, or by increasing the dose slowly. The following administration schedules may be used as dosage guidelines 1. Initial therapy In patients with early-stage Parkinson's disease, it is preferable to initiate treatment with 1/4 tablet per dose, 3-4 times daily. Patients with more advanced disease should receive twice the above amount. Once tolerability of the initial regimen has been established, the number of daily doses should be increased by 1 at 1-week intervals (e.g., 4 times daily instead of 3 times daily). If the patient can be closely monitored, the dose may also be adjusted at 2-3-day intervals. Optimal effects are generally achieved with a total daily dose of 2-4 tablets of this medicine, divided into 3-4 doses. If a further increase in the daily dose is required, increase it at 1-month intervals. It may take 4-6 weeks to reach the optimal dose. 2. Maintenance therapy The average maintenance dose is 1/2 tablet 4-6 times daily. The number of daily doses (at least 3 times daily) and the intervals between doses should be determined and adjusted according to the patient. 3. Special dosage and administration Antiparkinsonian medicines other than levodopa may be continued until the therapeutic effect of this medicine is fully established; however, after this medicine takes effect, the doses of these medicines can often be gradually reduced. If marked fluctuations in therapeutic effect (on-off phenomenon) occur during treatment, it is recommended to reduce the dose per administration and increase the number of daily doses, or to administer HBS capsules (levodopa/benserazide).

This medication should not be administered to patients with severe endocrine disorders, liver diseases, kidney diseases, heart diseases, or mental disorders. It is also contraindicated in patients under 25 years of age, pregnant women, patients with malignant melanoma, those with closed-angle glaucoma, and individuals allergic to any component of this drug. Patients with liver or kidney diseases, those with open-angle glaucoma, a history of heart disease, osteomalacia, or peptic ulcer history, and diabetic patients should be administered this medication cautiously and require regular examinations. Long-term use of this medication requires regular blood tests and liver/kidney function tests, and symptoms such as loss of appetite, depression, anxiety, and hallucinations may occur. In addition, side effects such as movement disorders, drowsiness, orthostatic hypotension, gastrointestinal disturbances, and skin rashes may occur, requiring caution. It is advisable to discontinue this medication before surgery, as sudden withdrawal may lead to severe symptoms such as neuroleptic malignant syndrome, requiring gradual dose reduction. Patients should be cautious about drowsiness when driving or operating machinery while taking this medication. Moreover, impulse control disorders such as pathological gambling and compulsive buying may arise, necessitating awareness and monitoring by patients and caregivers. This medication may interact with specific drugs; therefore, consultation with healthcare professionals is necessary, particularly when co-administered with non-selective MAO inhibitors, sympathomimetics, antihypertensives, and antipsychotics. Also, taking this medication with high-protein foods may reduce its effectiveness. It is safest for pregnant or breastfeeding women to avoid this medication, and women of childbearing potential should take appropriate contraceptive measures. This medication may affect clinical test results; thus, regular clinical tests are necessary, and overdose may lead to serious cardiovascular, psychiatric, or gastrointestinal symptoms, requiring immediate medical attention. Finally, this medication should be kept out of the reach of children and stored in its original container tightly sealed, avoiding moisture and direct sunlight.

• Hemolytic anemia
• transient leukopenia
• thrombocytopenia
• loss of appetite
• depression
• restlessness
• anxiety
• insomnia
• hallucinations
• delusions

This medication is sensitive to air and moisture, so it should be stored in a sealed container. To maintain its effectiveness, it is best to keep it in a cool place below 25 degrees Celsius.

Appearance

Pink round tablet with cross scoring

Package unit

30 tablets/bottle, 100 tablets/bottle