Benspar Cap

Side Effects of Benspar Cap

GI disturbances e.g. nausea, vomiting, anorexia. GI bleeding in peptic ulcer patients. Orthostatic hypotension, cardiac arrhythmias. Psychiatric symptoms (especially the elderly), depression with or without suicidal tendency. Abnormal involuntary movements or dyskinesias, delirium, hallucinations. Slight elevation of liver enzymes, BUN and uric acid. Transient leucopenia and thrombocytopenia.

Drug Interactions

Increased postural hypotension and possible reduced absorption with TCAs. Reduced effects with phenothiazines, butyrophenones, thioxanthenes and other antipsychotic agents; reserpine, papaverine, phenytoin, isoniazid. Reversal of effects of levodopa monotherapy with pyridoxine. Exacerbation of abnormal involuntary movements and possibly delayed absorption with anticholinergics. Additive hypotensive effects with antihypertensive agents. Increased CNS toxicity with methyldopa. Exacerbation of parkinsonian symptoms with metoclopramide. Potentially Fatal: Increased risk of hypertensive crises with nonselective MAOIs. Increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias with cyclopropane or halogenated anaesthetics.

Contraindications

Angle-closure glaucoma; malignant melanoma.

Mechanism of Action

Levodopa increases dopamine levels in the brain leading to the stimulation of dopamine receptors. Absorption: Rapidly absorbed from the GI tract (oral); absorption reduced and delayed by food. Peak plasma concentrations within 2 hr. Distribution: Protein-binding: 10-30%. Penetrates the blood-brain barrier; crosses the placenta; distributed into breast milk. Metabolism: Metabolised in the gut, liver and kidney; decarboxylated by L-aminodecarboxylase to dihydrophenylacetic acid (DOPAC) and homovanillic acid (HVA). Other routes: O-methylation, transamination, oxidation. Excretion: Via urine within 24 hr (80% as metabolites); via faeces (minimal amounts). 30-60 min (elimination half-life).

Special Precautions

Heart disease, liver or renal disease, pulmonary disease, endocrine disorders, seizure disorders, dementia or psychosis; open-angle glaucoma, osteomalacia, history of peptic ulcer. Monitor hepatic, psychiatric, haematological, renal and CV functions periodically. May impair ability to drive or operate machinery. Elderly. Avoid abrupt withdrawal. Pregnancy and lactation.

How to Use

Take orally with food and water, as directed by your physician.

How to Store

Keep in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and moisture.

Safety Concerns

• Alcohol: Avoid during treatment.
• Breastfeeding: Not recommended.
• Pregnancy: Contraindicated.
• Liver/Kidney: Use with caution.

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